Cal Sports & Orthopaedic Institute | Orthopaedic Specialists in Berkeley, Oakland & Orinda

Berkeley
(510) 704-7760

Orinda
(925) 258-9571

Oakland
(510) 422-5150

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Rotator Cuff, Tendonitis, Bursitis & Impingement Syndrome

These terms all refer to the same shoulder problem that is the most common cause of pain around the shoulder.

As the arm is raised, the rotator cuff tendons keep the ball (top of arm bone) tightly in the socket. The upper part of the scapula that makes up the roof of the shoulder is called the acromion.

A bursa is located between the acromion and the rotator cuff tendons. A bursa is a lubricated sac of tissue that cuts down on the friction between two moving parts. Bursae are located all over the body where tissues must rub against each other. In this case, the bursa protects the acromion and the rotator cuff from grinding against each other.

Usually, there is enough room between the acromion and the rotator cuff so that the tendons slide easily underneath the acromion as the arm is raised. But each time you raise your arm, there is a bit of rubbing or pinching on the tendons and the bursa. This rubbing or pinching action is called impingement

Causes

The most common cause of this shoulder problem is weakness of the rotator cuff muscles. The rotator cuff’s primary function is to hold the ball of the shoulder in the socket when someone is active. If the muscles become weak or are injured, the humeral head (shoulder ball) will be allowed to migrate superiorly. The problem is perhaps the best-known overuse injury and individuals who work overhead (carpenters, plumbers) and overhead athletes are prone to this problem. Other problems which result in rotator cuff weakness (partial or full thickness tears and muscle atrophy secondary to disuse) often have a component of tendonitis.

Symptoms

  • Aching pain at side of shoulder
  • Trouble sleeping due to pain
  • Pain worsened by overhead activity
  • Weakness (secondary to pain)
  • Clicking or popping
  • Catching or rubbing sensation

Treatment

Fortunately, the majority of individuals with this problem get better with time and exercises. Avoiding activities which aggravate the shoulder, as well as beginning a rotator cuff strengthening program are the initial steps in recovering. Anti-inflammatories can help reduce the discomfort to allow these exercises to be done. Cortisone injections are occasionally needed to reduce pain and allow better ability to perform the exercises. Emphasis during the rehabilitation is on the shoulder blade muscles (peri-scapular) as these muscles, when strong, they form a strong foundation for the rotator cuff muscles to work with. Normally a period of at least 8 to 12 weeks is attempted before conservative therapy is felt to have failed.

In more severe cases, when rehabilitation is not successful, an MRI should be ordered to assess the condition of the rotator cuff tendon. Arthroscopic surgery may then be suggested. This occurs in roughly 10 to 15% of cases. The surgery is directed at removing inflamed tissue and bone spurs if they exist (subacromial decompression). Secondary problems such as partial thickness rotator cuff tears and A/C joint arthrosis are commonly encountered and can be dealt with at the same time.

Knee

Shoulder

  • AC Separation
  • Clavicle Fracture
  • Shoulder Dislocation
  • Rotator Cuff, Tendonitis, Bursitis & Impingement Syndrome
  • Rotator Cuff Tendon Tears
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Shoulder Arthritis
  • Shoulder Arthroscopy
  • Shoulder Joint Replacement

Hip

Foot and Ankle

Sports Medicine

Hand/Wrist

Spine

 

button surgery information

Berkeley Office
2999 Regent St., Suite 225
Berkeley, CA 94705
p: (510) 704-7760
f: (510) 704-7765

Orinda Office
25 Orinda Way, Suite 100-A
Orinda, CA 94563
p: (925) 258-9571
f: (925) 258-9572

Oakland Office
350 – 30th St., Suite 530
Oakland, CA 94609
p: (510) 422-5150
f: (510) 422-5149

Hours at all locations:
Office Hours:
8-11:45 am and 12:45-5 pm

Phone hours:
8:30 – 11:45 am and 1-4:30 pm

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