The inflammation or irritation of the bursa is known as bursitis. The bursa is a sac that is filled with lubricating fluid, and it can be found between tissues such as bone, muscle, tendons, and skin, which reduce rubbing, friction and irritation.
What are the Causes of Shoulder Bursitis?
There can be one or more causes of shoulder bursitis. The most common causes of shoulder bursitis are injuries and overuse. Below are other causes of shoulder bursitis:
1. Shoulder injury or trauma. During fall, if you hit the shoulder on a hard surface; it can cause the bursa to be filled with blood and of the bursa can become inflamed. Even if the body re-absorbs the blood, the lining of the bursa can still be inflamed thereby causing the symptoms of bursitis. This is referred to as traumatic bursitis.
2. Repeated pressure on the shoulder. Most of the time, shoulder bursitis is caused by frequent "mini-traumas", which can cause the same problems as a single, more serious trauma. People who need to raise their hands to work or play sports are more likely to develop shoulder bursitis over time. Individuals who are into activities such as painting, hanging of wallpapers, tennis players, swimmers, and baseball pitchers among others are at increased risk of developing shoulder bursitis.
3. Aging. Although it can affect people of all ages, the older age increases the chances of developing shoulder bursitis.
4. Bacterial infection of the bursa. The infection of the bursa is referred to as septic bursitis. Certain medical conditions and drugs suppress the immune system and make it more susceptible to septic bursitis. For example, individuals with cancer, HIV / AIDS, lupus, alcoholism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes are more likely to develop septic bursitis.
5. History of inflammation of the bursa. Any individuals who have had previous records of bursitis are more likely to develop it again. When the cause of shoulder bursitis is known, this has been found to assist patients and doctors in identifying the ways of treating and preventing bursitis in the future.
What are the Symptoms of Shoulder Bursitis?
Bursitis in the shoulder can cause symptoms such as a limited range of shoulder movement and shoulder pain.
The main symptoms of shoulder bursitis include:
• Pain somewhere at the outer side or on the shoulders top
• When the shoulder is touched, pains will be felt
• a minimized range of movement in shoulder joints
• Swelling and redness around the shoulders
• Shoulder pain when the hand is raised, such as reaching the shelf or washing the hair
At night the pain can be worse and this may occur when you lie on the affected shoulder. It can also worsen after the shoulder has remained motionless for some time.
Bursitis in the shoulder is most common in the subacromial bursa. This assists with smooth movement when the arm is raised above the head. If the above symptoms are associated with fever, it can indicate an infection of the bursa. This is referred to as septic bursitis, and the doctor should investigate the situation.
Shoulder Bursitis Treatment
Treatment for Shoulder Bursitis requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your shoulder. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your shoulder to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.
Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:
Ice Substitute Poultice
Bruise Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:
Pain Relief Liniment
Tendon and Ligament Poultice
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
