Tendonitis, calcaneal inflammation and shoulder syndrome are closely related and may occur alone or in combination. If the rotator cuff and caliper are irritated, inflamed and swollen, they may be squeezed between the head of the humerus and the shoulder joint. Repetitive arm movements can affect arm movement for several years. It can irritate and wear tendons, muscles and surrounding structures.
Tendonitis is inflammation (redness, pain and swelling) of the tendon. In tendinitis of the shoulder, the rotator cuff and/or the biceps tendonitis of the shoulder become inflamed, usually as a result of compression of the surrounding structures. The change can range from mild inflammation to affecting most of the rotator cuff. When the rotator cuff tendon becomes inflamed and thickens, it may become trapped under the shoulder joint. Tightening the rotator cuff is called damage syndrome.
Tendinitis and tendon injury syndrome are often accompanied by inflammation of the shoulder sacs. Calcaneal inflammation is called calcaneal inflammation.
Inflammation caused by a disease such as rheumatoid arthritis can cause rotator tendinitis and calcaneal inflammation. Other potential causes of irritation of the rotating cuff or jacket and may lead to inflammation and damage.
Symptoms of tendonitis and calcaneal inflammation
Early symptoms of tendonitis and calcaneal inflammation include:
- Slow onset of discomfort and pain in the upper arm or upper third of the arm
- Problems with sleep on the arm
- Tendonitis and inflammation of the scapula also cause pain when the arm is moved away from the body or above the head. If the tendinitis involves the biceps tendon of the shoulder (the tendon in front of the shoulder that helps bend the elbow and rotate the forearm), the pain will appear on the front or side of the shoulder and may spread to the elbow and forearm. Pain can also occur when the arm is pushed firmly over the head.
Diagnosis of tendinitis and calcaneal inflammation begins with a medical history and physical examination. X-rays do not show tendons or calculi, but may be useful in the exclusion of bone abnormalities or arthritis. Your doctor may remove and test fluid from the inflamed area to rule out infection. The pushing syndrome can be confirmed by injecting a small amount of anesthetic (Lidocaine hydrochloride) into the space under the shoulder joint to relieve the pain.
Treatment of tendinitis, cellulitis and disability
The first step in treating these conditions is to reduce pain and inflammation with the help of rest, ice and anti-inflammatory drugs such as:
- Acetylsalicylic acid
- Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin or Nuprin)
- COX-2 inhibitors
In some cases, your doctor or therapist will use ultrasound therapy (light vibrations of sound waves) to warm up the deep tissues and improve blood flow. Gradually, light stretching and strengthening exercises are added. They may precede or follow the application of an ice pack. If there is no improvement, your doctor may inject a corticosteroid into the area under your shoulder capsule. Although steroid injections are a common treatment, they should be used with caution as they can lead to tendon rupture. If there is still no improvement after 6 to 12 months, your doctor may perform arthroscopic or open surgery to repair the damage and reduce the pressure on the tendons and calcaneus.