Bursitis of the Shoulder

Description: Bursitis probably the most common shoulder condition presenting to a doctor's office. When it does not respond to traditional simple measures such as a modification of activities or a trial of anti-inflammatory medicines (e.g. Motrin, Naprosyn, Volterin, etc., etc.), then many times it is appropriate to consider referral to an orthopedic surgeon for better delineation of the problem. The suffix "itis" in medicine refers to an inflammation (irritation). A "bursa" is a fibrous covering overlying a bone. Hence, bursitis is an irritative condition overlying the bones in the shoulder. Frequently an injection with a cortisone type preparation will be tried to see if the symptoms are alleviated.