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You can injure your shoulder by doing repetitive activities like brushing your hair or reaching behind your back to fasten a zipper. You can also hurt your shoulder in a fall or during sports.
The shoulder is a complex joint made up of three bones and lots of soft tissue. Most shoulder problems result from soft tissue injury or disease.
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The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help move your shoulder. A rotator cuff tear is when one of the tendons becomes frayed or damaged. This injury can happen suddenly from a traumatic accident or gradually over time from repetitive actions. The most common symptom of a rotator cuff tear is pain in your shoulder and arm when lifting or moving your arm above your head.
Your doctor can tell if you have a rotator cuff tear by doing a physical exam of your shoulder. They will ask you about your symptoms and how long they have been happening. They will also do tests to check your shoulder’s range of motion and strength. Your doctor may recommend a diagnostic test such as an ultrasound or MRI to see if you have a rotator Cuff tear. These tests can determine the size of your tear and if you have a partial or full-thickness tear.
A rotator cuff tear can be caused by repeated overhead activities at work or in sports, especially when you are older. Repeated movements can also stress the tendons in your shoulder, causing them to weaken over time. You can also have a tear if your shoulder stays in a single position for a long time, like sleeping on your side or in a chair all day. Bone growths that rub against the tendons are another cause of rotator cuff tears. These growths are called shoulder impingement and they can wear out the tendons.
If your rotator cuff tear is not severe, physical therapy can usually heal it. You will need to do exercises that move your shoulder in different directions and increase its strength. If your rotator cuff tear has become chronic, you may need surgery to repair it. Surgery can be done with either open or arthroscopic techniques.
With open surgery, your doctor makes a three to four-inch incision in the skin over your shoulder. With arthroscopic surgery, your doctor makes several (two or three) smaller incisions and uses special tools with cameras to view and repair the damage. If the rotator cuff tendon is too damaged to be repaired, doctors can replace it with another healthy tendon or use a tendon from another part of your body.
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All over your body there are small fluid filled sacs called bursae (plural of bursa) that lie between bones and moving parts like tendons to reduce friction. When they become inflamed and swollen with more fluid than normal you have a condition called Bursitis. Shoulder Bursitis or Subacromial bursitis happens around the tendons that surround the shoulder joint which make up the rotator cuff muscles. If the tendons are inflamed they can cause pain, particularly with overhead movement.
In the shoulder the subacromial bursa is located under the underside of the acromion. It is important for the shoulder because it is where the rotator cuff tendons are located, and it helps to reduce friction between the rotator cuff tendons and the bones of your shoulder.
It is common for people who have jobs or sports that involve lots of overhead movement to get this problem because they create more friction in the shoulder than most people do. Over time this can lead to a build up of pressure in the bursae and eventually the tendons start to rub against bone and cause pain.
Symptoms include pain on the top or side of your shoulder, particularly when you lift it overhead or reach across your chest and neck. It can also be painful when you are lying on the affected shoulder and if you touch the area with your hand. You may feel a lump in the shoulder or a feeling of warmth in the area.
Usually, the doctor will examine your shoulder and ask about your work and sport activities. They will then recommend a course of treatment to help ease the pain and inflammation. This can include anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen. They will also give you a physiotherapy programme to help balance the rotator cuff and strengthen the shoulder.
Other tests they may do include an X-ray and an MRI scan which will allow them to see the rotator cuff tendons, and check for any extra bone growth under the acromion that is creating the impingement. They may aspirate the bursa which means they will drain out the excess fluid with a needle. They may also perform surgery if other treatments do not improve the symptoms.
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Osteoarthritis isn’t curable, but early diagnosis and treatment can help you manage pain and keep your joints functional. A tough, smooth tissue called cartilage covers the ends of bones in joints. Cartilage lets the bones move easily against each other when the joint bends and straightens. But osteoarthritis can cause the cartilage to thin. Then, when the joints move, bone rubbing against bone causes pain. The movement may also cause the joint to get stiff and lose its ability to bend. Eventually, pieces of the cartilage can break off and float inside the joint. This can further damage the joint. The joint may make clicking, snapping or grinding noises (crepitus).
