Symptoms of Bursitis in the Shoulder

Pain, swelling, and stiffness in the shoulder could be a sign of bursitis. Resting the shoulder and applying ice can help, but it is best to seek an orthopedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis of your shoulder injury. Proper diagnosis and treatment are the best way to ensure your shoulder heals properly. At the Virgin Islands Orthopaedics and Medical Specialists in St. Thomas and St. Croix, orthopaedics services are provided by Dr. Jeffrey Chase, who can diagnose and treat your bursitis.

What is Bursitis?

The shoulder contains bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that provide cushioning between tendons, bones, and muscles in the shoulder joint. Bursitis is a condition in which the bursae become swollen or inflamed, which can be painful.

Bursitis in the shoulder can be caused by an injury or a medical condition, such as arthritis. It can also be the result of performing repetitive motions that put stress on the shoulder joint. For example, golfers can be at risk for developing bursitis in the shoulder from the motion of repeatedly swinging a golf club.

Symptoms of Bursitis

Several symptoms can develop as a result of bursitis in the shoulder. These symptoms can include:

  • Sharp pain
  • Shoulder stiffness
  • Shoulder swelling or redness
  • Pain or discomfort when moving the shoulder
  • Pain when lying on the affected shoulder
  • Fever (if an infection has developed)

Treatment

Dr. Chase, our skilled orthopedic surgeon, treats bursitis of the shoulder at our orthopaedics practices in St. Thomas and St. Croix. After a thorough examination, which can include x-ray imaging and lab tests, the doctor will develop an individualized treatment plan for healing the shoulder injury and alleviating pain and discomfort.

Methods for treating bursitis in the shoulder include:

  • Resting the shoulder joint
  • Applying ice to the injured area
  • Pain relief medications
  • Antibiotics (if an infection is present)
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Shoulder surgery

Bursitis in the shoulder is associated with several different symptoms, including stiffness, pain, and swelling. For the treatment of bursitis and other orthopaedics services in St. Thomas and St. Croix, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chase by calling Virgin Islands Orthopaedics and Medical Specialists at (340) 714-2845 for St. Thomas or at (340) 692-5000 for St. Croix.

St Thomas

340-714-2845

St Croix

340-692-5000

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Saint Thomas

Monday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-4:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

St. Croix

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed