Effective Shoulder Bursitis Treatment Near Jeffersonville, IN

A common cause of shoulder pain, bursitis stems from the bursae. These small, fluid-filled sacs are found in areas throughout the body where muscles and tendons move over bony joints. The bursae serve as protective cushions and gliding surfaces, reducing friction between hard and soft tissues and facilitating smooth movement. Also known as impingement syndrome, shoulder bursitis occurs when a bursa between the top of the upper arm bone and the tip of the shoulder becomes irritated and inflamed.

What Causes Bursitis?

The excessive friction from repetitive movements can easily irritate a paper-thin bursa. When irritated, a bursa may produce excess fluid to create a protective buffer around itself. An inflamed bursa can become thickened and enlarged, taking up extra space around the shoulder joint. As a result, the rotator cuff tendons may become pinched (impinged) between the shoulder bones. In addition to pain, shoulder bursitis can cause swelling, localized warmth, and fever.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of shoulder bursitis, you can confidently entrust your care to the outstanding team of sports medicine specialists at Louisville Orthopaedic Center near Jeffersonville, Indiana. Since 1974, we have been helping active individuals overcome orthopedic conditions and get back into the game—whatever their game might be.

How Is Shoulder Bursitis Treated?

The goal of treatment for shoulder bursitis is to reduce inflammation, which in turn can relieve pain. In many cases, this can be accomplished conservatively with:

• Activity modifications to avoid movements that worsen the symptoms, such as reaching overhead
• Ice applications two to three times daily for 20-30 minutes at a time
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken as needed

A few weeks of nonsurgical treatment may be sufficient for relieving the inflammation and pain of shoulder bursitis, after which a customized physical therapy program can facilitate a pain-free return to daily activities. To address persistent symptoms, a cortisone injection may be considered. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that can be injected directly into a painful area of a joint. Surgery is usually unnecessary for treating shoulder bursitis; if needed, however, a surgeon can arthroscopically remove an inflamed bursa and some surrounding bony tissue to create more space for the rotator cuff tendons.

Consult With a Shoulder Specialist

The sports medicine specialists at Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic can examine your painful shoulder and walk you through your treatment options. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our location near Jeffersonville, IN.