Shoulder impingement syndrome

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| Shoulder impingement syndrome | |
|---|---|
| Diagram of the shoulder joint | |
| Synonyms | Subacromial impingement, painful arc syndrome, supraspinatus syndrome, swimmer's shoulder, thrower's shoulder |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Orthopedics |
| Symptoms | Shoulder pain, weakness, reduced range of motion |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | Gradual |
| Duration | Varies |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Repetitive overhead activity, shoulder instability, muscle imbalance |
| Risks | Athletic activities, occupational hazards |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, imaging studies |
| Differential diagnosis | Rotator cuff tear, adhesive capsulitis, bursitis |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Physical therapy, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, surgery |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Common in athletes and manual laborers |
| Deaths | N/A |
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome is a common condition affecting the shoulder joint. It is also known as Subacromial Impingement, Swimmer's Shoulder, Thrower's Shoulder, and Painful Arc Syndrome.
Causes[edit]
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome is caused by the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles becoming impinged as they pass through a narrow bony space in the shoulder called the subacromial space. This can cause pain, weakness and loss of movement at the shoulder.
Symptoms[edit]
The main symptoms of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome include:
- Pain in the shoulder and arm, which may be worse when lifting the arm, lying on it or during activities that require reaching overhead.
- Weakness of the shoulder muscles.
- Stiffness in the shoulder.
- Difficulty lifting objects, especially overhead.
- Pain at night, which can affect sleep.
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome is usually made based on the symptoms and a physical examination. However, further tests such as an X-ray, MRI or Ultrasound may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome usually involves a combination of rest, physiotherapy, pain relief and sometimes surgery. The aim of treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation, and to restore normal function to the shoulder.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome can often be achieved through regular exercise to strengthen the shoulder muscles, good posture, and avoiding activities that cause pain.
See Also[edit]
References[edit]