Shoulder bursitis is a painful inflammation of the bursa that cushions the shoulder joint. It is a common condition that can affect anyone but athletes, elderly and people with shoulder injuries are more prone to shoulder bursitis. Shoulder bursitis is usually manageable with rest, ice and physiotherapy. However, in some cases shoulder bursitis can be serious and require medical intervention. In this blog post, we will discuss when shoulder bursitis is serious and what you can do to manage the condition.
Severity of Pain – Sharp and constant pain is a sign of a more serious condition. If you experience severe shoulder pain that doesn’t go away with rest, you should consult a chiropractor or a physiotherapist. They will assess your condition and design a treatment plan to manage your pain.
Limited Shoulder Movement – Shoulder bursitis can cause limited movement in the shoulder joint. If you experience difficulty moving your shoulder, you should seek medical attention. It could be a sign of a more serious condition such as rotator cuff tear, frozen shoulder, or arthritis.
Swelling – Swelling around the shoulder joint is another sign that shoulder bursitis is serious. The swelling can indicate an infection or a more severe inflammation of the bursa. If you notice swelling around the shoulder joint, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Loss of Strength – Shoulder bursitis can weaken the shoulder muscles and cause loss of strength. If you experience weakness in your arm or shoulder, you should seek medical attention. The weakness could be a sign of a rotator cuff tear or nerve damage. It is essential to stay active with shoulder bursitis to prevent the loss of strength.
Chronic Shoulder Bursitis – If shoulder bursitis becomes chronic, it can lead to long-term shoulder joint damage. Chronic shoulder bursitis can lead to the formation of scar tissue and calcification, making the condition harder to manage. If you have been suffering from shoulder bursitis for an extended period, you should seek medical attention.
Shoulder bursitis can be serious in some cases, and it is essential to seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, limited shoulder movement, swelling, loss of strength, or chronic shoulder bursitis. A chiropractor or a physiotherapist can help you manage the condition and prevent long-term damage to your shoulder joint. Remember to rest, ice, and perform physiotherapy exercises recommended by your healthcare provider to manage your shoulder bursitis effectively.
