Acute supraspinatus tendinitis

Causes

1.Age-As people get older, their tendons become less flexible — which makes them easier to injure.

2.Occupation

• Repetitive motions
• Awkward positions
• Frequent overhead reaching
• Vibration
• Forceful exertion
• Working on computer
• Heavy manual labor job

3.Sports

You may be more likely to develop tendinitis if you participate in certain sports that involve repetitive motions, especially if your technique isn’t optimal. This can occur with:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Bowling
• Golf
• Running
• Swimming
• Tennis

4.Smoking

5.Alcohol

6.Obese

7.Trauma

8.Infection

Symptoms

• A dull ache deep in the shoulder
• Difficulty/ pain if sleeping, especially if you lie on the affected side
• Difficulty/pain reaching overhead or behind your back
• Weakness

PATHOLOGY

Localized degeneration of the supraspinatus tendon with or without deposition of calcium is the main underlying pathology of this condition. Degeneration leads to rapid swelling and tension with often calcium deposition which leads to tremendous pain. Young individuals between 25-45 years are the common victims. The first complaint is obviously a dull ache which quickly gets worse leading to agonizing pain and practically all movements — especially abduction are limited. After a few days pain subsides once the calcified substance has erupted into the subdeltoid bursa.

Prevention

To reduce your chance of developing tendinitis, follow these suggestions:

• Ease up.Avoid activities that place excessive stress on your tendons, especially for prolonged periods. If you notice pain during a particular exercise, stop and rest.
• Mix it up.If one exercise or activity causes you a particular, persistent pain, try something else..
• Improve your technique.If your technique in an activity or exercise is flawed, you could be setting yourself up for problems with your tendons. Consider taking lessons or getting professional instructions when starting a new sport or using exercise equipment.
• Take time after exercise to stretch in order to maximize the range of motion of your joints. This can help to minimize repetitive trauma on tight tissues. The best time to stretch is after exercise, when your muscles are warmed up.
• Use proper workplace ergonomics.If possible, get an ergonomic assessment of your workspace and adjust your chair, keyboard and desktop as recommended for your height, arm length and usual tasks. This will help protect all your joints and tendons from excessive stress.
• Prepare your muscles to play.Strengthening muscles used in your activity or sport can help them better withstand stress and load.

DIAGNOSIS

On examination there is tenderness at the point of insertion of the supraspinatus on greater tuberosity just beneath the acromion process.

CT SCAN will reveal calcification of supraspinatus tendon which later on bursts into the subdeltoid bursa relieving

TREATMENT

• REST
• HOMEOPATHY MEDICINE
• PHYSIOTHERAPY