Symptoms of an inflamed rotator cuff

When the rotator cuff is inflamed, the five typical signs of inflammation can usually be observed. Even at the beginning of the disease, affected patients feel stabbing or pulling pain in the shoulder joint area. Depending on the extent of the disease, this pain can radiate into the neck and/or upper arm.

Slightly pronounced inflammatory processes of the rotator cuff usually only cause movement-related complaints. Under resting conditions, the affected patients are often pain-free. Only when the inflammation spreads can pain at rest be observed.

Furthermore, local swelling of the soft tissue is one of the typical signs of inflammation. In the case of an inflammation at the rotator cuff, the skin surface of the shoulder region also often appears reddened. In a side-by-side comparison, the affected shoulder typically shows significant overheating. The normal range of motion of the shoulder joint can also be significantly restricted in the presence of an inflammation of the rotator cuff. Inflammation of the rotator cuff is associated with characteristic symptoms.Severe shoulder pain occurs, the

Especially occur when lifting, spreading and turning the arm inwards.
Especially when lying on your side, occur at night.
Can radiate into the arm.
Reinforce yourself when spreading the arm at an angle of 60 to 120°.

Diagnosis of inflammation of the rotator cuff

The diagnosis of suspected rotator cuff inflammation comprises several steps. Probably the most important step is the detailed doctor-patient consultation (anamnesis). During this discussion, the patient concerned should describe the symptoms he/she has experienced to the doctor as precisely as possible.

In this context, the intensity, quality and exact localization of the pain are of crucial importance. In addition, a possible radiation of pain and accompanying symptoms can provide a first indication of the underlying disease. Following the doctor-patient consultation, an orienting examination of both shoulders in a side comparison is usually performed.

During this examination, the shoulder region is inspected for skin symptoms (for example, redness and scars). In addition, the rough temperature of the shoulders is checked in a side comparison. In this way, overheating typical of an inflammation of the rotator cuff can be detected.

The scope of movement of both shoulders is then checked. In the case of an inflammation of the rotator cuff, the internal and external rotation as well as abduction and adduction on the affected side are shown to be restricted. In addition, moving the arm in some axes can possibly lead to provocation of pain.

Further diagnostics in case of suspected inflammation of the rotator cuff are performed using various imaging techniques. In particular, the preparation of an X-ray image in two planes is suitable for excluding bony injuries. In addition, computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder joint (MRI of the shoulder) can help to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease.