Shoulder Pain

Impingement syndrome

Impingement syndrome is an injury that occurs to the shoulder’s tendons, muscles, cartilage, or nerves. Impingement syndrome is a common injury for athletes and people who perform overhead lifting. It is a painful condition that results from overuse of a tendon or muscle. The muscles that cause impingement syndrome are the supraspinatus tendon and infraspinatus tendon, two of the five rotator cuff tendons that attach to the head of the humerus.

These two tendons are attached to the acromion, a bone that extends from the top of the shoulder joint, and the acromioclavicular joint. Many factors can cause impingement syndromes, such as overuse, a torn rotator cuff, and arthritis. Overuse can cause the tendons to become thickened and stiff, which results in the muscles being unable to move correctly. If the shoulder impinges on a nerve, it can lead to pain and tingling in the hand.

Treatments may include icing the affected area, rest, anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen, steroid injections, and/or physical therapy.