Tendinitis, Bursitis and Impingement Syndrome



 What are tendinitis, bursitis and impingement   syndrome?  

Tendinitis (tendonitis), bursitis and impingement syndrome are three closely related shoulder problems that commonly affect your shoulder's tendons. They may occur separately or in combination.

animation View an animation of impingement syndrome.

 How do tendons work? 

Tendons are fibrous cords that connect muscles to bones. As a muscle contracts, it pulls on the attached tendon and causes the bone to move. The tendon is located between the humerus (upper arm) bone and the acromion (def.). A layer of tissue sacs called bursae (def.) serves as a cushion between the tendon and the acromion.

Since both the tendon and bursae are so close to one another, it may be difficult to determine which is the source of your pain. Most often, both are involved.

View the anatomy of the shoulder.

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 Tendinitis and bursitis 

Tendinitis is perhaps the most common shoulder problem you may experience. Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon (def.). When it happens in the shoulder, your rotator cuff (def.) tendons or biceps (def.) tendons are inflamed — usually as the result of being pinched.

Bursitis often accompanies tendinitis, although it can occur independently. Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, the sacs that help cushion the rotator cuff from the boney front edge of the shoulder blade (acromion).

Both result in shoulder pain.

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 What causes tendinitis and bursitis? Who's at   risk? 

Anyone can experience tendinitis and bursitis, but it's more common as you get older. As your tendons age, they are less elastic and become more susceptible to injury.

The problem is most likely to happen after recurring repetitive movement that causes minor injury to the shoulder:

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 How are tendinitis and bursitis diagnosed and   treated?  

When you have tendinitis and/or bursitis, you will experience pain at rest that worsens with certain shoulder movements.

To diagnose your condition, your doctor will examine your shoulder and ask you about recent activities that may have caused your symptoms. An x-ray may be useful to show if a bone spur is compressing your tendon. Your doctor also may suggest an MRI (def.) to see if your rotator cuff is torn. If bursitis is suspected, an MRI may show if there is fluid or inflammation in the bursae.

To treat your tendinitis and/or bursitis, your physician may suggest NSAIDS (def.) to treat the pain and inflammation. It also may be advisable to modify some of the activities that caused your symptoms in the first place. Physical therapy may be helpful. Your physician also may suggest a corticosteroid injection (def.) into the space above the rotator cuff to decrease painful symptoms and make physical therapy easier. If you have bursitis, sometimes your doctor may recommend removing the bursa fluid by a needle and syringe (aspiration).

Most tendinitis and bursitis can be managed without surgery. If symptoms are not well controlled with rest, medication or injections, then surgery to remove the inflamed bursa and bone spurs may be recommended.

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 What can I expect long-term with tendinitis and 
 bursitis? 

Over time, tendinitis and bursitis often go away by themselves. If the problem persists, check with your doctor for additional options, including surgery.

If you and your surgeon decide on surgery, your surgeon can advise you if the surgery can be done arthroscopically. This form of minimally invasive surgery allows your orthopaedic surgeon (def.) to see inside your shoulder and to carry out procedures through tiny incisions in your shoulder. Recovery time generally is faster.

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 Impingement syndrome 

Impingement syndrome, related to tendinitis and bursitis, also is one of the most common causes of pain in the shoulders of adults. It also can lead to further shoulder problems.

Here's what happens when you have impingement syndrome:

animation View an animation of impingement syndrome.

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 Additional problems possible 

Impingement syndrome can become a chronic inflammatory condition that may lead to a weakening of your rotator cuff tendons. This may eventually result in a torn rotator cuff. Shoulder impingement syndrome also is closely related to shoulder instability, such as dislocation.

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 How is impingement syndrome diagnosed and   treated? 

Diagnosing impingement syndrome is similar to the steps your doctor takes to diagnose tendinitis. Your physician will do a thorough physical examination of your shoulder and may ask you to go through certain movements, such as raising your arm above your shoulder. Your physician also may order x-rays to look at the front edge of your shoulder blade to check for calcium deposits — a condition called "calcific tendinitis." An MRI may be useful to show fluid or inflammation in the bursa or rotator cuff.

Initial treatment for an impinged shoulder usually includes rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. Your physician also may recommend a corticosteroid injection.

If pain continues and your symptoms don't improve, your doctor may suggest surgery. The surgery is designed to remove any bone spurs that are "impinging" the rotator cuff. Inflamed bursae may also be removed.

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 What can I expect long-term with impingement 
 syndrome? 

Shoulder impingement may require more aggressive treatment if conservative management doesn't improve symptoms after several months of treatment. Your orthopaedic specialist (def.) will advise you if surgery is necessary.

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