About this topic
A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac. It acts as a cushion between your bone and tendon. A tendon is a thick band that attaches your muscle to the bone. Bursae help the tendons glide and let your joints move easier. There is a bursa in your shoulder. It cushions the area between the top of your upper arm bone and the tip of your shoulder blade bone. This bursa can get swollen and hurt. This problem is called shoulder bursitis. ‚
View OriginalView Original
View OriginalView Original
What are the causes?
- Moving a joint over and over again in the same way
- Long-term overuse of the shoulder
- Getting hit or hurt on the shoulder
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Infection
What are the main signs?
- Pain in the shoulder that gets worse with movement
- Trouble moving the shoulder
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Achiness
- Warmth
- Redness
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will feel the painful parts of your shoulder to find where the problem is. The doctor may order: ‚
- Blood tests
- X-ray
- MRI scan
- Fluid removal to check for infection
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest
- Ice
- Support or sling to keep your shoulder in a good position
- Exercises
- Physical therapy (PT) or occupational therapy (OT)
- Heat may be used later but not right away. Heat can make swelling worse.
- Removing fluid from the bursa
- Surgery
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
The doctor may give you a shot of an anti-inflammatory drug called a corticosteroid. This will help with swelling. Talk with your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- If your bursitis is due to overuse, try not to do movements that caused the problem.
- Stay away from doing things that cause pain in your shoulder.
- Take breaks often when doing things that use repeat movements.
- Do not lie on your side that has the shoulder problem.
- Use good posture and do not slouch.
- Keep a healthy weight so there is not extra stress on your joints.
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00032 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