Shoulder Bursitis, Subacromial

Inflammation of the subdeltoid bursa, one of the important bursas of the shoulder. Bursitis may vary in degree from mild irritation to an abscess formation that causes excruciating pain.

Body Parts Involved

• Subacromial bursa (a soft sac filled with lubricating fluid that facilitates motion in the shoulder).
• Soft tissue surrounding the shoulder, including nerves, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels (both large vessels and capillaries), periosteum (the outside lining of bone) and muscles.

Causes

• Injury to the shoulder.
• Acute or chronic infection.
• Arthritis.
• Gout.
• Unknown (frequently).

Signs & Symptoms

• Pain in the shoulder area.
• Tenderness.
• Swelling.
• Redness (sometimes) over the affected bursa.
• Fever if infection is present.
• Limitation of motion in the shoulder.

Treatment

Note:- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.

First Aid

None. This problem develops slowly.

Continuing Care

• Use ice massage. Fill a large Styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a softball. Do this for 15 minutes at a time,3 or 4 times a day , and before workouts or competition.
• Apply heat instead of ice, if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments or ointments. Sometimes heat makes pain worse. If so, discontinue and use ice only.
• Use a sling to support the shoulder joint, if needed.
• Elevate the shoulder above the level of the heart to reduce swelling and prevent accumulation of fluid. Use pillows for propping.
• Gentle massage will frequently provide comfort and decrease swelling.

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Prescription pain relievers for severe pain.

Use non-prescription aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen (available under many trade names) for mild pain.

• Injections into the inflamed bursa of a long-lasting local anesthetic mixed with a corticosteroid drug, such as triamcinolone.

Home Diet

Eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity. Your doctor may suggest vitamin and mineral supplements to promote healing.

Diagnostic Measures

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.

Prevention Tips

• Use protective gear for contact sports.
• Warm up adequately before athletic practice or competition.
• Wear warm clothing in cold weather.
• To prevent recurrence, continue to wear extra protection over the shoulder until healing is complete.