Shoulder Bursitis Specialist

What is shoulder bursitis?

Shoulder bursitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the bursae found in your shoulder. 

Bursae are fluid-filled sacs found throughout your body, and they separate your bone from soft tissue, such as skin, tendons, or ligaments. The bursae primarily act as a cushion to reduce friction between your bone and soft tissue. 

Shoulder bursitis means inflammation of your shoulder bursae, which may occur if there’s too much friction between the fluid-filled sacs and the tissue or bone. The excess friction may occur from overuse or an injury. 

You may be at greater risk of developing shoulder bursitis if you engage in activities that require repetitive use of your shoulder, such as pitching a baseball, gardening, or painting. 

What are shoulder bursitis symptoms?

Shoulder bursitis symptoms vary in type and severity depending on the degree of inflammation. 

Common symptoms include:

• Shoulder pain
• Swelling and inflammation
• Decrease in range of motion
• Stiffness
• Pain when moving your shoulder

In some cases, the inflamed bursae in your shoulder may become infected, causing your shoulder to feel warm and tender to the touch. 

How is shoulder bursitis diagnosed?

The team at Central Jersey Hand Surgery conducts comprehensive evaluations to diagnose the root cause of your shoulder discomfort. 

In most cases, the experienced orthopedic physicians diagnose shoulder bursitis after an in-depth clinical history and physical. However, your provider may request further testing, such as bloodwork, X-rays, or an MRI, to rule out or confirm the underlying cause of your symptoms. 

How is shoulder bursitis treated?

The team at Central Jersey Hand Surgery develops individualized treatment plans for shoulder bursitis based on the cause of the increase in friction, the severity of your symptoms, and your overall health.

Treatment for shoulder bursitis may include:

• Rest, ice, and immobility
• Activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Bracing
• Steroid injections

If your shoulder bursitis is infected or severe, the team may recommend aspiration of the bursae to reduce size and alleviate symptoms. Antibiotics may also be given for an infection to prevent more serious health complications. 

Shoulder pain can develop from many causes. To get the answers and treatment you need to alleviate your shoulder pain, contact Central Jersey Hand Surgery by phone or online today.