Supraspinatus tendonitis or what is commonly known as rotator cuff tendonitis is the most treated form of tendonitis. The rotator cuff is made up of many tendons and it is the supraspinatus tendon that connects the shoulder blade to the arm bone, and it is the tendon that is most susceptible 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?
Usually the condition will begin with pains in the shoulder, but for some people it can spread down the arm and even across the chest area. Any arm movement can lead to a lot of pain. Sufferers will also see that sleeping can be hard because any weight being placed on the arm or shoulder will cause much pain.
If you do not get treatment, the problem will turn increasingly worse and soon it will be impossible to move the arm without feeling a lot of pain. When it gets to this point, people with the problem will do their best to not move their arm, what happens then is that the shoulder joint will become increasingly stiff.
As well as experiencing pain and stiffness, you may also get bruising and visible swelling around the affected area. There may also be redness around the shoulder area and in that case, it will be tender if touched.
Treatments
If you let the tendonitis get to a late stage, then you must go see a doctor. In many cases, medication such as painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications will be given in combination with physiotherapy, which you will need to regain movement. If you have a badly damaged tendon, then you may need surgery.
If you play a sport or do an occupation that needs many repetitive arm movements, and you start feeling a dull ache in your shoulder, do not think the pain will just go away. Be aware that rotator cuff tendonitis can result in unbearable pain and because of that reason; you must get help as soon as you can.
Tom Nicholson has spent years caring for carpal tunnel sufferers. You can click here to learn more regarding having asore wrist.