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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Answered: Tendonitis, curable or not?

 
 

Sent to you by Amrata via Google Reader:

 
 


Hi there,

Tendonitis of shoulder appears as impingement syndrome which is an inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons and the bursa that surrounds the shoulder tendons. As a result of that there is a process of inflammation after initial injury. Thereafter, the recurrent inflammation can be self-exacerbating since the tendons and bursa become inflamed. Also, this inflammation causes a thickening of these structures and acquire more space resulting the tendons and bursa more pinched whenever there is any repeated effort like overhead activities (arm above head height), sleeping at night.

Investigations- An X-ray and MRI (further approach) would be required to exactly understand rotator cuff space deficit.

Treatment options- Rest is the key since it decreases inflammations. Anti-inflammatory medicines, cortisone injection provide some relief in decreasing the pain fast and recovering. Physiotherapy with simple exercises helps to resume normal functions. Surgery may be advised in case you don't respond to above treatments.

In addition, it is essential to avoid physical exercises that irritate the rotator cuff tendons. These include overhead weight lifting, throwing activities and sleeping with the arm over or behind your head. Hope this helps.

 
 

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