The Causes and Treatments for Supraspinatus Tendonitis
Supraspinatus tendonitis or what is commonly known as rotator cuff tendonitis is the most treated form of tendonitis. The rotator cuff is made up of many tendons and it is the supraspinatus tendon that connects the shoulder blade to the arm bone, and it is the tendon that is most susceptible to tendonitis.
The leading cause of this condition is repetitive movement, such as the arm movements required for playing tennis and a number of other sports. While a number of sports can result in a person suffering from supraspinatus tendonitis, certain sports are more likely to cause the condition than others. Either way, the pain and discomfort can be unbearable.
When it comes to tendonitis that is sports related, tennis players and baseball players are more at risk as well as swimmers, and golfers. Supraspinatus tendonitis does not only develop in people that play sports though, as there are certain jobs that have more chance than others and it is jobs like carpentry, painting, and decorating will cause this condition. Certainly, the condition starts in the shoulder or the arm that is used the most.
How can you tell if you have supraspinatus tendonitis?
Overall, the condition begins with a dull pain in the shoulder; however, it can also spread down the arm and even across the chest region. Any arm movements like extending it or lifting it will cause much pain. People that experience this problem also discover that sleeping is not easy because of the weight being placed on the arm or shoulder that will end up in much pain.
If left untreated, the condition will become steadily worse and eventually it will be virtually impossible to move the arm at all without experiencing excruciating pain. Once it reaches this stage, those with the condition will do their utmost to avoid moving their arm, and of course this then results in the shoulder joint becoming increasingly stiff.
Over and above the pain and stiffness, one can often experience bruising and noticeable swelling around the immediate area. Also, the shoulder area may appear to be red, in which case it will also be tender to the touch. Interestingly enough, when swelling occurs, it usually does so internally rather than externally, although it will of course still be visible.
Treatments
If the condition is allowed to progress to an advanced stage, there it is no other option but to seek professional medical treatment. In most cases, medication such as painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs will be prescribed in conjunction with physiotherapy, which of course will be necessary in order to restore movement. If the tendon has on the other hand been severely injured, surgery may be required.
If you play regular support which demands repetitive arm movements, or you’re in an occupation which requires repetitive arm movements, and you begin experiencing a dull aching pain in your shoulder area, don’t be tempted to ignore it in the hope that it will simply go away. Remember, rotator cuff tendonitis can end up being unbearably painful, and as such, you should seek treatment at the earliest possible time.
Tom Nicholson has spent years caring for carpal tunnel sufferers. You can follow this link to learn more regarding having asore wrist.
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