Shoulder Pain: Could It Be a Sign of Severe Shoulder Tendonitis?

Shoulder pain is a common discomfort that can be caused by various factors, such as injuries, inflammation, arthritis, or poor posture. The shoulder area is complex, with many muscles, tendons, and joints working together to move the arm, which is why pain can significantly affect daily life. Dr. Ioannis Polyzois, Orthopaedic Surgeon, explains how shoulder pain is often a sign of severe shoulder tendonitis.

What is Shoulder Tendonitis, and what symptoms does it cause?

Shoulder tendonitis is an inflammation of the shoulder tendons, usually due to overuse or injury. The most commonly affected tendons are those belonging to the rotator cuff muscles, which are responsible for the movement and stability of the shoulder. The symptoms it causes include the following:

1. Shoulder pain: It often appears in the front or side area of the shoulder, and may worsen during or after activities that require lifting the arm or repetitive movements.
2. Limited mobility: The pain can restrict a person’s ability to move their arm, especially when trying to lift it above their head or perform daily activities such as brushing teeth or getting dressed.
3. Feeling of weakness: Inflammation in the tendons can cause a feeling of weakness in the shoulder, making it difficult to hold or lift objects.
4. Redness and swelling: In more severe cases, mild swelling or redness may be observed in the shoulder area.
5. Night Pain: The pain may intensify at night, especially when the person lies on the painful side or moves the shoulder during sleep.

Why can shoulder pain be a sign of severe shoulder tendonitis?

Shoulder pain can be a sign of severe shoulder tendonitis for several reasons, mainly due to the intensity of the inflammation and damage to the tendons connected to the shoulder’s rotator cuff muscles.

1. Ongoing inflammation: When inflammation in the tendons persists for a long time, it can lead to degenerative changes in the tissue, causing severe pain and limited mobility.
2. Tendon tear or strain: If tendonitis remains undiagnosed or untreated, the tendons may suffer a tear or strain, which can cause intense pain and severe weakness in the shoulder area.
3. Risk of limited functionality: Severe tendonitis can significantly limit a person’s ability to move their shoulder or perform simple daily activities, as the tendons do not function effectively.
4. Loss of strength and stability: Chronic inflammation can cause weakness in the muscles that control the shoulder, making the shoulder more prone to further injuries and limited mobility.

How are tendonitis and shoulder pain treated?

The treatment of tendonitis and shoulder pain depends on the severity of the condition, but generally includes a range of conservative and, in some cases, surgical therapies.

• Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain, especially if the pain worsens the next day. It is important to stop the activity that caused the problem.
• Ice therapy: Apply ice to the shoulder for 20 minutes at least twice a day, using a towel for protection. Apply ice also after activities that worsen the pain.
• Medication: Use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Cortisone or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: These injections can provide relief and help reduce inflammation.
• Surgery: In cases of chronic tendonitis or if there is a rotator cuff tear or other severe damage, surgery may be required. Shoulder arthroscopy is the most common method for treating shoulder tendonitis.

If you are experiencing pain or difficulty moving your shoulder, it is important to consult a specialist. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ioannis Polyzois for a full evaluation and appropriate treatment that will help you regain your mobility and comfort.