Shoulder Bursitis

        Shoulder bursitis, also known as subacromial bursitis or subdeltoid bursitis, is one of the most common causes of pain in the front and upper part of the shoulder. Shoulder bursitis particularly occur in athletes who perform repetitive movements of arms in elevation, such as pitchers, tennis players and weight lifters.

       A bag is a small sack filled with fluid inside the joint. Its main function is to reduce friction during movement preventing a muscle or tendon injury rubbing against bone. Because of repetitive trauma subacromial bag can be filled with water. When shoulder bursitis is caused by a violent impact or is associated with a tendon injury it can fill with blood. The continuous repetition of small injuries can also increase the size of the bag causing chronic pain which not responds to physical therapy and rehabilitation.

       Shoulder bursitis is between the oleocranon process and the skin that it covers. Because it is frequently superficial traumatized, skin and adjacent tissue trauma is a common site for infectious shoulder bursitis. There is an increased risk of septic bursitis in patients with chronic diseases. Shoulder bursitis is seen in students, dialysis and chronic obstructive pulmonary condition.

Shoulder bursitis pictures

Symptoms of shoulder bursitis

       Symptoms of shoulder bursitis are similar to those caused by inflammation of a tendon or muscles comprising the rotator cuff. The accumulation of fluid in the bag is responsible for the typical pain that occurs in the anterior part of the shoulder. This is accentuated tends to limit the mobility of the joint, making movement painful. In the presence of a subacromial bursitis activities where the elbow works under the shoulder during it's abduction are dangerous.

Shoulder bursitis diagnose

       Direct palpation over the subacromial bag is essential for diagnosis (search for swelling and pain). Investigations such as x-rays and MRI are not usually necessary but may be performed to rule out any complications (fractures).

Care and treatment of shoulder bursitis

       Usually bursitis shoulder responds positively to rest and ice treatment in the acute phase. Anti-inflammatory drugs have proven effective in promoting healing. If shoulder bursitis did not respond positively to this type of treatment injection of steroids needed. Other times chronic shoulder bursitis can be used in arthroscopic surgical removal of the bursa or parts of it. In the absence of such complications the healing time on average is two or three weeks, after which the athlete can safely return to sports activities.

       Painkillers can help you. Ibuprofen, the basic substance of analgesics antiinflammatory can be very effective, and for those who do not tolerate it, aspirin is an antiinflammatory equivalent. Paracetamol attenuates pain, but has no antiinflammatory properties. If you are not sure which one is best in your case, discuss options with your doctor. When pain is not acute, castor oil is as simple as it is effective. Apply castor oil by massaging on the affected joint. Put a cotton compress and cover well with a hot compress.

        Associated with standard treatments, alternative remedies can ameliorate the pain. You may try a massage cream containing menthol, two times a day. If you do not find such a cream, you may cook it at home by mixing water with a special powder obtaining a paste. Apply it more than 2 times per day on painful joints. Once the joint pain is not acute, mild exercise is a good approach. When the problem is the elbow or shoulder pain, doctors recommend freedom balancing of the joint to relieve pain. Exercise must be done in several times a day.

       Flax seed oil contains omega -3 fatty acids, reduces inflammation and it is recommended for people with repeated bursitis. Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil in salad. Excessive or prolonged use of products based on flax seed oil can affect potassium levels. If you follow a treatment for hypertension or heart disease, you should not use a lot of flax seed oil and should mention this to your doctor. This oil can cause intestinal gas and diarrhea.