Do you also feel a tightness in your shoulder, a pain when you raise your arm? Sometimes it's so difficult that you can't even do a small task, right? This is a problem that many people have. Today, let's talk about this pain in the shoulder, which is called Shoulder Tendonitis.
What is Shoulder Tendonitis?
Simply put, shoulder tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons , a type of tissue that are inside your shoulder joint. Think of your shoulder joint as a doorknob. A group of muscles help to keep it stable. These are called the rotator cuff muscles. The biceps tendon also helps with this. These muscles and tendons are what hold the upper arm bone, the humerus , in place in the shoulder socket, or glenoid .
Now, do you know how this tendonitis develops? When there's not enough space between the bone at the top of your shoulder (we call it the acromion) and these rotator cuff muscles, tendons, they start to get pinched and pinched. That's when this inflammation occurs. To be precise, if the rotator cuff tendons become inflamed, it's called rotator cuff tendonitis . If the biceps tendon becomes inflamed, it's called biceps tendonitis . Got it?
How does it feel when you have shoulder tendinitis?
The pain experienced can vary from person to person. While some may feel like a stiff shoulder, others may experience unbearable pain. Often, the pain starts at the top of the shoulder and travels down the arm. This pain may be worse when you raise or rotate your arm. Other symptoms include:
- Just a dull ache, like numbness.
- The shoulder hurts even when touched (tenderness).
- The pain increases at night and it's hard to sleep.
- It's hard to keep your hands in some positions.
- You may see a little swelling.
- The range of movement and lifting of the arm decreases (loss of mobility).
- When you shake your shoulder, you hear a "click" sound.
Think about Uncle Sugath in our village. He works as a carpenter. So, because he carries wood and loads it all day long, his right shoulder has been hurting for a while. He can't sleep at night, and when he tries to raise his arm, he makes a "knock" sound. Has something like this happened to you?
Why does tendinitis develop in this shoulder?
This condition is often caused by sports injuries. It is especially common in sports that involve prolonged overhead movements. Here are a few examples:
- Baseball
- Swimming
- Racquet sports like tennis
- Golf
- Weightlifting
- Volleyball
Improper technique in these sports is the main reason for tendonitis, which is caused by excessive strain on tissues such as tendons. Strictly speaking, it cannot be said that this does not happen just because you are not an athlete. People who work with their hands above their heads (for example, those who do assembly work or operate overhead pressing machines) and those who lift weights are also at risk. Not only that, but anyone can develop this condition due to repetitive use of these tendons. Sometimes, tendonitis can occur in this way if there is a direct blow to the shoulder or if the arm falls with its arm outstretched.
Who is most at risk for this condition?
As we age, the flexibility of our tendons naturally decreases. So, the risk of developing shoulder tendinitis increases with age. Here are some other risk factors:
- Engaging in sports that involve repetitive movements (e.g., baseball, swimming, tennis).
- Working in jobs that require repetitive movements or overhead work (e.g. painters, porters, roofers).
- Household chores, that means continuing to do things like sweeping, pulling weeds, and mowing the lawn.
- Having other health conditions that put pressure on the tendons, such as arthritis .
- Starting a physical activity without warming up (not stretching) before engaging in it.
What are the possible complications if left untreated?
If this is not treated properly, the problem can get worse. This means things like:
- Hand movements are limited and strength is reduced.
- I can't sleep at night because of the pain.
- It becomes difficult to perform normal daily tasks. For example, even things like buttoning up or picking up something that is on top can be difficult.
How do you diagnose this?
When you go to see a doctor, he or she will first ask you about your medical history, any previous illnesses, and perform a physical exam. Then, if necessary, he or she will order a few more tests. Some of these include:
- X-rays
- Ultrasound scans
- MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging - MRI scan)
Stages of shoulder tendinitis
Your doctor may use these stages to classify your condition:
- Overuse tendonitis: Repeated repetitive movements can put excessive stress on your rotator cuff. This can cause the tendons to become damaged, torn, or even torn. This can lead to pain and weakness.
