Tendonitis

Causes

The most common cause is overuse of a muscle and tendon. This can happen with repetitive motions such as reaching overhead or throwing.

It may be caused by:

• Inflammatory disease in the shoulder, such as arthritis
• Trauma to the shoulder, such as a fall on an outstretched arm

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in people aged 30 years and older. People who do these activities are also at higher risk:

• Tennis or other racquet sports
• Swimming
• Baseball
• Overhead assembly work, butchering, or using an overhead pressing machine

Symptoms

Symptoms start slowly over time. Pain is often worse when using the shoulder.

Common problems are:

• Dull pain in the shoulder and upper arm
• Pain at night, mainly when sleeping
• Pain when reaching behind
• Pain with overhead use
• Shoulder weakness
• Shoulder stiffness and problems moving

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the shoulders. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.

Images may be taken. This can be done with:

• MRI scan
• X-rays
• Ultrasound

Treatment

It may take weeks or months to heal. The goals of treatment are to ease pain and swelling. This may include:

• Medicine to ease pain and swelling
• A sling to prevent the shoulder from moving as it heals
• Exercises to help with strength, flexibility, and range of motion

Surgery

Some people may need surgery to repair the tendon. The type of surgery depends on the injury.

Prevention

This problem cannot always be prevented. Starting a new sport slowly may help lower the risk of injury.