What It Is: Cuff Tendonitis – And When Do You Seek Treatment?
People over 40 may sometimes suffer from rotator cuff tendonitis, since it is a common type of sports injury. Swimmers shoulder, tennis shoulder and pitchers shoulder all are common terms for cuff tendonitis. You should know that repetitive movements, of the arms over the head as while pitching a baseball are often the cause of this type of condition.
Cuff tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder area. These tendons become inflamed from misuse. Sometimes the tendons can tear. You do not have to be a sports buff to get cuff tendonitis. Sometimes you can injure the tendon by simply turning over in bed or landing on your shoulder when you fall.
Cuff tendonitis may be classifiable as chronic or acute. Repetitive overhead activities may cause the development of chronic tendonitis over the years, such as the movements of athletes and weightlifters. Injuries that over stretches, tears or rupture the shoulder tendons may result in acute tendonitis.
A general weakness of the area, intensifying pain, intense nightly pain while resting as well as the inability of lifting the arm over the head or out to the side are all symptoms of chronic cuff tendonitis. Acute cuff tendonitis may result in muscle spasms and severe pain. Bruising can occur when the tendons bleed.
Treatment for cuff tendonitis depends upon how severe the damage is. You may be able to treat the injury at home by using ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and ice packs to relieve pain and swelling. Tears in the tendon may require surgical repair. In either case, the tendon must be allowed to rest in order to heal.
Physical therapy is used to treat tendonitis and to help prevent it from recurring. Exercises are prescribed that strengthen the rotator cuff muscles. If pain is too severe to do the exercises, steroids may be injected into the joint to help relieve swelling and pain so the shoulder regains full range of motion.
Various forms of treatment for cuff tendonitis can be effective. Many individuals can regain the normal use of their arms and shoulders as well as resume their daily activities as they did before incurring the injury. For the elderly, healing from severe tendon tears and injuries may take a little longer.
When cuff tendonitis is not permitted to heal properly, it can lead to bursitis, the inflammation of a shoulder cavity filled with fluid. Bursa functions to reduce friction while moving the muscles and tendons of the shoulder joints. You will experience limited arm movement and pain when the bursa is inflamed.
Cuff tendonitis is not something that you can prevent, although you should avoid any repetitive movement that may cause tendon strain. Take the time to build the strength in the muscles of the shoulder. Be careful not to land on your shoulder while playing sports or taking a misfortunate falls.
Generally, cuff tendonitis is not serious; however, it can prove to be painful and annoying. Unless the pain is continual and severe, you can treat it at home; otherwise, you should consult with a medical professional.
Tom Nicholson spends his time caring for sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome. Please click here to find out more aboutcuff tendonitis.