Shoulder impingement syndrome is when the outer edge of the shoulder blade presses or rubs against the rotator cuff. This happens because the gap between the shoulder blade and rotator cuff becomes smaller, leading to irritation and pain in the shoulder. At Eva Hospital, we understand how this condition can affect daily life, and that’s why we focus on helping people find relief from shoulder impingement. But before you consult the ortho doctor in ludhiana, let’s talk about what shoulder impingement is, its symptoms, and what causes it.
Causes of Shoulder Impingement
When the normal gliding function of the rotator cuff is disrupted, it can result in mechanical impingement. This issue often arises due to the weakening and degeneration of the tendon as we age, the development of bone spurs, or the presence of inflammatory tissue in the subacromial space, which is the area above the rotator cuff. Overuse injuries also contribute to this condition. Impingement commonly occurs in activities that involve repetitive overhead motions, such as painting, carpentry, tennis, baseball, and swimming.
How is shoulder impingement diagnosed?
Diagnosing shoulder impingement typically starts with a detailed history and physical exam. Most people with this condition will describe pain, pinching, and stiffness in their shoulder, especially when doing overhead activities. This discomfort can sometimes be so intense that it disrupts sleep. During the examination, the doctor may move your shoulder in certain ways to see if it triggers the symptoms, helping to confirm the diagnosis. X-rays can be useful to check for bone spurs or any narrowing in the subacromial space. In some cases, an MRI might be recommended to get a closer look at the rotator cuff and to rule out more serious issues like rotator cuff tears.
How is shoulder impingement treated?
The first thing to do for treating shoulder impingement is to remove any obvious causes or things that make it worse. This might mean taking a break from activities that involve overhead movements, like tennis, swimming, or pitching. The core of the treatment is a set of exercises to bring back the normal flexibility and strength in your shoulder area. This includes working on the rotator cuff muscles and the muscles that control the shoulder blade’s movement. You can start this exercise program either with your doctor or with a trained physical therapist. Sometimes, your ortho doctor in ludhiana may also treat it with specific injections and oral medications.
Is surgery necessary?
In most cases of shoulder impingement, surgery isn’t really needed. However, if the symptoms don’t go away even after trying non-surgical treatments, then surgery might be a good option. The surgery involves cleaning out or removing the tissue that’s causing irritation to the rotator cuff. This procedure is usually done using arthroscopic methods, which are minimally invasive, and it’s typically done on an outpatient basis.
After the surgery, patients usually wear a sling for comfort, but they can start using their arm for daily activities as soon as the pain subsides. Full recovery usually takes about 3 months. The success rate is pretty high, with about 90% of patients experiencing good outcomes. However, it is essential to get the surgery from an experienced and the best bone specialist in ludhiana.
Seek Expert Medical Assistance for Fast Relief!
At Eva Hospital, our specialists are here to identify the root cause of your shoulder impingement. The key to effective treatment starts with a thorough and precise examination by professionals. We offer top-notch care to help you overcome shoulder impingement and get back to feeling your best