The exact cause of osteoarthritis isn’t clear, but it’s believed to be related to the wear and tear on joints over time. People who perform repetitive movements or have certain jobs are at higher risk. The condition is more common in women than men, and it occurs most often after age 50.
Some medications can help relieve pain from osteoarthritis. Over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), are generally safe when taken at the recommended doses. Stronger NSAIDs are available by prescription, but these medicines can cause stomach upset, heart problems and liver damage. Gels that are applied directly to the skin over the joint can relieve pain with fewer side effects.
Regular exercise helps control arthritis symptoms by keeping the joints healthy and flexible. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming and cycling are best. Weight loss can also reduce pain and slow the progression of OA.
A physical therapist or occupational therapist can teach you exercises to improve joint motion and strengthen the muscles around the joint. They can also recommend assistive devices to help you with daily tasks, such as a cane or walker.
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A dislocation is a serious injury that occurs when the ends of your bones are forced out of their normal positions. Most often, this happens because of a sudden impact to the joint, such as from a fall or blow during contact sports (like football and wrestling). The shoulder is most commonly dislocated, but it can also happen in the jaw, elbow, finger, ankle, and knee. Dislocated joints cause severe pain and swelling, which may make it hard to move the affected area.
A healthcare provider will diagnose a shoulder dislocation by performing a physical exam. Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and history of the injury. They will also examine your shoulder and the surrounding area. You may have an X-ray to see if the bone in your shoulder socket is out of place.
If a dislocation isn’t treated right away, you could lose function in your arm or hand. In addition, a dislocated shoulder could damage ligaments and blood vessels around the joint. This is a life-threatening situation called compartment syndrome, and it needs emergency treatment.
When you’re in the emergency room, doctors try to move your bones back into place without surgery. They use a process called closed reduction to do this. They’ll apply a local anesthetic or sedative to reduce your pain while they rotate the shoulder joint back into place.
Afterward, your doctor may give you a splint or sling to keep your injured shoulder in a fixed position. You may also need to put a cold compress on the injury for a few days to ease your pain and swelling. Doctors usually recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve your pain and reduce inflammation.
A dislocated shoulder can take weeks or months to heal, depending on the severity of your injury and other complications. During this time, your healthcare provider will teach you how to properly use your arm. They will also recommend physiotherapy to strengthen your shoulder and help you avoid dislocating it again.
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Shoulder problems can range from a minor ache to a major tear. Symptoms of rotator cuff tears usually start in the front of your shoulder and get worse when lifting something over your head or during overhead activities. The pain may also be bad at night.
ice, anti-inflammatory medicine and exercises can ease most shoulder problems. But if symptoms don’t improve, surgery can help.
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A common shoulder problem is injury to the cartilage (rubbery padding) that goes around the rim of your shoulder joint. This can happen when you do the same activity over and over or during a sudden movement that’s too forceful. You may notice a painful clicking, catching or grinding sensation when you move your shoulder. You can also get shoulder pain from long-term conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. This type of pain tends to last longer and affects more than just the shoulder.
Another possible problem is a break or crack in the bone that makes up your shoulder joint. This usually happens if you fall on or hit your shoulder hard. The most common breaks are in the collarbone (clavicle) or humerus (arm bone closest to your shoulder). If you have this type of injury, you might feel a lot of pain, swelling and weakness in your shoulder and arm.
You might have shoulder problems that make it hard to raise your arm overhead or behind your back. This can be especially troublesome if your pain is caused by impingement syndrome or a complete rotator cuff tear. You might also have a sensation of pins and needles or burning in your shoulder. Pain may spread to your neck or chest, which is called referred pain.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical exam. They might also order x-rays or other scans to help diagnose the problem.
Most shoulder injuries should heal with rest, ice packs and mild exercise. If your pain is severe, your doctor might prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or a cortisone injection into the shoulder joint. Some people might need surgery for shoulder problems if other treatments don’t work. For example, if you have a dislocated shoulder, you might need surgery to reset the shoulder in place. You might need surgery if you have a torn ligament in your shoulder or you have a very severe rotator cuff tear. In some cases, a doctor might recommend steroid injections into the area of the shoulder that’s most painful.
