Which symptom pattern is most typical of rotator cuff tendinopathy?

Which symptom pattern is most typical of rotator cuff tendinopathy?

• A. Sharp pain at rest
• B. Pain with overhead reaching
• C. Pain only at night
• D. No functional limitation

Answer: (B)

Rotator cuff tendinopathy commonly causes pain with use, especially during overhead activities. Elevating the arm places the supraspinatus tendon under the acromion, leading to irritation and pain when reaching overhead or lifting. Patients often notice a painful arc during abduction (roughly 60–120 degrees) and may have night pain from tendon irritation, but the hallmark pattern is pain triggered by overhead activities. This is why pain with overhead reaching is the best fit. Sharp pain at rest or pain only at night are less typical patterns for tendinopathy and point more toward other conditions, and no functional limitation would be unlikely since overhead tasks are commonly affected.

Rotator cuff tendinopathy commonly causes pain with use, especially during overhead activities. Elevating the arm places the supraspinatus tendon under the acromion, leading to irritation and pain when reaching overhead or lifting. Patients often notice a painful arc during abduction (roughly 60–120 degrees) and may have night pain from tendon irritation, but the hallmark pattern is pain triggered by overhead activities. This is why pain with overhead reaching is the best fit. Sharp pain at rest or pain only at night are less typical patterns for tendinopathy and point more toward other conditions, and no functional limitation would be unlikely since overhead tasks are commonly affected.