What is the primary symptom of Stage II impingement?

In Stage II impingement, the primary symptom is indeed mild to moderate pain with overhead activities. This stage typically involves inflammation and microtears in the rotator cuff tendons due to repeated mechanical irritation, especially during activities that require the arm to be raised overhead. Patients often report discomfort when performing tasks such as reaching, throwing, or lifting objects above shoulder height.

This symptom pattern is characteristic of this intermediate stage between Stage I (where pain might be more acute but occurs mainly in specific overhead tasks) and Stage III (which can involve more persistent pain and dysfunction due to significant rotator cuff tear or rupture). Understanding the progression of symptoms helps guide appropriate treatment and management strategies for individuals experiencing shoulder impingement.

The other options present symptoms associated with different conditions or stages; for instance, severe pain at rest is often seen in more advanced stages of rotator cuff pathology, while weakness and numbness could indicate nerve involvement or a different shoulder issue. Locking and clunking are typically signs of instability or labral tears rather than impingement syndrome.