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A shoulder joint injury can cause a stiffness in the shoulder. This stiffness can occur in the joint itself or in any of the many muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the shoulder. This stiffness can be so bad that it makes it difficult to do daily activities, such as reaching across the chest or overhead to put on a coat. It can also make it hard to sleep, as any shoulder movement can trigger pain and stiffness.
Stiffness can be caused by injuries to the rotator cuff, cartilage, or the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. AC joint problems include arthritis and a separation (an injury that occurs when the ligaments hold the collarbone to the shoulder blade become loose). This type of injury can be caused by a fall onto an outstretched arm, or from repetitive actions, such as playing sports.
The joint can also become torn, a condition called labral tears. This can be caused by repeated movements of the shoulder, such as throwing a ball or lifting heavy objects. It can also be caused by a direct blow to the shoulder.
A grinding sensation (crepitus) in the shoulder is another symptom of an AC joint problem. This is a sign that the smooth surface of the cartilage has worn away, leaving an uneven surface. The grinding happens when you reach overhead or across your chest, which can happen if you have AC arthritis or AC separation.
Shoulder problems that cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm, hand, or wrist are usually serious and require medical attention. Often, these symptoms indicate that the nerves are being pinched by damaged tissues.
Your doctor can diagnose most shoulder problems by asking about your symptoms and doing a physical examination. They may request X-rays to see any injuries to the bones in your shoulder joint. They can also use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which creates better pictures of soft tissues, such as tendons and ligaments. They may also do an electromyography, which measures the electrical activity in your nerves to check for problems. Shoulder surgery is rarely needed, but it might be recommended if other treatments don’t help your pain and stiffness.
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If you have a shoulder problem that limits your movement, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible. They will take your medical history and do a physical examination to feel for tenderness and assess how much you can move the arm and shoulder. They will ask you about any activities that may have caused the pain and when it started. They will also do some tests to check the range of motion and whether or not you have any problems with the bones, muscles or other tissues in the area.
You can injure the cartilage that covers the rim of the shoulder joint (the glenohumeral joint) if you do the same repetitive movement over and over again, or in an accident. Cartilage injuries can lead to a condition called impingement. This happens when the top of the shoulder blade (acromion) rubs against the tendons and bursa in the joint, creating pain, swelling and limiting movement. You might notice that it is painful to reach overhead or across your body.
A rotator cuff injury can cause the tendons to become pinched in the bones of the shoulder joint. This is called tendinitis, and it causes pain, swelling and limits movement. It is more common if you do heavy work with the arms overhead or in a position where the shoulder moves forward and backwards. You might also have trouble reaching behind your back or under your arm.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your pain, when it started and what makes it worse or better. They will ask about any other symptoms you have and what remedies you have tried. X-rays and other scans can help them find the cause of your shoulder problems.
Sometimes the problem is caused by sharp, tiny crystals that form inside a tendon. Tendons are the strong cords that attach muscles to bones. We all need calcium to stay healthy, but if it gets into the wrong places, such as in the tendons of the shoulder, it can cause pain and swelling. This is called calcific tendonitis.
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A shoulder problem can lead to swelling in the joint and the area around it. This can make it feel warm to the touch and may be accompanied by redness. Often it is hard to figure out what caused the problem, but when pain, stiffness and swelling occur, it’s important to see a doctor to get it treated before the condition worsens.
The shoulder is a complex joint that consists of the shoulder blade (scapula), collarbone (clavicle) and the head of the upper arm bone (humerus). The head of the humerus fits into a socket in the scapula called the glenoid, and there is a ring of tissue (labrum) to help keep the bones in place. Any injury or disease that affects one or more of these structures can cause shoulder problems.
