Shoulder Impingement Syndrome or Rotator Cuff Impingement
March 9, 2011 by Dr. Marc Darrow, M.D.
Filed under Shoulder Pain
Dr. Marc Darrow, M.D., J.D.
Shoulder impingement syndrome involves one or a combination of problems: inflammation and/or swelling of the bursa located just over the rotator cuff, inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons (tendonitis), or calcium deposits in tendons—called calcific tendonitis, (caused by wear and tear or injury). The main problem is usually that the acromium or a bone spur puts pressure on the supraspinatus tendon. This type of injury usually occurs as a result of wear and tear. Typically in athletes whose sport requires repetitive overhead movements such as serving in tennis, swimming, strength training or weight lifting, and golfing. This injury is also seen frequently in baseball pitchers and basketball players, where a great deal of overhead arm motion is required.
The symptoms include pain from the shoulder to the elbow, especially when the arm is raised above the head, reduced arm strength and range of motion without pain. A future article will deal with rotator cuff tear in more detail.
Because inflammation is present, a patient will usually be told to immobilize the area to prevent further irritation and inflammation, and be prescribed anti-inflammatory medications and perhaps a cortisone injection. Treatments whose side effects and long-term effect on injured joints have been well documented.
