What is Shoulder Impingement?
Shoulder impingement is the condition of inflammation of the tendons of the shoulder joint. It is one of the most common causes of pain in the adult shoulder. The shoulder is a 'ball-and-socket' joint. A ‘ball' at the top of the upper arm bone, humerus, fits neatly into a 'socket’, called the glenoid, which is part of the shoulder blade, scapula. Shoulder impingement is also called swimmer’s shoulder, tennis shoulder, or rotator cuff tendinitis.
Causes of Shoulder Impingement
Impingement results from pressure on the rotator cuff from part of the shoulder blade (scapula) as the arm is lifted. It is more likely to occur in young and middle-aged people who engage in physical activities that require repeated overhead arm movements. The pain may be due to "bursitis" or inflammation of the bursa overlying the rotator cuff or a "tendonitis" of the cuff itself. In some circumstances, a partial tear of the rotator cuff may cause impingement pain.
Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement
Individuals with shoulder impingement may experience severe pain at rest and during activities, weakness of the arm and difficulty in raising the hand overhead.
Diagnosis of Shoulder Impingement
Diagnosis involves physical examination by the doctor, the doctor checks for the possible range of movements with the affected shoulder. X-rays and MRI scans may be ordered to see the injury and inflammation.
Treatment Options for Shoulder Impingement
Conservative Treatment Options for Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement can be treated with
- rest,
- ice packs,
- anti-inflammatory drugs, and
- avoiding the activities involving the shoulder.
- cause pain and inflammation and
- those don't require surgical treatment.
Surgery for Shoulder Impingement
Arthroscopic surgery is recommended if the rotator cuff tendons are torn.
Shoulder Subacromial Decompression Surgery is a procedure that removes the bony spurs to increase space in the shoulder in order to reduce impingement of the shoulder.