Shoulder tendonitis is a common and painful condition that affects the tendons in the shoulder joint. It is usually the result of repetitive movements or overuse and can significantly affect daily activities.
Shoulder tendinitis, also known as rotator cuff-tendinitis, occurs when the tendons that make up the rotator cuff become inflamed due to overuse, strain or injury. The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that stabilize and facilitate movement of the shoulder.
Shoulder tendinitis: causes
Several factors can contribute to the development of shoulder tendinitis, including:
- Overuse: Activities that involve repetitive overhead arm movements, such as swimming and tennis, can strain the tendons.
- Age: As age increases, tendons can degenerate naturally, making them more vulnerable to injury.
- Poor posture: Stooping or poor posture can put additional pressure on shoulder tendons.
- Injury: A direct injury to the shoulder can damage the tendons, leading to tendonitis.
Shoulder tendinitis: symptoms
Common symptoms of shoulder tendinitis include:
- Pain: usually deep pain in the shoulder, often worsening with movement. Also, pain due to tendonitis can be particularly bothersome during sleep or when patients lie on the affected shoulder
- Weakness: Weakened shoulder muscles can make it difficult to lift or carry objects.
- Rigidity: The shoulder may feel stiff and have a reduced range of motion.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis of shoulder tendinitis usually involves a clinical examination to evaluate range of motion, strength and tenderness in the shoulder and imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs to rule out other possible health problems that may be causing the symptoms.
Treatment for shoulder tendinitis aims to reduce pain, inflammation and promote healing. A treatment plan may include:
- Rest: reducing or modifying activities that aggravate symptoms is essential.
- Ice therapy: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Medications: painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and inflammation.
- Physiotherapy: Targeted exercises can strengthen shoulder muscles, improve flexibility and restore range of motion.
- Corticosteroid injections, to reduce inflammation in the shoulder.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP injections can promote healing using the patient's own blood.
- Shock wave therapy: High-energy shock waves can be directed to the affected area to promote healing.
In severe cases or when other treatments are ineffective, surgery may be considered to repair the damaged tendons. The most common surgical options for shoulder tendonitis repair are arthroscopic cleaning (insertion of a camera and tools through small incisions and cleaning of the area), rotator cuff repair (reattaching torn or damaged tendons to the bone using sutures, open surgery or arthroscopic surgery) and subacromial decompression (removal of a small part of the subacromion to create more space for the rotator cuff tendons and to avoid impingement).
Shoulder tendinitis can be painful and limit patients' ability to perform daily activities. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, most individuals can find relief and regain shoulder functionality. Effective management and rehabilitation can help patients recover from shoulder tendinitis and return to daily activities comfortably and pain-free.
To learn more about shoulder tendinitis, contact us at 211 - 4057040 or orthopedikos-papagiannopoulos.gr and make an appointment.
