Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
An irritation or inflammation of a tendon in the rotator cuff is called rotator cuff tendonitis.The rotator cuff is comprised of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint, connecting the humerus (upper arm) to the scapula (shoulder blade). The muscles allow for the shoulder to rotate, and stability to the shoulder are provided by the rotator cuff tendons. When the tendons are injured, it may cause a dull pain in the shoulder, which often gets worse when trying to sleep on the involved side.
What Is Rotator Cuff Tendonitis?
It is an inflammation of the BURSA (a lubrication mechanism), along with an inflammation of a group of muscles in the shoulder. If too much stress is put on the shoulder it might cause
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A clicking in the shoulder might occur when the arm is raised above the head. It could interfere with comfortably sleeping, or even wake people up from a sound sleep with an aching pain in the upper arm. Other symptoms may include stiffness or a loss of mobility and strength in the affected arm.
Rotator cuff tendinitis symptoms tend to worsen over a period of time. Initially symptoms can be relieved with rest. However, over time the pain could get worse or you may develop constant pain, because you actually have one or more small tendon tears, and any symptoms that go past the elbow may indicate a more severe problem.
What Causes Rotator Cuff Tendonitis?
Rotator cuff tendinitis may be caused by:
• Any occupation or activity that has you keeping the arm in the same position for long periods of time.
• Favoring one arm to sleep on each night.
• Activities or sports that require the arm to be moved above the head repeatedly, such as throwing a ball, swimming, weight lifting, and tennis.
• Any occupation that has the arm held above the head for many hours, and days at a time, such as carpentry or painting.
• A lack of coordination using the shoulder and shoulder blade