A tear in the cartilage of the shoulder joint (shoulder impingement) can lead to a condition called rotator cuff tendinitis or shoulder subacromial bursitis, which causes soreness and weakness when you lift your arm overhead. This type of injury usually occurs when you do a repetitive activity or have a blow to the shoulder, such as in a fall. The tendons that support the shoulder are also susceptible to injury and may be damaged when you lift your arm or reach across your chest.
A shoulder dislocation is a serious injury that can cause pain, numbness and bruising. The head of the humerus is forced out of its socket, either partially or completely. A partial dislocation is called a subluxation, and a complete one is called a dislocation.
It’s not uncommon for shoulder problems to develop in the other shoulder after a dislocation or other shoulder injuries. This is known as a contralateral shoulder pain syndrome, and it can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
Your doctor can diagnose shoulder problems by taking a medical history and doing a physical exam. He or she will check for a tender spot under your shoulder and examine your range of motion. Your doctor will also order tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound. These tests create better pictures of soft tissues than X-rays, and can show damage to the tendons and ligaments in your shoulder.
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Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical examination of your shoulder. They will feel for tenderness and assess your shoulder’s range of motion and strength.
Your doctor may also suggest a diagnostic test, like an MRI scan. MRI uses radio waves and a magnet to build pictures of the bones and soft tissue inside your shoulder. Sometimes dye is injected into the joint for better detail.
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The shoulder is an amazingly versatile joint, working closely with muscles and tendons to allow you to do everything from scratch your back to throw a baseball. However, this versatility can make the joint more susceptible to tendon injuries and arthritis, especially as we age. Shoulder pain can be triggered by many different conditions, including sports and work-related activities, poor posture, sleep habits and other health problems. It can also be caused by the aging process and normal wear and tear.
Depending on the cause of your shoulder pain, there are a variety of treatments that can help alleviate it. These include resting the affected area, icing the shoulder and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. The ice should be applied for 15 minutes three to four times a day for two to three days. Be sure to wrap the ice in a cloth or towel to prevent frostbite. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen can reduce inflammation and help relieve shoulder pain.
It is also important to avoid over-straining the shoulder. Trying to do too much activity too soon can lead to re-injury and further inflammation. If the pain persists, a visit to an orthopedic surgeon is a good idea. During this time, the doctor will evaluate your X-rays or MRI and determine a care plan. Non-surgical treatment options can include activity modification, physical therapy and cortisone injections. Newer therapies such as stem cells and platelet-rich plasma can also be used to help heal the injured tissues.
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Shoulders get their range of motion from a group of four tendons called the rotator cuff. When the rotator cuff gets inflamed or torn, it can cause shoulder pain and prevent you from raising your arm above your head. Another common cause of shoulder pain is a blow to the shoulder. This type of injury is usually a result of contact sports (such as cricket and football), but it can also happen as a result of falling onto your outstretched hand or from a car accident.
Other causes of shoulder pain include arthritis, bone spurs – bony projections – and fractures of the collarbone, humerus and scapula. If your shoulder pain is caused by a fracture, you will need to go to the emergency department.
Your doctor will ask you questions about when your shoulder pain began and what activities aggravate or relieve it. They will also perform a physical examination. They will look for tenderness, swelling and assess the shoulder’s range of movement and stability. They may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or an MRI, to help diagnose the problem.
You can take over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen, to help ease the pain. You can also use topical pain relief gels or creams, which have fewer side effects than oral pain medication. You can also try moving the shoulder gently, to help keep the muscles and tendons loose.
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The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body. It allows the arm to move forward and backward, in a circular motion, and up and away from the body. This movement is controlled by four tendons in the shoulder called the rotator cuff. If the rotator cuff is damaged, it can cause pain and difficulty moving the shoulder. The most common problem is rotator cuff impingement, where the tendons rub against the bone at the top of the shoulder (called the acromion). This can cause pain and make lifting your arm overhead difficult. Other problems include rotator cuff tears, osteoarthritis of the shoulder, and dislocated shoulder.
If you have shoulder pain, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical examination. They will look for tenderness and swelling and ask how the shoulder moves when you move it. They may also refer you to a physiotherapist for further tests.
