What Is Rotator Cuff Tendinitis?
Basically, rotator cuff refers to a group of tendons and muscles which connects to your bones of the shoulder joint, keeping your shoulder stable and letting it move. More specifically, rotator cuff tendinitis, the medical term is characterized by the inflammation of the layer coating the tendons, called bursa, and the irritation of the tendons.
What Are The Symptoms Of Rotator Cuff Tendinitis?
Initially, you may feel slight pain while performing activities that involves lifting the arm, such as brushing hair, grasping things from the shelves etc. Gradually, pain can be felt while you lie on the shoulder that is affected. Besides pain, one can also experience loss of motion and weakness while lifting the arm. In addition, the shoulder may feel rigid with movement or lifting.
When Is The Right Time To Pursue Medical Assistance?
Do not delay to take medical assistance in case:
- Your signs are not responding to the treatment.
- In case you feel ongoing pain in your shoulder.
What Causes Rotator Cuff Tendinitis?
Also known as impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tendinitis occurs due to any of the following factors:
- Aging.
- For hours/days, using your arm overhead, for example carpentry.
- Poor posture for a prolonged period of time.
- Involve in sports activities that require your arm to repeatedly overhead, for example in baseball, swimming etc.
- Sleeping on some particular arm every night.
- For hours, keeping your arm in a certain position, for example while hairstyling or doing work on computer.
How Is Rotator Cuff Tendinitis Diagnosis?
Considering the symptoms, the doctor will perform a thorough physical examination that will possibly unveil tenderness over your shoulder. The patient may feel pain while the doctor raises his or her shoulder overhead. He or she can then suggest X-rays of your affected shoulder. These X-rays will help in revealing a bone spur.
How Is Rotator Cuff Tendinitis Treatment?
In case of suffering problems related to rotator cuff, it is important to know as to how you can manage your condition at home. This will help you in recovering, whilst easing the symptoms. Thus, consult your doctor for the purpose.
Possibly, the doctor will suggest the patient to rest his or her shoulder, plus, avert the particular activities that may cause pain. Besides, the following may also help:
- Apply ice packs to your shoulder for at least 15-20 minutes, at least three times every day.
- In order to ease pain and swelling, take medicines for example naproxen and ibuprofen.
Avoid activities which may instigate or turn the symptoms even worse. - Physical therapy for strengthening and stretching the muscles of your shoulder.
- Injected medicine (corticosteroids) into the affected shoulder for eliminating swelling and easing pain.
- Arthroscopy (surgery) for eliminating the part of your bone and inflamed tissue.
By : Natural Health News
