Rotator Cuff Tendinitis or Shoulder Impingement
What is Rotator Cuff Tendinitis or Shoulder Impingement?
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis can occur when the tendons in the rotator cuff become swollen or damaged. Shoulder impingement is another medical term for rotator cuff tendinitis.
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis Causes
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis tends to occur in people over the age of 30 and can be caused by:
- Shoulder injuries
- Falling on the arm when the arm is extended
- Repetitive motions in sports or on the job
- Repetitive heavy lifting
- Repeatedly reaching overhead
If you have a history of shoulder issues in your family, you may be more at risk of developing Rotator Cuff Tendinitis.
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis Symptoms
Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tendinitis may include:
- Pain in the outer part of the upper arm
- Front shoulder pain
- Top shoulder pain
- Shoulder pain that gets worse when raising hands above the head
- Shoulder pain that gets worse when reaching behind
- Shoulder pain that disturbs sleeping
- Front shoulder swelling
- Front shoulder tenderness
- The shoulder "clicks" when raising arms above the head
- Loss of strength
- Loss in shoulder range of motion
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis Diagnosis
Our shoulder specialists can help you determine if your shoulder pain is the result of Rotator Cuff Tendinitis. Rotator Cuff Tendinitis may be diagnosed through the following methods:
- A shoulder specialist performing tests on patient arm strength
- A shoulder specialist observing a patient as they move their arm in different ways
- An ultrasound
- An MRI
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis Treatment
Our shoulder specialists can determine the best course of treatment for your Rotator Cuff Tendinitis which may include the following:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Rest
- Regularly applying ice to the shoulder
- Applying heat to the shoulder once shoulder pain has subsided. Heat can help reduce shoulder stiffness.
- Stretches as specified by a shoulder specialist
- Physical therapy
- Surgery, if necessary