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder. You can get these medications in tablet form or as a cream, gel, or spray you apply to the skin (topical NSAIDs). Your doctor will recommend a dose that is right for you. They will also arrange regular check-ups to monitor your progress. NSAIDs can have side effects, so you should talk to your doctor about using them long term. They will give you instructions about how to use them safely.
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Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of factors including shoulder injuries, arthritis, strains, pinched nerves and dislocations. It can vary in intensity from mild to excruciating and may only be felt when the shoulder is moved or at specific times. Using cold and heat packs can help reduce swelling and speed up recovery.
Cold compresses help reduce inflammation by reducing blood flow to the area and numbing nerves. Apply the cold pack to your shoulder for 20 minutes at a time, taking care not to touch the skin directly. It is recommended to wrap the ice pack in a thin cloth or towel to avoid ice burns. Alternatively, use a reusable shoulder pack that can be stored in the freezer for quick and convenient use.
While ice packs are good for the initial stages of an injury, heat is useful for long term injuries and when there is no inflammation. Heating the tissue helps increase blood flow circulation to the injured area, bringing in oxygen and water which can speed up the healing process. It can also be used to relax tense muscles and improve shoulder mobility.
To help with pain and swelling, try to take it easy for a few days by avoiding activities that trigger the pain. Instead, do some gentle exercise at home such as standing and letting your arm hang down at the side and swinging it gently in a pendulum motion up to 20 times. You can also ask someone to massage your shoulders to ease the pain and tension in your shoulder muscles.
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The shoulder is the most movable joint in the body, so it’s no wonder that problems often occur. But the good news is that the majority of shoulder pain responds well to a combination of rest, exercise and physiotherapy. You might also be prescribed painkillers to ease the pain.
Your doctor may also use an MRI scan to build a picture of your shoulder joint and its surrounding muscles and tendons. This can show soft tissue injuries that might not be seen as clearly on x-rays or physical examination. It is sometimes accompanied by dye injected into the shoulder joint to give a clearer picture – especially in cases of shoulder dislocation. Other tests that might be used include an arthrogram, where dye is injected into the joint before the doctor looks inside the shoulder with a fiber-optic camera, and arthroscopy, where the surgeon uses a fibre-optic camera to remove scar tissue or repair torn tendons in the joint.
The biceps tendon runs through the front of your shoulder joint. If this becomes inflamed it can cause pain when you raise your arm across your chest or away from your side. This is called biceps tendonitis.
The most common form of arthritis of the shoulder is osteoarthritis (wear and tear) where the cartilage that separates bones in a joint breaks down and the bones rub together. If this leads to a complete tear of the rotator cuff, surgery might be needed. Most shoulder operations are now performed using keyhole techniques, which require a smaller incision and are quicker to recover from. However, traditional open surgery is still used for some larger repairs and for shoulder replacements.
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The shoulder is a complex joint that allows us to reach up, across and behind our bodies. But daily wear and tear or sudden injury can cause problems over time.
The shoulder has three bones and a variety of soft tissues that help it move. Most shoulder problems involve pain, but some can also cause numbness, tingling or weakness in the shoulder and down your arm.
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The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and four tendons that help move your arm at the shoulder. A tear in one or more of these can cause pain and weakness in your shoulder. Rotator cuff tears may happen slowly over time from repetitive activity, or they can be caused suddenly by an injury such as falling on your shoulder or lifting something heavy. A small partial tear usually heals without surgery. However, a large or full-thickness tear does not heal on its own and may lead to permanent pain and weakness in your shoulder if not treated.
If you have a rotator cuff tear, it is important to see your doctor for an evaluation. They will perform an exam of your shoulder and ask about your symptoms. They will test how far you can lift your arm and may use other tests, such as the empty can test or the external rotation lag test, to help diagnose your injury.
