Shoulder Tendonitis A Problem for the Elderly

Tendonitis of the shoulder is an inflammation of the rotator cuff and/or biceps tendon. Shoulder tendonitis is usually the result of a tendon being pinched by surrounding structures. Shoulder tendonitis often occurs in certain sports that require the arm to move over the head repeatedly. These sports include baseball, weight lifting, racket sports, and most swimming strokes. The injury may vary from mild inflammation to the majority of the rotator cuff. When the rotator cuff tendon becomes inflamed and thickens, it is referred to as rotator cuff tendonitis.

Common Symptoms of Shoulder Tendonitis

The most common symptoms of shoulder tendonitis include the inability to hold the arm in certain positions and tenderness or pain in the shoulder area. The symptoms of shoulder tendonitis may resemble other conditions or medical problems. It is important to always consult a physician for a diagnosis. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for shoulder tendonitis may include an x-ray, which is a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs into film. Specific treatment for shoulder tendonitis will be determined by the physician based on the age of patient, overall health, and the medical history.

Types of Tendonitis

The symptoms of tendonitis that are produced near a joint aggravated by movement and include pain, mild swelling, and tenderness. There are specific types of tendonitis including tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, adductor tendonitis, patellar tendonitis, and rotator cuff tendonitis. The pain of tendonitis is usually worse with activities that use the muscle that is attached to the involved tendon. Tendons are usually surrounded by a sheath of tissue which is similar to the lining of the joints. These tendons are subject to the wear and tear of aging, inflammatory diseases, and direct injury. The most common cause of tendonitis is injury or overuse of the tendon during work or play. The pain is usually the result of a small tear in or inflammation of the tendon that links the muscle to the bone. Tendonitis may also be associated with inflammatory diseases that occur throughout the body, including rheumatoid arthritis.

Common Cause of Tendonitis

The most common causes of tendonitis are strain, over exertion, repetitive movements, and sudden, unaccustomed movements. Tendonitis is most common in seniors and middle aged people as the tendons of older individuals lack the elasticity of younger people and have sustained hundreds of microscopic tears due to daily wear and tear over the years.

There are also certain diseases that can cause tendonitis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, Reiter’s Syndrome, lupus, and diabetes. Some common types of tendonitis include rotator cuff tendonitis, Achilles tendonitis, and flexor digital tenosynovitis, (also called trigger finger). Serious complications of tendonitis may include muscle wasting and disability.

The shoulder is the most vulnerable joint as it can freeze up, a condition called “frozen shoulder.” In serious cases, the rotator cuff tendons can tear, which may lead to prolonged weakness and pain within the shoulder. Long term treatment of tendonitis includes protecting the tendon from being strained until it is fully healed. This will help to insure that the body is kept healthy and active for a long time.

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What Exactly is Rotator Cuff Tendonitis and How To Treat It

Rotator cuff tendonitis (or rotator cuff tendinitis) develops when the tendons of the shoulder become inflamed with irritation and swelling. While the risk of suffering this painful condition increases once you reach the age of 40, individuals who participate in sports or exercises that use repetitive arm motions over the head, such as pitching softballs are also threatened. For this reason, rotator cuff tendonitis is often referred to as tennis shoulder, swimmer’s shoulder, or pitcher’s shoulder.

What Causes Rotator Cuff Tendonitis?

To understand the development of rotator cuff tendonitis, you should know that the shoulder displays a ball and socket type of joint. It is the humerus (top part of the arm bone) and the scapula (shoulder blade) that come together to form a joint. The rotator cuff is responsible for holding together the head of the humerus and the scapula. When the arm is constantly raised over the head, inflammation of the tendons regarding the shoulder muscles sometimes occurs. Over time, continual inflammation can lead to a tearing of the tendons of the rotator cuff.

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Rotator Cuff Symptoms of Tendonitis

The most glaring sign of tendonitis of the rotator cuff involves pain that comes when the arm is moved. At night, the shoulder is throbbing with discomfort, especially when one lies on the shoulder that is affected the most. Eventually, weakness in the arm is experienced when attempting to raise it over the head. The pain will continue to hinder everyday activities, such as combing hair or stretching to reach for an item on a high shelf.

A Trip to the Doctor

When shoulder pain lingers, a visit to your physician is suggested, as they can test for rotator cuff impairment rating pertaining to the shoulder. They will ask you to execute various positions that reveal the extent of your condition. They will note weaknesses, while you follow instructions for shoulder movement. An X-ray may highlight a bone spur, while an MRI is used to pinpoint inflammation and tears in the rotator cuff. If the MRI is positive, your doctor may suggest a few shoulder rotator cuff tear exercises to complete at home. Now if you want to know what a large rotator cuff tear is, you will also need to have a MRI performed.

Typical Rotator Cuff Tendinitis Treatments

Once diagnosed with rotator cuff tendonitis, a host of possible remedies are then suggested. Physical therapy is one of the most common approaches towards combating a rotator cuff injury. It is vital to strengthen the muscles of the rotator cuff in order to recapture normal function in the shoulder. A physical therapist will also give you shoulder rotator cuff tear exercises to follow when you are not receiving treatment at a clinic. These effective rotator cuff exercises will also avoid reemerging pain in the shoulder. The pain after you retear your rotator cuff can sometimes be more severe than when you first tear it. That is what the exercises are for so to prevent and strengthen so you won’t retear the rotator cuff.

Anti-inflammatory medications work well in managing the symptoms that come with a torn rotator cuff. Uncomplicated medications aimed at combating inflammation are sometimes prescribed for a short period of time, and used as regulation when rotator cuff tears start to flare. Additionally, cortisone injections are commonly used in treating rotator cuff tendonitis. The injections act as a way for a patient to successfully transition into therapy, as the shots fight acute inflammation. Following the injection, the shoulder should feel well enough to begin therapy and exercises that pinpoint the problem.

If the above remedies don’t help with the pain an inflammation, you may be required to have rotator cuff repair surgery. This would be the last resort, after all else fails. When you have rotator cuff surgery, emotional recovery time can be lengthy. The reason for this is you will not be able to do what you used to and that at times can be emotional draining.

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