Supraspinatus tendonitis is the condition which affects the supraspinatus muscle of the shoulder. Its inflammation can cause severe pain and discomfort. This story will help you understand more about this condition and the causes, symptoms, and treatment for the same.
The supraspinatus muscle is located in the shoulder, and is one of the 4 rotator cuff muscles. This muscle has a tendon as well, which is attached to the bone. It originates from the inner edge of the upper shoulder, traveling all the way to the upper bone of the arm. When the tendon attached to the muscle is inflamed, is called supraspinatus tendonitis.
Mostly, people who are involved in physical activities such as sportsmen, athletes, etc., tend to suffer from this condition. As per statistics, 6 out of 10 causes of shoulder pain are linked with supraspinatus tendonitis.
Causes
Prolonged stress on the tendon by performing activities beyond the capacity of the muscle, may result in trauma. It is due to this, that one tends to suffer from this condition. Mentioned below are some of its possible causes.
Repetitive motion causing strain in the supraspinatus muscle.
Trauma resulting from an injury.
Activities that add pressure on the supraspinatus muscle, such as swimming, weightlifting, and so on.
Certain genetic abnormalities.
Aging leading to reduction in the elasticity of the supraspinatus tendon.
A sudden or drastic increase in pressure applied to the supraspinatus muscle.
A sudden activity that pressurizes the supraspinatus tendon.
Symptoms
The severity of symptoms may vary from person to person. This condition mostly affects people between 20 to 40 years. The symptoms tend to become more serious if one ends up avoiding them, and continues to overuse the shoulder joint. Have a look at the possible indicators.
Constant pain in the shoulders; the intensity may vary from case to case.
Swelling in the shoulder muscles.
Visible redness and inflammation in the upper shoulder.
Pain in the shoulder while lifting arms.
Increased pain, especially while doing activities that exert the muscle.
A tearing sensation accompanied with pain in the shoulder muscle.
Sudden emergence of pain in the shoulder area, particularly while changing sleeping positions.
Pain accompanied by a throbbing or burning sensation.
Additional symptoms may include dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, etc.
Stiffness in the shoulder joint.
Increased shoulder pain at night.
Tenderness in the shoulder muscles and joints.
Treatment
If you think that the aforementioned symptoms are quite similar to what you are experiencing, then it is strictly advisable to get in touch with your healthcare specialist as soon as possible. The doctor would immediately inspect your shoulder joint movements and the range of motion. Various tests and examinations will be done to determine the severity of the condition, and the appropriate treatment would follow accordingly.
This may include,
Painkillers (to reduce pain and help the patient obtain some relief)
Heat and cold treatment (wherein hot and cold packs would be compressed on the affected area to reduce inflammation)
Acupuncture
Osteopathy
Massage therapy
Corticosteroids injections (for severe cases)
Surgery (if the condition cannot be controlled with drugs, medications, and exercises)
The exercises for treating this condition include both strengthening and flexibility exercises. These include proper massage and rotation, so that the tendon and the muscle may get healed without freezing the arm. Make sure that you take proper rest and follow the doctor's instructions to heal as soon as possible. Have a safe tomorrow.
Disclaimer: This story is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a replacement for expert medical advice.