- Calcific tendonitis: Sometimes, long-term inflammation can cause calcium deposits to form inside the rotator cuff tendons. This can make it difficult to move the shoulder and reduce strength.
- Rotator cuff tear: If shoulder tendinitis becomes severe due to degeneration or tearing of the tendons, part or all of the rotator cuff can tear. This can cause severe pain, weakness, and limited movement.
How is this treated?
Treatment for shoulder tendinitis depends on several factors, including your age, the nature of your symptoms, and the severity of your condition. Your doctor may recommend rest, shoulder wraps, and ice packs, especially if the injury is new or severe. There are also other nonsurgical treatment options:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications such as aspirin, naproxen , or ibuprofen can be used to reduce pain and swelling. However, it is best to consult a doctor before using them.
- Physical therapy: Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist . A physical therapist can teach you range of motion exercises and strengthening exercises to increase your shoulder's range of motion.
- Corticosteroid injection: If you have persistent, severe shoulder pain , a cortisone injection may be given. This can provide quick pain relief.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: This involves injecting a concentrated concentration of platelets, extracted from your own blood, back into the shoulder. This is said to speed up wound healing and the healing process.
When is surgery necessary?
If you have a complete or partial tear of your rotator cuff or biceps tendon, and other treatments don't relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery involves repairing the damaged tendon (s) and removing the swollen bursae that are causing pain in your shoulder.
How long does it take to heal?
The time it takes to heal varies depending on the severity of the injury. Mild cases can begin to heal within two to four weeks with non-surgical treatment. However, more severe cases can take several months. Your doctor can give you a clear idea of the recovery time based on your condition.
When can I go back to normal work?
The most important thing is to rest your shoulder until you are completely free of pain and other symptoms. When returning to work, sports, or other activities, start slowly and carefully. Warm up well with flexibility exercises. Minimize the amount of time you raise your arm above your head, and don't do this activity for too long at a time. Get plenty of rest. Gradually increase your activity level without rushing.
Remember, if you go back to playing while you're in pain, the injury could get worse.
Can't this be prevented from happening?
Since shoulder tendinitis is often caused by overuse, the best treatment is prevention . It is important to either avoid or modify the activities that cause the problem. It is important to correct underlying conditions, such as improper posture or poor technique during sports or at work.
Follow these basic rules during activities:
- Start small and gradually increase your activity level.
- Use limited force and limited repetitions.
- If you experience any unusual pain, stop immediately.
Do you need to see a doctor?
Most cases of shoulder tendinitis will resolve on their own over time. However, depending on the severity, it can take weeks to months to heal. In these cases, you should definitely see a doctor:
- If you have pain that interferes with your normal daily activities.
- If self-care measures at home do not relieve the pain.
- If the disease recurs.
- If your shoulder appears red and swollen along with a fever. (These symptoms indicate that you may have an infection.)
- If you have other medical conditions that increase your risk of infection.
- If you are taking medications that increase the risk of infection, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants .
Things to ask your doctor/doctor
If you have shoulder tendinitis, you may want to ask your doctor questions like these:
- How long will this pain last?
- What treatments do you recommend?
- Do you think I will need surgery?
- When will I be able to resume my normal activities (sports/work)?
- What can I do to prevent shoulder tendinitis in the future?
Things to remember to take home
Having shoulder tendinitis can be really frustrating, especially when you can't play the sport you love. You'll need to rest your shoulder for a few weeks to allow the tendon to heal. This can be difficult, but it's important to stay off the field until your doctor says it's safe to do so. You don't want to get hurt again. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly, and you'll be back to your normal activities in no time.
So, if you experience shoulder pain, don't take it lightly. See a doctor immediately and get advice. Then you can recover quickly and get back to your work.
` Shoulder pain, tendinitis, rotator cuff, shoulder injuries, sports injuries, physical therapy, shoulder joint
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