Your doctor will recommend treatment based on the type of injury you have and your symptoms. Nonsurgical treatment improves shoulder function and relieves pain in most people with a rotator cuff tear. Treatment typically starts with a period of rest in which you avoid activities that cause your shoulder pain. Your doctor may also give you an arm sling to protect your shoulder while you heal. Medications including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen can help ease your pain and swelling. Your doctor may also prescribe a physical therapy program to learn exercises and techniques for strengthening your shoulder. Injections of steroids into the shoulder are sometimes used to ease inflammation and decrease pain, but these should only be given under the guidance of a physician with experience in this procedure.
If your rotator cuff is not responding to conservative treatments, surgery may be recommended. A minimally invasive surgical technique called arthroscopic repair can often be performed through small incisions in the shoulder. This method allows your doctor to visualize and repair the damaged rotator cuff tendon. Recovery from this procedure can be slow, but open communication between your surgeon, physical therapist and primary care physician will optimize your outcomes.
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A small joint at the top of your shoulder (glenohumeral) connects your arm bone to your collarbone (clavicle). It’s held in place by a combination of muscles and tendons.
Over time, your body’s natural aging processes can cause the tissues in or around a joint to become damaged. This can result in pain and stiffness. Often, arthritis is the cause of these symptoms.
Arthritis of the shoulder occurs when the cartilage in a joint breaks down, or when other tissues in the joint wear out. Common types of shoulder arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions are also known as degenerative arthritis.
Shoulder arthritis can be caused by an injury or repetitive movements. It can also be a result of other health conditions, such as heart disease, poor posture or diabetes.
Symptoms of shoulder arthritis include pain and tenderness. This can be a constant feeling or it can come and go. It can be felt in a specific area or it can spread to other parts of your shoulder and neck. Some people with shoulder arthritis may have a feeling of warmth or burning. This is when the tissue around the joint becomes inflamed. It is a sign that the immune system is trying to defend the body against infection or repair damage.
Other signs of shoulder arthritis include pain that gets worse when you move your arm. Some people with shoulder arthritis may also notice that their hand or forearm is weaker than usual. Depending on the type of arthritis, your doctor may order tests to help find the cause of your shoulder pain. These tests include X-rays, a CT scan and an MRI.
Generally, most people with shoulder problems will find that the pain settles over time. Changing activities, using self-management methods and taking medication will help to reduce pain and swelling. If the problem does not improve, your doctor may recommend surgery. This can involve arthroscopy for smaller repairs, or traditional open surgery for larger reconstructions and replacements. In some cases, such as with a rotator cuff tear or a complete dislocation, surgery may be needed fairly early on.
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Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between bones and other moving parts in a joint, like muscles, tendons and skin. Inflammation of the bursa — called bursitis — is painful. The condition often occurs in the knees and elbows, but can occur elsewhere in the body as well. People who do repetitive motions for long periods of time, like pitchers throwing baseballs or workers lifting boxes, are at increased risk of developing the problem. Other risk factors include poor posture, a joint that’s misaligned or uneven (such as legs that are different lengths or arthritis), and having other conditions like gout or rheumatoid arthritis that can lead to inflammation.
The first step in treating bursitis is to rest the affected area, which may mean avoiding activities that put pressure on the joints and taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Ice packs, applied for 10 to 15 minutes at a time as needed, can reduce pain and swelling. Heat, applied for short periods of time as needed, can also help. When you’re ready to resume your normal activities, do so gradually. This gives the injured tissues and bursae a chance to heal before you return to your usual routine.
If your symptoms don’t improve, your doctor may order medical imaging tests to see the extent of the injury, such as X-rays or an MRI. They might also inject the affected area with an anti-inflammatory medication, such as cortisone. If an infection is suspected, they might aspirate the inflamed bursa and use antibiotics to treat the infection.
In rare cases, when noninvasive treatments don’t provide improvement, surgery to remove the inflamed bursa might be recommended. This procedure is done with an arthroscope (an endoscope for joints), which requires only small incisions. Recovery is usually quick, with most patients able to return to their regular activities within six to 10 weeks. To prevent the problem from returning, practice good posture, keep the joints moving, and avoid sitting or sleeping for long periods of time. If you’re working with tools for long periods of time, try switching hands or changing the grip on your tool regularly.