When muscles or tendons become trapped in a joint, this can lead to severe pain and restricted movement. Depending on the stage of the condition, treatment can be conservative or surgical.
Below you will find further information and selected impingement syndrome specialists.
Impingement syndrome is also known as bottleneck syndrome. This refers to a pinching of muscles or tendons in a joint. This results in painful movement restrictions. The shoulder joint is most commonly affected by impingement syndrome, followed by the hip joint.
There are two forms of impingement syndrome:
In primary outlet impingement syndrome, changes occur in the bony structures. They manifest themselves, for example, in a bone spur or a bone roof that is too steeply inclined.
In secondary non-outlet impingement syndrome, the joint space becomes smaller as a result of an injury or other illness. Examples include damage to muscles or tendons and inflammation of the bursa.
Patients with shoulder impingement feel an acute onset of pain at an early stage of the disease. It intensifies, particularly during activities above the head. Those affected describe the pain as being deep in the joint. Pain peaks often occur at night, making it difficult to lie on the affected side.
As the disease progresses, adhesions and adhesions of the bursa in the area of the shoulder joint can occur. This further reduces mobility. Due to the reduced muscle activity, the muscles atrophy and the joint loses stability.
Impingement syndrome in the hip joint is often characterized by a gradual onset of symptoms. The pain in the hip joint only occurs sporadically at first. As the disease progresses, it intensifies during physical activity and can then radiate into the thigh.
The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the entire body. It is formed by the articular surface of the shoulder blade and the head of the upper arm. In contrast to the hip joint, the shoulder joint is much less protected by bony structures. Four cuff-like muscles, the rotator cuff, surround the joint.
Impingement syndrome in the shoulder area occurs
The former is the cause of non-outlet impingement syndrome and the latter is the cause of outlet impingement syndrome.
In impingement, muscles or tendons are trapped in the joint © alkov | AdobeStock
The occurrence of impingement syndrome in the hip area can often be explained by a deformation of the hip joint socket. It is part of the pelvic bone and has the shape of a cup-shaped joint socket which, together with the femoral head, forms the hip joint.
Under certain circumstances, bone spurs can form on the femoral head or the acetabular roof. This results in painful movement restrictions, particularly during internal rotation and when bending the hip joint.
The bony changes are often the result of increased physical strain. This is why some young athletes also suffer more frequently from impingement syndrome of the hip.
Treatment can involve several options. Conservative therapy mainly involves physiotherapy and painkillers. Patients should also take it easy.
For a permanent cure, however, the cause of the impingement syndrome must be treated surgically.
Conservative therapy is the treatment of choice, especially in the early stages of the disease. This form of therapy focuses on protecting the affected joint. The patient should avoid stress factors such as physically strenuous work or sporting activities.
The pain that occurs can be relieved with anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen. However, they cannot eliminate the cause of the pain. Physiotherapeutic measures are also recommended to reduce pain.
The aim of causal therapy is to treat or eliminate the cause of the disease. Surgery can help to correct the structural changes and subsequently the mechanical constriction.
This type of surgery is particularly recommended for young people, as it minimizes the risk of joint stiffness.
Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery is increasingly being used as a surgical method. It has largely replaced open surgery for impingement syndrome.
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