Shoulder bursitis is a common but uncomfortable condition that causes pain and limits movement in the shoulder. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Dominique Nickson is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder bursitis. He’s proud to offer these services to patients at Next Step Orthopedics in McKinney, Texas and surrounding areas including Frisco, Allen, Plano and Prosper, Texas.
The shoulder’s bursa is a tiny sack filled with gel. It rests between the joints in the shoulder, and it’s responsible for reducing friction during movement. Shoulder bursitis occurs when this sack becomes inflamed.
The most common symptoms of shoulder bursitis include pain in the shoulder, stiffness, and a limited ability to move the shoulder. The pain usually develops on the outside of the shoulder, and it may be worse when the patient is sleeping or attempts to raise the arm above the head.
In severe cases, shoulder bursitis can lead to a more serious condition, such as shoulder impingement syndrome. This condition will require more extensive treatment.
Shoulder bursitis occurs when the bursa becomes inflamed because of an underlying rheumatic condition like arthritis, an infection, or an injury.
If a patient comes in with symptoms that indicate shoulder bursitis, Dr. Nickson will begin by examining the shoulder. During this examination, he will pay special attention to the discomfort the patient experiences with specific movements of the shoulder. He will also ask questions about the patient’s history, and he may order imaging tests to rule out other possible causes of pain, such as a fracture.
If Dr. Nickson confirms a diagnosis of shoulder bursitis, he will recommend treatments based on the severity of the condition and the patient’s preferences. In many cases, patients can recover from shoulder bursitis by:
If the condition has progressed to shoulder impingement syndrome, the patient may need more invasive treatment, such as surgery.
Shoulder bursitis is often a recurrent problem that may return after treatment. Patients can avoid future episodes of bursitis by avoiding repetitive overhead motions and working to strengthen and stabilize the shoulder. Patients should also follow all of Dr. Nickson’s post-treatment instructions carefully to reduce the risk of future problems.
"Dr. Nickson & his staff are awesome. He took a very cautious approach to the treatment of my broken foot, and I think he saved my foot. I would highly recommend him"
"Dr. Nickson is a knowledgeable and skilled orthopedic surgeon that listens to his patients’ concerns."
"Dr. Nickson is professional and comforting. He listened to my issues (they were extensive) while making me feel as if I was his only patient."
"If you are looking for a doctor who cares and a medical staff that loves there job and patients, this is the place."
"Dr. Nickson is an excellent doctor, an expert in his field and very thorough. Very pleased with my ankle reconstruction results."
