{"id":4961,"date":"2019-03-14T07:33:35","date_gmt":"2019-03-14T07:33:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=4961"},"modified":"2021-05-28T16:05:29","modified_gmt":"2021-05-28T16:05:29","slug":"14-causes-of-bursitis-in-shoulder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-causes-of-bursitis-in-shoulder\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Causes of Bursitis in Shoulder"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Injury or Trauma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common causes of shoulder bursitis is an injury <\/a>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Repetitive Pressure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another reason that a person may develop bursitis <\/a>in the shoulder is simply overuse of the shoulder muscles. Often times, the frequent mini-traumas that we put our shoulders through each day can cause inflammation in the bursa. These mini traumas can cause the same type of issues as one major more serious trauma. A person who has to lift their arms over their head for sports or work are more prone to develop shoulder bursitis over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are certain jobs that people may have that can increase their risk of developing bursitis in the shoulder. Some of these jobs include baseball pitchers, tennis players, swimmers, painters, and wall paper hangers. People who work at a job where they have to continuously lift heavy items over their heads may also be at a higher risk for developing shoulder bursitis. Taking proper care of the shoulder is important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Age<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Getting older is something that we cannot do anything about. After all, aging is just simply a part of life. Unfortunately, as we age our bodies begin to deteriorate. This can cause many types of health issues including the development of shoulder bursitis. A person of any age can be affected by shoulder bursitis, especially those who work in an industry that requires overwork of the shoulder muscles<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, as a person gets older their risk of developing shoulder bursitis becomes much higher. This is simply because the joints and muscles in the body begin to wear down over time. The cushion that helps the joints move can become thinner with time and this can cause pain in the joints. Taking proper care of the joints when you are younger can help to reduce the risk of developing bursitis as you age. Anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce some of the pain caused by shoulder bursitis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Posture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember when you were younger and your parents and grandparents stressed the importance of good posture<\/a>. It turns out that they were right to do this. Poor posture is one of the causes of shoulder bursitis as well as many other joint-related issues. A person who hunches their shoulders regularly are decreasing the space located between the glenohumeral and acromion shoulder joints. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This makes it more likely that the tissue that is located in between these joints is being squeezed too much and this can cause them to become irritated. This irritation can lead to inflammation, which in turn can lead to pain and other symptoms that are associated with bursitis. One of the ways that you can reduce the risk of developing bursitis over time is to make sure that you practice good posture throughout your life. Sitting and standing up straight can go a long way when it comes to joint issues in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Muscle Weakness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to shoulder bursitis, simple muscle weakness<\/a> or a low amount of muscle coordination can cause shoulder bursitis to develop. People who spend a lot of their time sitting and who do not get enough exercise can experience muscle weakness. This happens because the muscles are not being worked enough. When we do not do anything to strengthen the muscles they will become weaker over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the muscles become weak, there are many health issues that may arise. This includes inflammation and issues with the joints. When the muscles surrounding the shoulder become weak it leaves the area more prone to injury. A slight bump or extended use of the muscles can cause inflammation in the area. This inflammation can cause a person to experience the pain and other symptoms that are associated with shoulder bursitis. Exercising can improve muscle strength and reduce the risk of shoulder bursitis developing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Calcium Deposits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The tendons are what connect the muscles to the bones. At times, calcium <\/a>can build up in this area and can cause a condition referred to as calcific tendonitis. These deposits have the consistency of toothpaste and they may spread out around the tendons or develop in a single spot. It is not known exactly what causes calcium deposits to develop. However, it is more common for women to develop them than men. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, these occur in people over the age of thirty. There is also a link between calcium deposits developing in the tendons and thyroid disorders and diabetes. Most of the time this calcium will not cause any type of issues. However, if the deposits become larger or if they become inflamed, they can cause pain. Calcium deposits most often will affect the shoulder area as they typically will form in the rotator cuff and cause a person to experience shoulder pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Bone Spurs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bone spurs<\/a> are growths that can form on a normal bone. This growth is typically smoot and may or may not cause any issues. However, it can cause wear and tear on the bones or soft tissues as they continuously rub up against it. One of the more common spots for a bone spur to form is on the shoulder. The complex structure of the shoulder allows it to move in a bunch of different directions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through time the tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones that make up the shoulder can wear against each other. A bone spur may form in the narrow area between the shoulder blade and the tendons. This can cause irritation in the shoulder, which can lead to inflammation. If a bone spur is large enough it may need to be surgically removed in order to alleviate the pain and symptoms associated with shoulder bursitis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Infections and Autoimmune Diseases<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An infection in any part of the body can cause inflammation to occur. This inflammation can cause all sorts of health issues, including shoulder bursitis. Common autoimmune diseases such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis<\/a>, thyroid disease, and psoriasis are all diseases that can cause shoulder bursitis as well. Any disease that causes any type of inflammation can cause a person to develop bursitis in the shoulder as well as in the other joints of the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you suffer from one of these types of diseases or if you are suffering from any type of infection, the risk for developing shoulder bursitis is increased. Proper treatment for these types of ailments is important for your health overall. Making sure that you are properly seeking treatment for these other ailments can help reduce the risk of developing bursitis. A medical professional will be able to help you determine the best course of treatment for your health issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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