The impingement syndrome, or also called bottleneck syndrome, describes a pinching of tendons or joint capsule parts within a joint gap, usually associated with pain. This often leads to a degenerative change in the joint, which is accompanied by limited mobility. Impingement syndrome usually appears in the shoulder and hip joints, less often also in the ankle joint. About 10% of the German population is affected.
The causes of impingement syndrome are manifold. Osteoarthritis, for example, can be a cause, as it leads to bony extensions within the joint and thus restricts the space in the joint. But an overload of the joint can also lead to an impingement syndrome. Overload can lead to thickening of the tendons, which in turn leads to a reduced joint gutter space, so that bone structures, muscles and mucous bags are narrowed and rubbed against each other. Other triggers of impingement syndrome can be poorly healed fractures or limescale deposits in the joints and tendons themselves. It is not uncommon for a combination of the various risk factors.
Depending on the affected joint, different symptoms occur. In general, pain can be felt within the joint, which usually intensifies under load and leads to a gentle posture. Often the joint is only limitedly movable due to pain.
If symptoms and suspicion of impingement syndrome, it is advisable to consult a specialist in orthopedics. In addition to a conservative treatment with painkillers and gentle posture, it is advisable to use targeted physiotherapy. With special exercises, the surrounding muscles and especially the outer rotators of the joint can be strengthened in order to counteract the narrowing of the joint gap. If pain persists, surgical treatment may be considered.
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