Tendonitis is a condition which can affect any of the joints in the body, including the shoulder. At Boston Hand to Shoulder, our specialists are extremely experienced in both diagnosing and treating tendonitis of the shoulder.
What Is Tendonitis of the Shoulder?
Shoulder tendonitis, sometimes called rotator cuff tendonitis, is when the tendons that connect the rotator cuff muscles to the upper arm bone become inflamed and irritated. This leads to pain, weakness, and stiffness of the shoulder.
Causes & Diagnosis
Shoulder tendonitis can be caused by:
- Repetitive motion, such as those used in sports.
- Poor form during physical activity.
- Aging, which causes tendons to become less flexible and more prone to injury.
- Calcification of the tendons in the shoulder.
The condition is usually diagnosed using a series of physical tests that check for pain and range of motion, as well as MRIs and X rays to look at the state of the shoulder tendons.
Symptoms
Symptoms of shoulder tendonitis include:
- Pain: Dull aches, sharp pains with specific movements, and tenderness of the shoulder can all be present.
- Movement Issues: Difficulty lifting, reaching, or holding your arm in certain positions.
- Stiffness & Weakness: Limited mobility, lessened strength, and a feeling of weakness in the arm.
- Sounds: A noticeable clicking, catching, or grinding when moving the shoulder.
- Night Pain: Pain that worsens at night or when lying on the affected side.
- Swelling: Mild swelling in the vicinity of the shoulder joint.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should speak with a shoulder specialist regarding the possibility of tendonitis.
Treatment
The treatment used will depend on the severity of the tendonitis. Treatments can be conservative or surgical.
Conservative Options
For minor or mild tendonitis of the shoulder, treatment can include:
- Rest: Simply resting the shoulder joint and avoiding certain activities can promote healing.
- Ice: Icing the joint can help to reduce inflammation of the tendons.
- NSAIDs: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: Engaging in shoulder tendonitis exercises can help to improve range of motion and increase strength.
For many cases of shoulder tendonitis, these conservative treatments can be all that is needed.
Shoulder Surgery for Tendonitis
For more severe cases, surgical intervention is often required. This will usually be arthroscopic, meaning that small incisions and a camera are used, making the procedure minimally invasive. Surgery can involve removing calcium deposits, removing inflamed tissue, or repairing tears. Full recovery can take from a few months to a year, depending on the severity of the tendonitis.
One of our shoulder specialists can help determine which treatment option is right for you, and whether or not surgery is necessary.