It is a painful condition caused by compression of the rotator cuff tendon and bursa in the shoulder joint. It occurs due to repetitive shoulder movements, injuries, or age-related degeneration. Shoulder impingement syndrome Symptoms include pain in shoulder movements, weakness and limitation of movement. Treatment includes rest, physical therapy, painkillers, and sometimes surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening.
What are the Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?
The most common symptom is pain. This pain is usually felt in the front of the shoulder and is exacerbated when the arm is lifted up or reached behind. There is limitation in shoulder movements. In particular, it becomes difficult to lift the arm up, open it to the side or extend it behind. Loss of strength and muscle weakness may be observed in the shoulder. This can cause difficulty doing daily activities. There may be slight swelling or inflammation in the shoulder area. This may cause tenderness in the shoulder.
Cracking or clicking sounds may be heard when the shoulder is moved. These sounds are caused by tendons rubbing against bone surfaces. Shoulder impingement syndrome People with this condition may experience discomfort due to pain while sleeping at night. It may be difficult to lie down, especially on the affected shoulder. If these symptoms are experienced, it is necessary to consult an orthopedic specialist. It is important to evaluate appropriate treatment methods. Treatment options may include physical therapy, medication, injections and surgery.
What Causes Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?
The muscles and tendons in the rotator cuff of the shoulder can become worn out from frequent use or excessive strain. It can also tear. Compression may occur in the shoulder joint as a result of inflammation of the tendons. This usually occurs due to repetitive movements or overuse. Inflammation of the bursa sacs in the shoulder joint causes a feeling of tightness in the shoulder. Bone spurs may occur in the shoulder joint. These protrusions can cause friction and compression on tendons and muscles. The development of arthritis in the shoulder joint can lead to deterioration of the bone and cartilage structure in the joint and compression.
Traumatic events such as a fall, bump or blow on the shoulder shoulder impingement syndrome may cause it to occur. When the muscles around the shoulder are weak or unstable, they cannot stabilize the shoulder joint, leading to the syndrome. Congenital structural abnormalities in the shoulder joint may create a predisposition. Poor posture habits can cause unbalanced loads and syndrome on the shoulder joint. It is common in people who engage in sports where the shoulder is used intensively, such as swimming, tennis, and baseball. It is more common in people who work in professions that require repetitive shoulder movements, such as construction workers and painters.
How to Treat Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?
Shoulder impingement syndrome Patients with this condition should first avoid movements that trigger pain. It is also recommended to give the shoulder a rest period. Activities that increase pain (e.g. heavy lifting, repetitive shoulder movements) should be avoided. In the initial stages, it is possible to reduce inflammation and pain by using cold compresses. In chronic cases, a warm compress can be applied to increase blood flow and relax muscles.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to reduce pain and inflammation. Painkillers can also be used with the doctor's recommendation. Physical therapy is important to increase shoulder mobility, strengthen muscles and ensure flexibility. The exercise determined by the physiotherapist helps strengthen the shoulder muscles.
In case of severe pain and inflammation, the doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections. These injections can temporarily relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Surgical intervention may be considered in cases that do not improve with conservative treatment methods. With arthroscopic surgery, bone spurs or other structures causing compression in the shoulder can be removed.
After surgical intervention, physical therapy programs are applied throughout the recovery process. A certain period of time is required for the shoulder to regain full function. During this period, the doctor's instructions should be followed. To protect shoulder health, ergonomic working arrangements should be made and repetitive shoulder movements should be avoided. Exercising regularly and strengthening shoulder muscles helps prevent similar problems. Shoulder impingement syndrome treatment, It is often personalized based on the patient's condition and response to treatment. Therefore, it is important to consult an orthopedic specialist for the most appropriate treatment plan.
