Subacromial bursitis

Subacromial bursitis is an inflammatory condition that occurs in the shoulder joint when the bursa, the structure that protects the tendons from excessive friction on the acromion bone, becomes inflamed. Common symptoms of this condition include shoulder pain, especially when raising the arm or sleeping on the affected shoulder, shoulder weakness, and difficulty moving the arm at certain angles.

Causes of Subacromial Bursitis
The most common cause of subacromial bursitis is repetitive overuse of the shoulder, especially during work or sports activities that involve repetitive arm movements, such as lifting weights, playing tennis, or throwing a baseball.

Other possible causes include:

• Direct trauma to the shoulder
• Arthritis
• Tendon or muscle injuries
• Abnormal shoulder posture
• Weight overload
• Scapula joint problems
• Any other condition that causes inflammation in the shoulder joint.

Diagnosis of Subacromial Bursitis
Subacromial bursitis is diagnosed through a medical history and physical examination. Your doctor may look for symptoms such as shoulder pain, arm weakness, and difficulty moving the shoulder. They may also perform tests such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI to look for signs of inflammation in the subacromial bursa and rule out other shoulder conditions.

Treatment of Subacromial Bursitis
Treatment of subacromial bursitis may include a combination of noninvasive and invasive therapies. Some treatment options include:

• Physical therapy: to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve mobility
• Stretching exercises to relax tight muscles
• Ice application to reduce inflammation
• Ultrasound-guided injections of corticosteroids and anesthetics to reduce pain and inflammation; in extreme cases, surgery may be necessary

It is important to work with a specialist to determine the best treatment plan for each individual case. Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that treatment for subacromial bursitis may also include preventative measures to avoid future injuries and recurrences.

Make an appointment with Dr. Jordi Jiménez. He will see you in the center of Palma and help you regain your quality of life.