Do You Have Severe Shoulder Pain when Working Overhead?
If you suffer from this pain, the impingement syndrome or calcific tendinitis may be responsible. Both conditions are among the most common in the shoulder area. Overhead work such as clearing the dishwasher, but also sports such as tennis and golf, can only be performed with great pain.
Causes of Impingement
The causes of an impingement syndrome can vary. It can be caused on the one hand by the bony shape of the acromion, and on the other hand by an inflamed bursa or by calcifications in the underlying tendons. Mixed forms are common.
Symptoms of Calcific Tendinitis and Impingement
The arm shows a functional movement deficit and can no longer be raised adequately to the side. This results in very severe pain, which later also occurs at rest.
Other symptoms include:
- Stiffness in the shoulder
- Inability to reach behind the back
- Shoulder weakness
- Dull or mild pain in the shoulder
- Pain that can radiate from the shoulder to the elbow
- Pain that gets worse at night or when sleeping on the affected side
Therapy for Calcific Tendinitis and Impingement Syndrome
In some cases, it can primarily be started conservatively with physical therapy to treat the symptoms. Often, however, surgical intervention is necessary.
In arthroscopic technique (keyhole technique), the bursa under the acromion is removed via 2-3 small skin incisions and the acromion is straightened with bone. If necessary, the shoulder calcium is removed.
This measure creates sufficient space (arthroscopic decompression). The affected structures can regenerate and the pain is eliminated.
Aftercare
Immobilization after the operation is necessary for a few days at most. Physical therapy is necessary in any case as follow-up treatment.
I am an orthopedic shoulder specialist, experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of people with impingement syndrome and calcific tendinitis. My goal is to lead you back to a pain-free life.
Are you looking for an experienced shoulder specialist in Vienna? Do not hesitate to contact me. My office in the Wiener Privatklinik is centrally located in the 9th district of Vienna.
Dr. Mark Schurz
