Rotator cuff tendonitis is a fairly common sports injury, especially in people over 40. For that reason, cuff tendonitis is also known as tennis shoulder, swimmer’s shoulder, and pitcher’s shoulder. The condition is often the result of repetitive movement of the arm over the head like when pitching baseball.

The inflammation of shoulder tendons is cuff tendonitis and these tendons may become irritated and inflamed from misuse or overuse. Tendons may sometimes tear; you do not have to be a sports extremist to have cuff tendonitis. You can sometimes injure these tendons by turning over while sleeping or even landing on the shoulder during a fall.

Cuff tendonitis is classified as acute or chronic. Chronic tendonitis can develop over years and afflicts people who perform the same overhead motion repeatedly, like weight lifters and athletes. Acute cuff tendonitis is the result of an injury that stretches, tears, or ruptures the tendons in your shoulder.

A general weakness of the area, intensifying pain, intense nightly pain while resting as well as the inability of lifting the arm over the head or out to the side are all symptoms of chronic cuff tendonitis. Acute cuff tendonitis may result in muscle spasms and severe pain. Bruising can occur when the tendons bleed.

The damage and severity of cuff tendonitis determines the best type of treatment. You may use pain relievers such as ibuprofen to reduce the symptom of inflammation; you may also use occasional ice pack applications to reduce pain and swelling while you are at home. Tendon tears may require surgical repair, however either of these conditions will require rest so that healing is possible.

Physical therapy can help to prevent and treat tendonitis. You may also need strengthening exercises to help repair rotator cuff muscles. Steroids injections into the joint may help to relieve the pain and swelling of the shoulder to regain your full range of motion, if exercising becomes too painful.

Cuff tendonitis may call for various types of treatments to be effective. It is possible to regain the normal use of your arms and shoulders as well as the ability to resume your daily activities. However, for the elderly, severe tendon tears may take longer to heal fully.

Cuff tendonitis that is not allowed to heal properly can lead to bursitis, which is an inflammation of the fluid filled cavity of the shoulder. The function of the bursa is to lessen friction from moving tendons and muscles in the shoulder joint. When the bursa becomes inflamed, you will experience pain and limited arm movement.

There is not a lot you can do to prevent cuff tendonitis. Try to avoid repetitive movements that strain your tendons. Build muscle strength in your shoulder muscles. Be cautious of landing on your shoulder when playing sports.

Luckily, most of the time, cuff tendonitis is not serious although it may be painful and annoying. Many times, it can be treated at home. However, you should call your doctor if your shoulder pain is severe or persistent.

Tom Nicholson has spent years helping sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome. You can click here to find out more regardingcuff tendonitis.

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