Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

 

What is rotator Cuff tendinitis ? 

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A group of tendons and muscles that surround the shoulder joint are known as rotator cuff muscles. 
These muscles helps in movement of shoulder joint. Rotator cuff injuries /inflammation usually occurs on repetitive movements overhead and in  professionals like carpenters, tennis players and painters are at the highest risk of this injury but it can occur in otherwise normal individuals also. 

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What are the rotator cuff muscles ? 

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The rotator cuff muscles are:

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• Supraspinatus

• Infraspinatus

• Subscapularis

• Teres minor.

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These muscles work together and stabilizes the shoulder joint. An inflammation in one or more of these rotator cuff muscles gives problems resulting in impaired functioning of the shoulder.

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What are the Symptoms of Rotator cuff tendinitis? 

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The symptoms of rotator cuff tendonitis:

Pain on movement of the shoulder joint 
Sometimes there may be inability to lift the arm overhead
Clicking sounds on movement of the shoulder may be present. 
There may be difficulties in performing activities like combing, swimming.

 

Causes:of  Rotator cuff tendinitis - 

Rotator cuff injury may result from the following causes

Calcific tendonitis: This condition is characterized by accumulation of calcium in the rotator cuff tendon. It results in stressing the tendon which causes you to experience pain.

Rotator cuff tears:  There may be tears in the rotator cuff muscles. Tears may be complete or partial in nature. Unaccustomed shoulder exercises may cause these tears.
Subacromial impingement: Activity that requires to lift the arm up may cause the humeral head (arm bone head) to be pushed down below the rotator cuff. In situations when the humeral head is not in its position, may result in pain.

 

Treatment for Rotator cuff tendinitis - 

Treatment options are - 

Treatment without medicines (Non Pharmacological management) – 

Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, exercises. 

Pharmacological Management - 

Medications like NSAIDs and steroids sometimes may be used. 

Interventional Management – 

USG guided injections of Corticosteroids 
PRP THERAPY – USG guided. 

In severe cases, surgery may be required. 

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