Pain on the outside or tip of the shoulder is a symptom of shoulder bursitis. People of all ages may be affected. It most frequently comes from overuse and steadily worsens in persons who frequently toss, pitch, or swim. The syndrome can be acquired by non-athletes through repetitive motions like reaching or lifting upwards.

How does shoulder bursitis happen?

When there is swelling and redness between the top of the arm bone and the tip of the shoulder, it is known as shoulder bursitis (impingement syndrome). The tendons of the rotator cuff and a bursa, a fluid-filled sac that protects the tendons, are located between these bones.

Bursitis is typically brought on by an accident or excessive usage. It may also result from an infection.

Other issues are connected to bursitis. These conditions include thyroid dysfunction, gout, tendonitis, diabetes, and arthritis.

The bones of many persons with this issue are shaped differently from those of most other people, leaving them with less room overall. Symptoms can be brought on by even slight thickenings of the tendons or bursa.

Shoulder anatomy of a bursa

Around the shoulder are five major bursae. They consist of:

SASD (Subacromial-Subdeltoid) bursa

Subscapular recess

Subcoracoid bursa

Coracoclavicular bursa

Supra-acromial bursa

A sixth bursal area, the medial expansion of the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa, is occasionally mentioned by writers.

Difference between the rotator cuff and shoulder bursitis

Bursitis and a torn rotator cuff are two painful illnesses with comparable signs and symptoms. The collection of tendons and muscles that encircle and support your shoulder joint is known as the rotator cuff. A tendon that joins the muscle and bone in the area of your shoulder, known as the rotator cuff, can be torn.

The shoulder anatomy's bursae, on the other hand, can become inflamed or damaged due to overuse or injury, resulting in shoulder bursitis.

How to prevent shoulder bursitis?

To avoid getting bursitis, use the following strategies:

Warm up before working out, playing a sport, or engaging in other repeated motions

Start new activities or workouts gradually. Increase the pressures you place on your body gradually

When performing repetitious work, frequently take breaks

Use knee or elbow pads to protect "at-risk" joints

Stop engaging in painful activities

Maintain proper posture. Put your body in the right position when performing daily tasks

How to treat shoulder bursitis?

Non-surgical treatment

In order to cure shoulder bursitis, the inflammation must first be reduced. Avoid reaching or extending above your comfort level or undertaking any painful activities. Anti-inflammatory drugs like Motrin or Advil can also be used to treat inflammation. These medications aid in reducing pain and swelling.

These treatments will often be effective for treating shoulder bursitis in many people within a few weeks. Simple exercises or physical therapy may help you resume your typical, pain-free activities when the discomfort has subsided.

The following step is often an injection of cortisone, or a steroid, into the swollen region if the symptoms don't go away. The potent medication cortisone reduces swelling rather than pain. On your first appointment, your doctor can administer a cortisone injection if your initial symptoms are severe. The biggest drawback is that cortisone injections may erode tendon strength. Cortisone injections should be carefully examined.

Surgical

Shoulder bursitis may occasionally require surgery. A tiny incision and a specialized, minimally invasive probe called an arthroscope can be used to do this. To give the rotator cuff tendons more room, the inflammatory bursa, some bone, and any spurs are removed during surgery.

Final thoughts

Rest and painkillers work effectively to treat shoulder bursitis most of the time. Longer-term physical treatment may be required if there is another shoulder issue present, such as bone issues or tendinitis.