### Understanding Shoulder Bursitis and How to Manage It Shoulder bursitis is a condition where the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) in your shoulder become inflamed. These bursae act as cushions between your bones and the moving parts of your body like muscles and tendons. When they get inflamed, it can cause significant pain, especially when you move your shoulder. #### Causes of Shoulder Bursitis - **Injury:** Damage to the bursa from an injury can lead to inflammation. - **Overuse:** Repetitive motions, especially overhead lifting or forceful pulling, can cause bursitis. - **Medical Conditions:** Conditions like arthritis, gout, diabetes, and thyroid disease can contribute to bursitis. - **Anatomy:** The shape of your shoulder bone might leave less space for the bursa, making it more prone to inflammation. #### Symptoms of Shoulder Bursitis - **Pain and Stiffness:** You may experience intense pain and stiffness in your shoulder. - **Swelling and Redness:** The affected area might be swollen and red. - **Tenderness:** Your shoulder may be sore to the touch, especially on the front side or upper third of your arm. - **Limited Movement:** In advanced cases, you might not be able to move your shoulder much, leading to a condition called “frozen shoulder.” #### Diagnosis and Treatment - **Diagnosis:** Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and may perform an imaging test like an X-ray or MRI. They might also order a blood test or drain fluid from the bursa for testing if an infection is suspected. - **Rest:** Avoid activities that cause pain. - **Over-the-counter Pain Relief:** Medicines like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin can help reduce swelling and soreness. - **Ice:** Applying a cold pack to your shoulder for 10-15 minutes once or twice a day can reduce swelling. - **Steroid Injections:** If the pain is severe, your doctor may inject a steroid into the area around the bursa. - **Antibiotics:** If an infection is causing the bursitis, antibiotics may be prescribed. - **Physical Therapy:** Once the pain subsides, exercises to stretch and strengthen your shoulder can help restore its normal range of motion. - **Surgery:** In rare cases, if home care doesn’t improve your condition, surgery might be an option to remove the inflamed bursa or make more room for your rotator cuff tendon. Most cases of shoulder bursitis improve with home care within a few weeks. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor for further treatment options.