Shoulder bursitis is caused when the bursa lying near our elbow joint gets inflamed. When the tendons gets inflamed and the gliding is restricted, it causes Shoulder tendonitis.
How To Diagnose Shoulder Bursitis ?
A thorough
physical examination
is enough to diagnose impingement syndrome.
X- rays
are performed to diagnose the presence of shoulder bursitis. It can assess the anatomy of bones of the shoulder. An
MRI scan
may be required to diagnose if there is a tear of the rotator cuff tear.
How To Treat Shoulder Bursitis ?
Very simple and common treatment methods are used to treat Shoulder Bursitis. Few of them are listed below:
-
Resting:
Our first motto is to reduce the inflammation. So all causes of inflammation must be checked immediately. If pain is felt by doing any movement, stop doing it. It would only worsen your condition. Rest your elbow as far as possible.
-
Anti-Inflammatory Medications:
Anti-inflammatory medications like Advil, Aleve, Motrin or Celebrex are ‘non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.’ These are taken orally to reduce the inflammation of the bursa and the tendons. This also helps in decreasing the discomfort.
-
Ice Application:
Icing has seen to have reduced pain and inflammation very effectively. It also helps in stimulating the blood flow to the shoulder that is affected.
-
Shoulder Exercises:
Physical therapy exercises or some simple exercises may be performed to regain the normal functioning of the elbow without any pain and discomfort. The aim of these exercises must be strengthening the rotator cuff and helping free movement of the shoulder. But any activities that can irritate the rotator cuff tendons must be avoided. The following must not be performed until the recovery is completed:
- Overhead weight lifting
- Throwing or swinging activities
- Keeping arm behind, above or below the head while sleeping.
-
Cortisone Injections:
Cortisone are steroid shots which are injected into the inflamed area. This depends on the physician and the severity of the injury.
