What Are the Causes of Shoulder Bursitis?

The shoulder has small fluid-filled sacs called bursa that provide a cushion between tendons, bones and skin. Shoulder bursitis is an irritation or inflammation of a bursa in the shoulder.

Overuse

• According to the University of Virginia Health System, the most common causes of bursitis are injury or overuse. For example, frequently extending your arm at a high speed with a high load (for example, pitching a baseball) can cause bursitis. Other activities that commonly cause shoulder bursitis are painting, hanging wallpaper or drapes or washing windows.

Other Causes

• Other possible causes of shoulder bursitis are infection, arthritis, thyroid disease and diabetes.

Symptoms

• The most common symptoms of shoulder bursitis are mild to severe pain and restricted movement of the shoulder and arm.

Treatment

• According to the Hospital for Special Surgery, possible initial treatments for shoulder bursitis include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections or ultrasound therapy, followed by shoulder-strengthening exercises after the pain decreases.

Prevention

• According to the University of Michigan Health System, to help prevent bursitis, warm up and stretch your shoulder before activities that involve overhead movement of your arms. If you experience shoulder pain during these activities, slow down until the pain goes away.

Considerations

• Bursitis often occurs together with rotator cuff tendinitis.