What Is Rotator Cuff Tendinitis?

Sports are literally all fun and games until someone gets hurt. If you play a sport that requires lifting your arm over your head, you may develop rotator cuff tendinitis. Dr. Alexander Martusiewicz of Beaumont Orthopaedic Associates is a shoulder and elbow specialist in Taylor and Canton MI who can help.

More About Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

Rotator cuff tendinitis, tendonitis or impingement syndrome, affects tendons and muscles that help move your shoulder joint. Tendinitis is a condition that occurs over time because of inflamed or irritated tendons.

Swimmers, tennis players, and baseball players may suffer from this issue. You might even get tendinitis if you sleep on the same shoulder every night, or without any known cause.

People usually regain full function of the shoulder, but here are some symptoms to keep an eye out for:

• Stiffness and a clicking sound when raising your arm
• Pain that causes you to wake from sleep and that reaches behind your back
• Pain and swelling in the front of your shoulder and side of your arm, and when raising or lowering your arm
• A loss of mobility and strength in the arm
• Symptoms worsening over time
  
  

Diagnosing Rotator Cuff Tendinitis in Taylor and Canton MI

1. Your doctor examines your shoulder if you feel pain and tenderness.
2. Dr. Martusiewicz tests your range of motion by asking you to rotate your arm in certain directions and by asking you to push against his hand.
3. He'll also examine your neck to check for a pinched nerve or arthritis.
4. Diagnosis may also consist of ordering imaging tests, like an x-ray, an ultrasound, or an MRI.

Treatment Options

• Avoiding activities that cause pain
• Applying cold packs to your shoulder
• Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen
• Other treatment options include:
  • Physical therapy
  • Steroid injection
  • Surgery

Do you need more information?

If you would like to learn more about Rotator Cuff Tendinitis, then call Dr. Alexander Martusiewicz of Beaumont Orthopaedic Associates in Taylor and Canton MI at (313) 887-6000 today!