Shoulder Bursitis Treatment
The shoulder joint has a fluid filled sac that becomes inflamed in bursitis of the shoulder. The inflammation causes pain and restricts normal motion. The condition doesn’t usually happen without any external trigger. Generally, bursitis of the shoulder is accompanied by rotator cuff tendonitis, which is the inflammation of the rotator cuff or shoulder tendons.
Most bursitis of the shoulder cases is treated in a non-surgical way with simple, at-home treatments. However, surgery may be the only recourse where non-surgical procedures are not effective.
Thomas & Bigler Knee and Shoulder Institute, led by board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, while also serving areas such as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.
Understanding Bursitis of the Shoulder
Bursa, which is part of the shoulder blade and located between the rotator cuff can develop swelling and inflammation because of excessive shoulder use. This is also called subacromial bursa. The condition is better known as subacromial bursitis.
Bursitis of the shoulder along with rotator cuff tendinitis can cause difficulty in performing everyday tasks and activities. Shoulder impingement is a common cause of bursitis of the shoulder. It occurs when the shoulder blade top starts putting pressure on the underlying soft tissues. This is when the arm is not next to the body.
The top of the shoulder blade when the arm is lifted away from the body rubs on the bursa and rotator cuff. This impingement results in bursitis of the shoulder. Gout, arthritis, diabetes, tendonitis, thyroid disease, and infection are other causes of the condition.
Non-Surgical Procedures
These are a few non-surgical treatment options:
- Rest: You should give your shoulder complete rest. Take a break from all movements and activities that cause pain.
- Ice: Cold pack on the shoulder may reduce swelling. You should aim for 10 to 15 minutes a day or twice a day.
- Non-prescription medications: Motrin or Advil, Aspirin and Aleve can help in easing soreness and swelling.
- Medications: For severe pain, the physician may inject a steroid into the shoulder bursa area. However, you may need antibiotics if the condition is caused by an infection.
- Stretching and physical therapy: Several exercises can help your shoulder regain its normal range of motion. This will be demonstrated by your orthopedic surgeon.
Surgical Treatment for Bursitis of the Shoulder
Your surgeon may perform manual tests and take a good look at your symptoms to determine whether you have bursitis of the shoulder. Surgery is the last treatment option for bursitis of the shoulder. Surgery, if required, is usually because bursitis doesn’t respond to any non-surgical treatment options or physical therapy.
The surgical procedure typically involves removing the bursa. This makes space for a new and healthy bursa to grow in its place. The surgeon may also remove a portion of the bone to make room for the rotator cuff tendon. This will help in decreasing the rubbing or impingement occurring on the shoulder.
Orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV for orthopedic surgery.
Contact Board Certified Surgeons Dr. Bigler or Dr. Thomas at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board-certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. Contact the office today click here.
Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada