Supraspinatus Tendonitis

What Is Supraspinatus Tendonitis? 

Interestingly enough, supraspinatus tendonitis, which is also commonly known as 'rotator cuff tendonitis', is amongst one of the most common forms of tendonitis treated by doctors. While the rotator cuff consists of several tendons, it is the supraspinatus tendon which connects the shoulder blade to the arm bone, and it is also the tendon which tends to the most vulnerable to tendonitis. 

The leading cause of this condition is repetitive movement, such as the arm movements required for playing tennis and a number of other sports. While a number of sports can result in a person suffering from supraspinatus tendonitis, certain sports are more likely to cause the condition than others. Either way, the pain and discomfort can be unbearable. 

As far as sports related tendonitis is concerned, tennis players and baseball players tend to be most at risk, followed by swimmers, golfer, and etc. However, supraspinatus tendonitis doesn't only affect those playing sports, because it is also a well known fact that certain occupations carry more risk than others, hence the reason why professions such as carpentry, painting and decorating, and etc. also result in many cases of this condition. Of course, the condition usually manifests itself in the shoulder of the arm which gets used the most. 

How can you tell if you have supraspinatus tendonitis? 

For the most part, the condition usually starts off with a dull pain in the shoulder, although it can in some cases spread down the arm and even across the chest area. Any arm movements such as extending it or lifting it will usually resulted in severe pain. Sufferers may also find sleeping becomes extremely difficult due to the fact that any weight being placed on the arm or shoulder will of course result in severe pain. 

If left untreated, the condition will become steadily worse and eventually it will be virtually impossible to move the arm at all without experiencing excruciating pain. Once it reaches this stage, those with the condition will do their utmost to avoid moving their arm, and of course this then results in the shoulder joint becoming increasingly stiff.

Over and above the pain and stiffness, one can often experience bruising and noticeable swelling around the immediate area. Also, the shoulder area may appear to be red, in which case it will also be tender to the touch. Interestingly enough, when swelling occurs, it usually does so internally rather than externally, although it will of course still be visible.  

Treatments

If the condition is allowed to progress to an advanced stage, there it is no other option but to seek professional medical treatment. In most cases, medication such as painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs will be prescribed in conjunction with physiotherapy, which of course will be necessary in order to restore movement. If the tendon has on the other hand been severely injured, surgery may be required.

If you play regular support which demands repetitive arm movements, or you're in an occupation which requires repetitive arm movements, and you begin experiencing a dull aching pain in your shoulder area, don't be tempted to ignore it in the hope that it will simply go away. Remember, rotator cuff tendonitis can end up being unbearably painful, and as such, you should seek treatment at the earliest possible time. You can learn more about calcific tendinitis here.