Do You Think You Experiencing the Symptoms of Supraspinatus Tendonitis?

By Tom Nicholson

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.

As far as sports related tendonitis is concerned, tennis players and baseball players tend to be most at risk, followed by swimmers, golfer, and etc. However, supraspinatus tendonitis doesn't only affect those playing sports, because it is also a well known fact that certain occupations carry more risk than others, hence the reason why professions such as carpentry, painting and decorating, and etc. also result in many cases of this condition. Of course, the condition usually manifests itself in the shoulder of the arm which gets used the most.

How do you know 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.

As well as experiencing pain and stiffness, you may also get bruising and visible swelling around the affected area. There may also be redness around the shoulder area and in that case, it will be tender if touched.

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 a sport or do a job that requires much repetitive arm movements, and you start experiencing a dull ache in your shoulder, do not ignore the pain thinking that it will go away. Know that rotator cuff tendonitis can result in much pain and because of that reason; you must get help as soon as possible. - 30540

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