Shoulder bursitis occurs when the bursa becomes inflamed, which sometimes causes unbearable pain. This small fluid-filled sac located between tendons and bones mainly inflames because of repetitive overhead motions, such as those used in throwing or swimming. Symptoms of shoulder bursitis include pain, swelling, tenderness, and limited range of motion in the affected area.

But, if you have these symptoms, you do not need to worry because they can be treated. And treatment may involve rest, physical therapy, medication, and/or injections to reduce inflammation and pain. 

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove an inflamed bursa. With proper treatment, shoulder bursitis can be managed successfully.

In this blog post, we will look at this in detail. Additionally, in this blog post, you will learn what is the fastest way to heal bursitis in the shoulder.

What is Bursitis in the Shoulder?

As mentioned, shoulder bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac located near the shoulder joint. Bursitis may occur at any time but is most often seen in older adults. However, the most concerning question is, can bursitis kill you?

So, the answer to the question depends on how bad it is and for how long you ignore it by confusing it with normal shoulder pain. 

To make a clear distinction between bursitis and normal shoulder pain, you should be aware of its signs and symptoms. The signs and symptoms may look like normal strain or normal joint pain near the shoulder. But if it gets severe with some additional symptoms, then it can be bursitis in the shoulders.

Symptoms and Signs of Bursitis

There are many other symptoms of joint bursitis apart from pain and discomfort. Following are some main bursitis in the shoulder symptoms.

1. Pain in the shoulder joint 

Since bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion joints. When these bursae become inflamed they cause pain in the shoulder joints. Additionally, the pain is usually sharp and pinning in nature.

2. Swelling 

When bursitis causes inflammation, the area becomes swollen. The affected area may feel warm and tender.

3. Difficulty moving the arm 

A limited range of motion means the person cannot move his/her arm in certain directions. If the bursa is severely damaged, movement of the arm may be painful or difficult.

Therefore, bursitis of the shoulder is often marked by pain and stiffness in the shoulder area. It is possible for the pain to radiate down the arm in some cases. The shoulder may be difficult to move, and there may be swelling and tenderness around the affected joint. If the bursa becomes infected, there may be redness and warmth in the affected area.

As you can understand, the symptoms can be very painful, and that’s why you should be aware of the causes which result in shoulder bursitis.

Causes of Bursitis in the Shoulder

There are many potential causes of bursitis of the shoulder. The most common cause is repetitive motion, such as in the case of athletes who regularly participate in overhead activities. 

Other potential causes include direct trauma to the area, infection, and arthritis. In some cases, the exact cause of bursitis may not be clear. 

Even though there can be a number of causes for bursitis, there are treatments available. The treatment can cure the pain and treat the condition permanently. 

What is the Best Treatment for Bursitis in the Shoulder?

There are two main ways through which you can treat this health issue. Non-surgical and surgical, both may be effective in respective conditions. 

People who are afraid of going through any surgery should first try nonsurgical treatments. If things do not improve, then move to surgical treatment. 

But if the condition is worse and the pain is very severe, then the surgical option may only be the best solution for the patient. Here are some details on how these two kinds of treatment work.

Non-surgical treatment for bursitis in the shoulder

There are a number of non-surgical treatments available for bursitis in the shoulder. These include:

– Rest: This is one of the most important treatments for health conditions like bursitis. This is because it is essential to rest the shoulder as much as possible to allow the inflammation to settle.

– Ice: Ice is effective in reducing pain and inflammation when applied to the affected area. This also reduces pain by inhibiting the blood to that particular affected area. 

– Heat: Applying heat to the affected area can also help to reduce pain and inflammation. However, unlike ice therapy, it increases the blood flow which results in faster healing. 

– Compression: Wearing a compression bandage can help to support the shoulder and reduce inflammation.

– Elevation: Keeping the affected shoulder elevated can also help to reduce inflammation.

– Pain relief Medicines: Over-the-counter pain relief medications can help to reduce the pain associated with bursitis. In severe cases, your doctor may also prescribe stronger drugs to relieve the pain.

– Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder. As a result, it can help to prevent bursitis from recurring. Certain shoulder bursitis exercises can treat and reduce the pain significantly. 

Non-surgical treatment for bursitis in the shoulder is widely known to be effective in treating this condition. However, sometimes they may not be sufficient enough. Thus, in this case, you should consider going for surgery.  

Surgical treatment for bursitis in the shoulder

Only in some rare cases, you might have to use surgery to get rid of shoulder bursitis. The doctor will recommend surgery if your pain is not going away with the help of medicines and normal treatment measures. 

In the surgery procedure, the surgeon will try to remove the inflamed bursa and any other damaged tissue. They will also try to repair any underlying damage to the shoulder joint.

Moreover, this surgery is generally performed using small incisions and an arthroscope (tiny camera). Moreover, surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, and most people can return to their normal activities within a few weeks. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, a sac of fluid that lies just below the skin on the back of the shoulder. The bursa can become inflamed from any number of factors, including overuse, trauma, or infection. 

In most cases, the bursa can be treated by non-surgical natural methods. But in some cases, surgery may be necessary. 

Shoulder bursitis may be a disturbing health condition. And to avoid such discomfort, make sure you visit a certified doctor near you. In this blog post, we’ve tried to answer all the main questions regarding bursitis in the shoulder.

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