Dr. Jason Hurst
Knee, Shoulder
If you’re suffering from shoulder pain or a shoulder injury, learn how JIS Orthopedics can help you get back to living your life without limits. To schedule a consultation, click the button below!
“Always a caring and professional staff. Shared with us the MRI, areas of concern of my shoulder and recommendations at this visit. He gave an injection, of course expected an OUCH but amazed at how easy it went. Especially was overjoyed advising no surgery at this time. Thank you and your staff.” — Katherine K.
We use our shoulders every day. From simple tasks like taking something off a shelf, throwing a ball, or other overhead activities, our shoulders are in constant use. Developing pain in our shoulders can be a real burden in our lives.
The most common condition that causes shoulder pain is shoulder impingement syndrome. This article will explore what shoulder impingement syndrome is, how to know whether you have it, and how to treat it.
If you are experiencing pain in your shoulder, schedule an appointment with JIS Orthopedics today! We have offices conveniently located in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH. Our orthopedic surgeons look forward to helping you restore your shoulder movement.
Shoulder impingement syndrome is a condition where the upper outer part of the shoulder blade, called the acromion, rubs against the rotator cuff tendons.
Your rotator cuff is made up of 4 muscles that form a cuff between your shoulder blade and upper arm bone. Your rotator cuff tendon passes through a small space under your acromion.
Your biceps tendon and bursa are also found in this space. If this space reduces in size, the bone will cause friction during shoulder movement. The friction caused by shoulder impingement causes pain and irritation.
Shoulder impingement occurs when the acromion of your shoulder blade rubs against your rotator cuff tendons. The causes of shoulder impingement could include the following:
Symptoms of shoulder impingement syndrome usually develop gradually. The symptoms of shoulder impingement may include the following:
Shoulder impingement is linked to other conditions that cause shoulder pain, such as bursitis and rotator cuff tendonitis. These conditions can develop because of the impingement in the shoulder or separately.
A full rotator cuff tear would cause more severe symptoms, such as the inability to lift your arm against gravity. As the impingement develops, there is also the possibility of tearing your biceps muscle tendon.
You are at a greater risk of developing shoulder impingement syndrome if you are involved in sports or activities which require you to lift your arm overhead in a rotational motion. Shoulder impingement also becomes more common as you age.
Sports, such as swimming, volleyball, baseball, and tennis, are some examples of sports that can put you at a higher risk of developing shoulder impingement syndrome. Activities that can cause shoulder impingement syndrome can include painting and window washing.
Your diagnosis will begin with a physical exam and considering your medical history. During the physical exam, your doctor will test the range of motion of your shoulder joint. They will examine the shoulder with touch, looking for areas of sensitivity.
Your doctor will consider whether you had any previous shoulder injuries and whether these could have contributed to your shoulder pain. They will also ask if you participate in any activities where you repeatedly lift your arm over your head.
You may also be sent for image testing. X-rays can help rule out arthritis. They will also be able to detect bone spurs which can cause an impingement. Ultrasound and MRI scans can also be used to examine the structures of soft tissue, such as the rotator cuff and bursae. With an accurate diagnosis, treatment for shoulder pain can begin.
There are several treatment options used to treat shoulder impingement syndrome. The following are some of the treatments available at JIS Orthopedics:
At JIS Orthopedics, our surgeons are expertly trained to help relieve your shoulder pain. If you are experiencing pain in your shoulder, schedule an appointment with our specialists today!
We have offices conveniently located in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH. Our orthopedic surgeons look forward to helping you by addressing your shoulder pain with quality care.
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