Shoulder impingement is also called swimmer’s shoulder, tennis shoulder or rotator cuff tendinitis. It is the condition of inflammation in the tendons of the shoulder joint caused by motor vehicle accidents, trauma and while playing sports such as tennis, baseball, swimming and weightlifting. When the tendons in the shoulder press against the bones in the shoulder joint, it can cause shoulder pain and impingement. Dr. Steven Struhl at Shoulders & Knees orthopedic clinics in NYC and Westchester offers advanced shoulder impingement treatment.
Causes and Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement
There are a variety of injuries and conditions that can result in shoulder impingement. A rotator cuff injury or tear creates inflammation that can cause the tendons to catch on the scapula when lifting the arm or press against the glenoid at rest. Bone spurs can irritate the shoulder tendons, causing swelling and inflammation. Individuals with shoulder impingement may experience severe pain at rest and during activities, weakness of the arm and difficulty in raising the hand overhead.
X-rays and MRI scans will show the injury and inflammation. Shoulder impingement can be treated with rest, ice packs, anti-inflammatory drugs and by avoiding activities involving the shoulder. Physical therapy may be advised to strengthen the muscles, and steroid injections may be given if pain persists. Arthroscopic surgery is recommended if the rotator cuff tendons are torn, causing inflammation and impingement. Surgery may also be used to remove the bony spurs that cause tendon inflammation and irritation.
If you are experiencing pain, weakness or a restriction of movement in your shoulder, you may be suffering from shoulder impingement. Contact us at Shoulders & Knees to schedule an appointment with Dr. Struhl for an evaluation. Dr. Struhl can discuss the best options for relieving your pain and improving function with shoulder impingement treatment.
