Bursitis. Bursitis refers to painful irritation of the bursa which overlays the shoulder joint. The bursa overlies the joint like a deflated balloon and allows the skin free motion over the joint structure. Irritation within the bursa is commonly seen after injury to the shoulder joint area; the formation of calcium plaques tend to prolong the irritation. These factors tend to prevent complete and permanent relief of pain in this area. There are also bursa in many other sections of the body, but
Fig. 148. Shoulder joint pain includes arthritis, bursitis, calcification and injuries of joints. A most purposeful joint, disease here can be very disabling. Correct examination and diagnosis are effective in pointing out effective treatment for most cases.
they are best known for their shoulder region location, where they cause ninety percent of their difficulties.
Bursitis is definitely a difficulty of later years. It has long been treated by heat, rest and pain relief through medication and now by calcium dissolving and anti-inflammatory drugs within the bursae itself. Cortisone preparations have become a very effective treatment for bursitis, and x-rays not only reveal the calcium deposits in the bursa, but frequently are also effective for their anti-inflammatory effect. The physician’s care can be relied upon to obtain relief for the majority of patients afflicted with bursitis.