Did you know that the shoulder has the largest range of motion of all the joints in your body? While this flexibility allows for extensive mobility, it can also leave the shoulder joint prone to injury such as shoulder impingement syndrome. Understanding shoulder impingement syndrome is the first step towards managing it, so let’s discuss the details.
Shoulder impingement syndrome is a condition where part of the rotator cuff muscles become pinched between the shoulder blade and humerus bone in the upper arm. This impingement can cause the muscle to swell, worsening the pain and irritation associated with the condition. Shoulder impingement is especially likely to occur in individuals who engage in a lot of overhead rotational shoulder movements. Swimming, baseball, tennis, pickleball, basketball, volleyball, and painting are all activities that leave the shoulder prone to impingement.
- Diagnosis
When diagnosing shoulder impingement syndrome, your physician will first record your medical history and perform a physical exam. During the physical exam, your physician will likely survey the areas in pain, your shoulder’s range of motion, and the strength of your arm and shoulder. Oftentimes, X-rays and MRIs are performed to rule out other conditions such as arthritis as well as to visualize any bone spurs, rotator cuff tears, or inflammation at the shoulder joint. - Management/Treatment
Initially, nonsurgical treatment options are explored when managing shoulder impingement syndrome. Some of these treatments include the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, injections, and physical therapy. If these treatment options fail to alleviate your pain or restore shoulder functionality, surgery may be recommended. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed to repair any damage to the rotator cuff as well as remove any bone spurs that may be pinching this muscle.
Following treatment, your symptoms should be relieved within a few weeks or months. Don’t suffer from shoulder impingement syndrome. Dr. DiPaolo is dedicated to helping you find relief now! Reach out for a consultation today.
Dr. Daneca DiPaolo is a highly-skilled, board-certified orthopedic surgeon located in Grenada, Mississippi. She offers the latest orthopedic techniques and provides quality, compassionate, state-of-the-art orthopedic care.
