- Pain while raising your arm above your shoulder
- Pain while reaching backwards, as if to grab something in a rear pants pocket
- Pain when pressing on the area
- Warmth of area
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Shoulder “catches” while raising or lowering it
Causes and Risk Factors
Causes- Injury
- Use, especially during overhead exercises
- Pressure on one joint for a long time
- Repetitive exercises, especially throwing
Risk Factors
- Strenuous activity
- Repetitive action
Bursitis is not usually accompanied by fever, although the joint area may feel mildly warm.
Treatment
Immediate Action
- Know your physical limitations.
- Don’t “tough out” the pain in strenuous activity.
- With any recent injury, use RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
- For frequent pain, if the joint is not warm or swollen, heat may help relieve some of the joint pain.
- Mild exercise will loosen and strengthen joints.
See your doctor...
If: you have pain in one joint for several days straight, you take a prescription painkiller or anti-inflammatory drug, but swelling persists.
To: get medication for pain and swelling.Procedures
For severe cases, it may be necessary to inject corticosteroids. In very severe cases, surgery may also be considered to remove the affected bursae or associated bone spurs.Medications
Possible medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Prevention
Take steps to avoid excessive overhead lifting or shoulder injury and pay attention to ergonomics in daily activities, such as comfortable desk and work surroundings.
Last updated: 10-Oct-00
