What is Bursitis of the Shoulder?

Bursa is a specialised structure found within & around the tendons of a joint to prevent it from unnecessary friction during movement of the joint. Swelling or inflammation of this bursa is called as bursitis. Most common site of bursitis in the shoulder is subacromial bursitis. Since the bursa is in close proximity of a tendon it is often associated with tendinitis & vice versa

What are the causes of bursitis & tendinitis of the shoulder?

There could be physical or metabolic, reduction in the subacromial space due any reason can lead to pinching of the bursa or the tendon leading to swelling. Amongst the metabolic causes diabetes, hypothyroidism & gout are one of the important causes leading to bursal & tendon swellling.

How does tendinitis of the shoulder present & how it is different from bursitis of the shoulder?

Any lifting movement of the shoulder will be painful especially lifting the arm in front of the body, bursitis on the other hand will present as pinching sensation or pain while moving the shoulder around even when not lifting the arm or pain during sleep at night. Both are associated with some morning stiffness in the shoulder

Does Bursitis or Tendinitis recover on its own?

Unless the enticing cause is identified & treated it is less likely that both the issues will settle on their own. Some antiinflammatory medications will bring down the pain but it will recur after the effect wears off Identifying the cause & treating it will bring down the inflammation & later specific exercises can be started to recover muscle weakness arising from the swelling

What are the consequences if tendinitis is left untreated?

Persistent swelling of the tendon will lead to its weakness & it will eventually tear which will need surgical repair as shoulder tendons once torn do not heal spontaneously