Shoulder Impingement Specialist in Kirkland, WA

Shoulder impingement syndrome is a term used to describe a condition wherein the acromion (top bone) of the shoulder begins to impinge upon or rub against the biceps tendon and/or the bursa of the shoulder. This condition can be quite painful, making it difficult for an individual with shoulder impingement syndrome to successfully lift their arms over their head. Dr. Camille Clinton is a highly trained orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist with extensive experience diagnosing and treating shoulder impingement. Call (425) 899-4810 to schedule an appointment at our orthopedic surgery office in Kirkland, WA today!

What Are the Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?

The early signs of this condition are often very minor, but will certainly worsen in time unless treatment options are pursued. At first, a person with shoulder impingement syndrome is likely to notice:

• Sudden pain when reaching for, throwing, or lifting various items
• A radiating pain that spreads from the shoulder down the length of the affected arm
• Mild yet constant pain that exists even while at rest

As these symptoms begin to worsen, the pain associated with them will become more and more severe until regular activities become extremely uncomfortable or impossible. It is also common for individuals in this stage to experience a loss of strength and range of motion.

Diagnosing Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

During your consultation with Dr. Clinton they will fully evaluate any reported symptoms and check the shoulder’s range of motion. It is critical that you present them with as many details as possible, as this will help to ensure a more accurate diagnosis.

In order to definitively confirm a case of shoulder impingement syndrome, an MRI will need to be performed. This imaging test allows Dr. Clinton to get a clear idea of how much fluid or inflammation is present in the affected shoulder. An MRI will also be able to identify any bone spurs or tears in the rotator cuff that may also be contributing to the patient’s shoulder pain.

Treatment Options Offered in Kirkland, WA

The first recommendations following the onset of minor shoulder pain include applying ice to the area and resting it as much as possible. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories can also be quite helpful in managing swelling of the shoulder that may be associated with a number of different conditions.

At this point, if your pain is still present or worsens, you should see a specialist such as Dr. Clinton immediately to prevent further damage to the shoulder.

After a full evaluation has been made, Dr. Clinton will be able to suggest additional treatment options such as physical therapy, steroid injections, or surgery to provide lasting relief from shoulder impingement syndrome.