14 Causes of Bursitis in Shoulder

Shoulder bursitis is a condition where the cushions of a joint, which are called bursa, are inflamed. There are more than 150 bursae located throughout the body. The main functions of the bursa are to decrease the friction caused by the two surfaces as they are moving in different directions. Bursa is made up of a thin sac that is filled with synovial fluid.

This fluid is similar in consistency to an egg white. When the bursae are healthy they provide a frictionless movement between the tendons, muscles, and bones as they are moving in opposition or coordination. If the bursa becomes inflamed it can cause localized swelling and pain and may even impair movement. Most often, bursitis occurs because of repetitive stress on the joints. The symptoms of bursitis can vary but typically include stiffness, warmth, and pain in the joints. Here are eight common causes of shoulder bursitis.

1. Injury or Trauma

One of the most common causes of shoulder bursitis is an injury or a trauma to the shoulder area. Hitting the shoulder on a hard surface or falling down and landing on the shoulder can cause the bursa to fill up with blood and for the lining to become inflamed. While the body will reabsorb the blood, the lining of the bursa can remain inflamed.

This inflammation can cause symptoms of bursitis. When this happens it is referred to as traumatic bursitis. If you have injured your shoulder in some way either through hitting it on a hard surface or from a fall, it is a good idea to ice the area right away. Applying ice to the area can help to reduce the swelling that is caused by the injury and can also reduce the inflammation. Ice the area for fifteen minutes at a time every two hours after an injury has occurred.