Impingement
Shoulder pain that develops due to a tightness between the head of the humerus (caput humeri) and the acromion is called impingement syndrome. This area of the shoulder already naturally suffers from a certain amount of tightness, which is why chronic irritation of the bursa and tendon attachments (usually supraspinatus tendon, rotator cuff) is common. Certain occupational groups such as painters or overhead sportsmen and women (e.g. tennis or volleyball players) have an increased risk of impingement syndrome.
At the beginning, shoulder pain only occurs during exertion (especially during activities with a raised arm), later it can also occur at rest. The pain is usually particularly pronounced when the arm is abruptly lifted to the side or under stress. To relieve shoulder pain in impingement syndrome, therapeutic measures such as electrotherapy, ointment treatment, cold therapy, movement exercises and targeted muscle training can be used first.
Anti-inflammatory medication can also be used. If the conservative treatment options fail, the cause of the irritation of the shoulder should be treated. For this purpose, the space under the acromion can be expanded during surgery.
The inflamed (and usually thickened) bursa is removed and bony projections are removed. This is also intended to prevent progressive damage to the tendons of the rotator cuff and the possible threat of a tendon tear.
All articles in this series:
