How do You Know When You Have Supraspinatus Tendonitis and How do You Treat it?
Supraspinatus tendonitis, which is also generally referred to as rotator cuff tendonitis, is one of the biggest forms of tendonitis seen by doctors. The rotator cuff is comprised of many tendons and it is the supraspinatus tendon, which connects the shoulder blade to the arm bone, and it is this tendon that is prone 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?
For the most part, the condition usually starts off with a dull pain in the shoulder, although it can in some cases spread down the arm and even across the chest area. Any arm movements such as extending it or lifting it will usually resulted in severe pain. Sufferers may also find sleeping becomes extremely difficult due to the fact that any weight being placed on the arm or shoulder will of course result in severe pain.
If you do not get treatment, the problem will turn increasingly worse and soon it will be impossible to move the arm without feeling a lot of pain. When it gets to this point, people with the problem will do their best to not move their arm, what happens then is that the shoulder joint will become 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 gets to a late phase, there is no other choice but to go and seek the help of a doctor. Often medications like painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are used in a combined effort of physiotherapy to bring back the movement. If the problem results in the tendon being badly damaged, you may need surgery.
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.
Tom Nicholson has spent years caring for sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome. Please follow this link to learn more regarding having asore wrist.