Understanding and Treating Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Those of us who play sports like tennis and baseball are likely no strangers to rotator cuff tendonitis. Tendonitis is a condition in which a tendon becomes inflamed. If you will think back to biology class, you may recall that a tendon is a cord of tissue that connects muscles to bones. In the case of the rotator cuff, the tendons of the shoulder work together to hold the head of the humerus to the scapula and allow the am to rotate and elevate. When one or more of these tendons becomes inflamed, the shoulder area may become difficult or altogether impossible to move. Let’s take a look at some of the causes and symptoms of rotator cuff tendonitis.
How is tendonitis caused?
Tendonitis, in almost any case, is caused by overworking the tendons in a localized area. In the rotator cuff, this is often seen in athletes who depend on their shoulder(s) for a great deal of strength or repetitive movements, such as baseball and racquet sports. Rotator cuff tendonitis can also develop through the repetition of work-related actions. For instance, painters, window washers, and even garden servicemen (mainly those who work with weed trimmers and rakes) are at a particular risk for developing tendonitis in the shoulder simply because of the day-to-day stress that their shoulders receive from working.
Picture in your head the tendon being a piece of taut rope. This rope scrapes against a few pieces of wood on a daily basis. If the rope were to scrape against the wood more frequently, it would eventually fray and possible tear. This is much the same way that the rotator cuff tendons operate. When the tendons begin to fray or sustain tiny tears, they become inflamed, thus tendonitis results.
What are the symptoms of rotator cuff tendonitis?
The typical symptoms of inflammation may or may not be present with tendonitis in the shoulder. These symptoms include redness of the area, warmth radiating from the skin, and sometimes swelling. Regardless of the severity of the condition, all will experience a pain in shoulder. Usually this pain is made apparent when the arm is moved, however in moderate to severe cases the shoulder may hurt even while the arm is stationary, especially at night and in the morning. The pain is often compared to that of a toothache, where the pain is a dull but constant radiation from the shoulder area. If shoulder tendonitis is not treated or if strenuous activity persists, the tendon(s) may tear altogether.
How is tendonitis treated?
Tendons usually take a little longer to heal than muscles because they receive much less blood than muscles. The first step in treating a bout of rotator cuff tendonitis is to immediately cease movement of the shoulder as soon as pain is felt. The application of an ice pack will help to reduce any swelling that results as an effect of inflammation. Ice should be applied for about twenty minutes and reapplied every four hours or so for 48 hours. If one is available, use an ACE bandage to wrap around the ice, as this will prevent the heat from one’s hand melting the ice more quickly, plus leaves the other hand free to click away on the TV remote. The key to healing an abused tendon is rest, therefore movement should be severely restricted for the first week, and training or strenuous activities should not resume for an additional week—maybe longer if the condition is moderate to severe. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) and naproxen (Aleve), can help reduce the symptoms of inflammation and also help to relieve the discomfort of tendonitis. If the shoulder pain is excruciating or if movement is not possible, one should see a doctor immediately. This is indicative of a tear, which must be quickly and properly treated or permanent loss of strength or hindrance of movement could result.