Subacromial Bursitis
Subacromial bursitis is a condition where the subacromial bursa, a fluid-filled sac in the shoulder joint, becomes swollen and painful. Learn more about shoulder bursitis, causes, treatments, and more from our shoulder experts.
What You Need To Know About Subacromial Bursitis
What Is Subacromial Bursitis?
The subacromial bursa is a fluid-filled sac in the shoulder, between the tip of the shoulder (also known as the acromion) and the rotator cuff. When functioning correctly, the bursa acts as a cushion between the rotator cuff tendons and the acromion, allowing free and easy movement in the shoulder joint.
Shoulder bursitis occurs when the bursa becomes inflamed and painful. This condition may make it difficult to move the shoulder and can get in the way of daily activities. Schedule an appointment with a Resurgens shoulder physician to get moving again.
What Causes Subacromial Bursitis?
Shoulder bursitis is usually caused by constant stress or friction against the bursa. It can happen if you do a lot of repeated arm motions, especially with your arm raised. Subacromial bursitis is often a problem for painters, construction workers, and athletes. Traumatic bursitis can occur as a result of direct injury to the shoulder.
Shoulder bursitis can also occur due to other preexisting conditions, like arthritis, diabetes, tendonitis, gout, or thyroid disease. It can also be caused by a bacterial infection in the bursa itself.
Subacromial Bursitis Symptoms
Shoulder bursitis often causes pain and tenderness in the shoulder. You may have a limited range of motion and pain while resting. Patients also report waking up at night due to shoulder pain.
In severe cases, the swollen bursa may radiate warmth or become infected, causing fever and fatigue. The pain can also begin to spread and affect other parts of the arm and shoulder.
How is Subacromial Bursitis Diagnosed?
During your appointment, a Resurgens shoulder physician will first discuss your medical history and how the condition started. Then, they will perform a physical examination and check your pain levels and range of motion. This exam is brief and only causes mild discomfort.
Then, your doctor will order diagnostic screenings to rule out any other shoulder conditions. From there, they will make a diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan for your recovery.
Subacromial Bursitis Treatment
There are several different subacromial bursitis treatments, and most mild to moderate conditions can be treated with non-surgical methods. More severe conditions may require surgical treatment.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-operative treatment is the first method of subacromial bursitis treatment. This may include:
Rest
NSAIDs
Ice
Corticosteroid injections
Surgical Treatment
If your shoulder bursitis does not respond to surgical treatments, your physician may recommend surgery. During this minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure, a surgeon will remove any damaged tissue that is irritating the bursa. They may also remove the bursa to help the joint move more fluidly.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain that is affecting your daily life, don't wait. Schedule an appointment with one of our expert Resurgens physicians now.