Tendonitis In The Shoulder: Is This An Athletes’ Problem?

Tendonitis in the shoulder is a common complaint among athletes. This is probably because tendonitis is caused by the overuse of a joint, causing inflammation in the tendons. Athletes are those who most commonly overuse their shoulder joints. Sometimes those who are employed in an industry that involves heavy lifting will also suffer from tendonitis in the shoulder. What causes this condition, and how is it treated? Tendonitis in the shoulder is any type of inflammation in the shoulder’s tendons, particularly the tendons in the biceps and rotator cuff. This can because by overuse, or by the tendon being pinched by the muscles and bones around it. If an athlete must move his or her hand above the head frequently, they often find that they develop tendonitis in their shoulder. Sports such as swimming, basketball, tennis, and even weight lifting can lead to this condition.

The intensity of tendonitis in the shoulder varies from case to case. Some will notice nothing more than slight discomfort from the inflammation, which can be treated with periods of rest from the activity that is aggravating the condition. Others will have severe problems that may require medical attention and even sometimes surgery. If the rotator cuff becomes severely inflamed, the tendonitis becomes severe, limiting the range of motion and requiring immediate attention.

Symptoms of Tendonitis in the Shoulder

There are common symptoms of tendonitis in the shoulder. Those who notice these problems should seek the advice of a medical professional. Of course, as with most joint problems, there is no cut and dried indication that the tendons of the shoulder are inflamed, but those who experience these two common symptoms should take note. The fist symptom of tendonitis in the shoulder is the inability to put the arm into positions that it used to be able to go into. The inflammation limits the range of motion of the shoulder joint. Often this limit is what causes people to stop and take notice of their problem. The other symptom is pain, swelling, and discomfort in the shoulder, particularly when it is being used.

Treatment for Shoulder Tendonitis

If you suspect that you might have tendonitis in the shoulder, ask your doctor about it. The most commonly prescribed course of treatment involves resting the joint as much as possible. While it is not always possible to immobilize the shoulder, the activity or sport that is aggravating the condition will usually be limited. This rest is combined with anti inflammatory drugs that cut down on the swelling. Once the swelling has been brought under control, a physical therapy treatment to strengthen the joint is usually prescribed.

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