It is a condition that occurs with pain and limited movement as a result of compression of the tissues in the shoulder joint. What is shoulder impingement syndrome? It occurs when the rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder become compressed between the bone structure in the shoulder and the upper arm bone. Repetitive movements or excessive load on the shoulder can trigger this condition.
What are the symptoms of shoulder impingement syndrome?
It is a disorder that occurs as a result of compression of soft tissues in the shoulder joint. Symptoms usually affect daily activities and reduce quality of life. Although the symptoms of this syndrome may vary from person to person, some common complaints stand out.
The most obvious symptom is shoulder pain. The pain usually increases when the arm is lifted up. It becomes more pronounced with overhead movements. In advanced cases, the pain can be felt even at rest. It can cause sleep problems, especially at night.
Restriction of shoulder movements is a common symptom of this syndrome. It may be difficult to lift the arm up, extend it behind the back, or open it to the side. A "snapping" or "cracking" sound may be heard in the shoulder during movements.
It can cause weakness in the arm and shoulder muscles, especially because the rotator cuff muscles are affected. The person may have difficulty lifting heavy objects. They may feel tired during repetitive movements.
There may also be mild swelling and tenderness in the shoulder area. Sensitivity to touch may increase, especially in cases where compression is severe. Pain and limited movement in the shoulder can make daily activities such as getting dressed, combing hair, or taking things off shelves difficult.
Shoulder impingement syndrome symptoms, although mild in the early stages, can become severe over time. Therefore, if symptoms are noticed, a doctor should be consulted. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, shoulder functionality can be largely restored.
What is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome and What Causes It?
Shoulder impingement syndrome (impingement syndrome) is a disorder that occurs as a result of compression of the soft tissues in the shoulder joint. This condition usually occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are compressed by the bony structure in the shoulder. It can cause pain, limited movement, and more serious problems. The disorder can develop with repetitive movements or long-term overuse of the shoulder.
Repetitive movements above head level are the most common cause. Sports or activities such as painting and cleaning can trigger this condition. Weakness of the rotator cuff muscles can cause loss of stability in the shoulder joint. This can lead to tendon compression.
With aging, calcification or tendon wear can occur in the shoulder joint. In addition, the loss of flexibility of soft tissues increases the risk of compression. Some people may have congenital abnormalities in the bone structure of the shoulder. This can cause the tendons to compress.
Poor posture habits cause the shoulders to bend forward, which can cause compression between structures in the shoulder. Shoulder impingement syndrome If left untreated, it can lead to more serious problems. Early diagnosis and precautions reduce this risk.
How is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Treated?
Syndrome treatment is planned depending on the severity of symptoms, the person's lifestyle and the cause of the syndrome. The aim of the treatment process is to relieve pain, increase mobility and prevent compression in the shoulder. Treatment methods usually begin with conservative approaches. When necessary, they are supported by surgical interventions.
The first step is to avoid activities that trigger shoulder pain. Repetitive movements, especially overhead, should be limited. Rest allows the tissues in the shoulder to heal.
Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatment methods for the syndrome. Exercises are applied to increase the range of motion of the shoulder and strengthen the muscles. Physical therapy can provide stability in the shoulder joint and reduce compression.
Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, are particularly helpful in controlling pain. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be administered.
If conservative methods do not provide relief, surgical intervention may be necessary. Arthroscopic decompression can be used to remove bone structures to reduce the compression in the shoulder. Surgery is usually performed with minimally invasive methods and the recovery process is faster. Healthy posture habits should be adopted to prevent the syndrome from recurring. It is also important to exercise regularly and avoid excessive loads on the shoulder.
The syndrome diagnosed early can be successfully treated with conservative methods. However, in advanced cases, more serious interventions may be required. Therefore, What is shoulder impingement syndrome? It is important to consult a doctor when you notice symptoms related to the question.
