What Is Impingement Syndrome?

As you get older, your bones and joints slowly start to weaken, primarily because of repeated use. Doing day-to-day tasks may no longer be easy for you anymore. You may notice consistent pain around your shoulder or hip, hindering you from moving with ease. If you are experiencing this problem, you may have impingement syndrome.

Impingement Syndrome of the Shoulder

Shoulder impingement syndrome is a condition usually associated with shoulder bursitis and rotator cuff tendinitis. It occurs when the rotator cuff gets pinched between the arm bone and the top of the shoulder, known as the acromion.

When the rotator cuff gets pinched, pressure in your tendons increases, leading to compression and reduced blood flow. It can also result in pain and restricted movement. Over time, this condition may increase your risk of developing a rotator cuff tear.

Symptoms

People who are at risk of developing impingement syndrome of the shoulder may experience the following symptoms:

  • Pain in the shoulder area
  • Weakness of the shoulder
  • Pain in the arms when lifted above the head
  • Difficulty reaching upward
  • Worsening pain at night

Causes

Impingement of the shoulder occurs due to overuse. When you do the same movements over and over again, the tendons in your shoulder can swell and put pressure on your shoulder bone. Activities that may cause shoulder impingement syndrome include:

  • Painting
  • Lifting
  • Tennis
  • Baseball
  • Swimming

Aside from these activities, old age and having prior shoulder injuries can also increase the likelihood of developing the condition.

Impingement Syndrome of the Hip

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball-like top of the thigh bone can glide smoothly within the hip socket, allowing movement without pain. However, repetitive hip flexion damage and deterioration of cartilage in the joint may give rise to several hip problems, such as hip impingement.

Symptoms

If you have a hip impingement, you may not notice symptoms during early stages. Over time, you may feel pain in the groin area, especially when walking or bending down. When this happens, you are likely to experience a decreased range of hip flexion motion, as well.

Causes

The impingement of the hip may occur due to a deformity in the cam and pincer. Such deformities make hip flexion movements difficult due to a tight ball and socket. Other health conditions that may increase rise to hip impingement include:

  • Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
  • Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
  • Coxa vara

Impingement Syndrome Treatment in Maryland

Overusing the hips or shoulders is pretty common. Many times, people don’t notice a problem until symptoms appear. If you have restricted mobility, less flexibility, or pain in a hip or shoulder, you may have an impingement, and you should see an orthopedic doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.

You can visit the experts at Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland for any orthopedic issue, such as an impingement. Our experts specialize in different orthopedic subfields, such as sports medicine, joint replacement, arthroscopic surgery, and physical therapy. Call us at (410) 644-1880 or visit one of our clinics at Catonsville, Columbia, and Eldersburg. You may also fill out our appointment request form.