Shoulder Bursitis

Shoulder bursitis occurs when one of the bursae (tiny, fluid-filled sacs) in the shoulder becomes inflamed. Bursae serve as cushioning between the soft tissues, such as tendons, muscles, and bones, reducing friction and enabling smooth shoulder joint movement. Swelling, pain, and limited mobility may result from irritated bursae.

The subacromial bursa, located underneath the acromion (skeletal projection over the shoulder), is mostly affected by shoulder bursitis. Subacromial bursitis, which is the inflammation of this bursa, is often linked to disorders such as impingement syndrome or rotator cuff tendinitis.

Symptoms

• Pain: Shoulder pain is the primary symptom of shoulder bursitis and is usually felt during lifting, overhead movements, or specific activities.
• Swelling: Visible swelling may result from inflammation around the shoulder.
• Restricted range of motion: Shoulder pain may restrict free movement.
• Tenderness: When touched, the shoulder could feel tender, particularly near the injured bursa.

Causes

• Overuse at work: People with jobs like carpentry, painting, or construction that involve repetitive shoulder movements or frequent overhead lifting are more susceptible to shoulder bursitis. This can cause microtrauma, which eventually irritates the bursa.
• Injuries from impact: Inflammation can result from a direct hit to the shoulder that damages the bursa, like landing on an outstretched arm or colliding during contact sports.
• Degenerative changes: The cartilage cushioning the shoulder joint may deteriorate with time, and the muscles and tendons may become weaker. These changes increase friction and cause inflammation in the bursa.
• Slouched posture: Hunching the shoulders forward when sitting or standing can misalign the shoulder joint and increase friction on the bursa.

Risk Factors

Although shoulder bursitis can affect anyone, individuals who regularly perform repeated shoulder motions are more susceptible. High-risk groups include:

• Athletes, particularly those involved in football, softball, or lacrosse.
• Carpenters, painters, and builders.

Additional conditions that raise the possibility of shoulder bursitis are:

• Diabetes
• Arthritis or gout
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Kidney disease or uremia (accumulation of waste in the bloodstream)
• Thyroid disease

Diagnosis

At The Joint Pain Clinic, we often diagnose shoulder bursitis through a physical exam. Subacromial bursitis, which affects the large bursa at the shoulder tip, typically presents with a diminished active range of motion, including limited internal rotation, elevation, and abduction.

A bursa infection can cause fatigue, fever, and severe illness. You should thus visit a doctor right away if you develop these symptoms.

If calcium accumulation in the tendon is the cause of the bursitis, X-rays may reveal calcifications. Soft tissue scans like MRIs and ultrasounds can rule out tendon tears and confirm diagnoses.

Treatment Options

Reducing activities causing inflammation is the initial step in addressing chronic shoulder bursitis. Anti-inflammatory drugs and frequent ice application can help reduce inflammation, which can last for several weeks.

To reduce the swelling, our shoulder specialist might administer corticosteroids in and around the bursa. Although it could only last a short while for some people, this can offer some short-term comfort.

A rehabilitation therapy plan will include mild exercises to increase the shoulder blade’s range of motion and movement when the discomfort has subsided. Strengthening exercises and a steady return to activities will also be part of this.

Shoulder Bursitis Prevention and Proactive Management

Our experts at The Joint Pain Clinic recommend these strategies for effective management of shoulder bursitis at home:

• Putting a temporary stop to activities that stress the shoulder.
• Applying ice packs to lessen inflammation.
• Taking pain relievers like NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

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