What is shoulder bursitis?

Bursitis in the shoulders is caused by swelling of the bursa. Bursae (bur-SEE) are possibly fluid-filled bags part of the skeletal system. They cushion the space between bones and connective tissue, allowing tendons, muscles, and bones to move in harmony.

There are subacromial bursae in the shoulder, a cushion of space between rotator cuff tendons, and the acromion, the highest point on your shoulder blade or scapula. Bursae allow tendons and bones to slide over each other with minimal friction whenever you move your arms.

Fluid may accumulate in bursae because of trauma or repetitive use, causing inflammation and potentially bursitis. This inflammation may cause painful swelling that develops gradually or suddenly. Healthcare professionals may refer to bursitis affecting the shoulder using subacromial bursitis or rotator cuff tendinitis.

Which are the types of shoulder bursitis?

There are the following types of shoulder bursitis.

• Chronic: Repeated injuries or repeated acute bursitis may cause chronic shoulder bursitis. It is the most common type of shoulder bursitis. You might have symptom-free periods and then flare up with the return of symptoms that last several months. Over time, chronic inflammation will lead to arm and shoulder weakness. A lot of people get accustomed to this pain (term accommodation). This can lead to other regional pain, such as shoulder, neck, or elbow pain.
• Sudden: This type often develops without warning due to an injury or accident. You feel pain when you touch or move your shoulder.
• Septic (infectious): Very rarely, a bacterial infection may develop from staph. Here, the shoulder may appear red or purple and be warm. You might feel feverish and ill, experience significant shoulder pain, and perhaps other painful areas in the body.

What causes shoulder bursitis?

Bursitis can be any joint, and most commonly, it is around the shoulder. The most common cause for shoulder bursitis is overuse or repetitive movement.

With any overhead activity, friction between bones and tissues increases. Ongoing friction builds fluid inside bursa sacs, leading to inflammation and irritation of the bursae. You have bursitis.

What are the risk factors for shoulder bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis can affect anyone. Certain jobs and sports, however, put people at greater risk for this condition. These include those who repeatedly raise arms or move their shoulders, such as painters, carpenters, and builders, as well as those who play football, softball, or lacrosse.

You may be at greater risk for shoulder bursitis if you have any of the following:

• Arthritis or gout.
• Diabetes.
• Kidney disease or uremia (buildup of waste in the blood).
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Thyroid disease.

What are the symptoms of shoulder bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis pain may begin abruptly or slowly. You can feel a dull ache, sharp pain, or tenderness.

Additional signs of shoulder bursitis may include the following:

• Having stiffness or swelling of your shoulder
• Pain with movement
• Night pain, particularly when you are lying on your side on your affected side
• Sharp or catching pain with movements of your shoulder overhead

What other conditions cause shoulder pain?

Almost all people with shoulder bursitis also experience shoulder tendinitis, which is rupture of the rotator cuff tendons. The two conditions together lead to shoulder pain and inflammation and stiffness.

Additional conditions leading to disorders of shoulder mobility with associated shoulder pain include:

• Bone spurs or calcific tendinitis.
• Dislocated shoulder.
• Frozen shoulder.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Rotator cuff tears.
• Shoulder impingement syndrome.

How is shoulder bursitis diagnosed?

Your doctor will conduct a physical examination to check for signs and symptoms of shoulder pain and limited movement. You will also be recommended to undergo the following tests:

• X-rays: These detect bursitis caused by arthritis, bone spurs, or other shoulder problems.
• MRI or ultrasound: These tests are used to diagnose inflammation in the bursae.
• Joint aspiration: In this procedure, fluid in the bursa may be drained and tested for infections or gout.

What is the best home remedy for bursitis?

Some treatments may help ease the symptoms of bursitis. Here's how to treat shoulder bursitis at home:

• Avoid activities that agitate the shoulder until it heals a little.
• Apply ice packs to help decrease inflammation.
• Pain relievers and NSAIDs to alleviate pain and swelling.

What are nonsurgical treatments for shoulder bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis treatments aim to reduce inflammatory impact and relieve suffering and symptoms. Most patients receive enough relief through the nonsurgical treatment of shoulder bursitis:

• Steroid injections into the bursa to make the pain and inflammation subside for a few months.
• Oral corticosteroids like Kenalog or Celestone for marked pain and redness.
• Exercises in physical therapy that will improve the strength of your weak muscles and broaden your scope of motion.
• If bacteria bring about the infection, that will be treated with antibiotics.

What are the surgical options for shoulder bursitis?

Surgery may be advised if symptoms are getting worse or do not improve with nonsurgical treatments. This surgery can be arthroscopic, meaning that small incisions and a tiny camera called an arthroscope are used.

Your provider may remove:

• Tissues that are damaged, pressing on, and irritating the bursae.
• Bursae that are inflamed to make space for the tendons and bones to move.

How can I prevent shoulder bursitis?

These may reduce your risk of shoulder bursitis:

• Do regular shoulder stretching and strengthening.
• Always warm up your shoulder before you undertake any activity.
• Take breaks if you have repetitive activities.
• Wear a shoulder brace, especially when performing activities that involve stress on the shoulder.

What are the complications of shoulder bursitis?

Chronic shoulder bursitis and recurrent flare-ups may cause damage to the bursae. Eventually, this may impact on mobility in the shoulder.

The same bacteria can infect organs and other bodily parts, causing infectious (septic) shoulder bursitis. Sepsis can be fatal in extreme situations.

What is the prognosis for those who have shoulder bursitis?

Without surgery, shoulder bursitis patients often get symptom improvement. However, long-term shoulder bursitis frequently reappears. It's critical to give your body enough time to recuperate. Surgery may be required for certain patients with significant shoulder discomfort.

Living With

When should I consult a physician for bursitis in my shoulders?

Make an appointment with your physician if you have:

• Doing daily tasks is hampered by shoulder or arm pain or restricted range of motion.
• Pain that does not improve with home care measures.
• Shoulder or arm weakness.
• Infection signs, such as fever and chills.
• Isolated redness or swelling in the shoulder.

To seek an expert consultation for any orthopedic condition.

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