Rotator Cuff Injury

Rotator cuff injuries cause annoying and painful symptoms that may lead to severe complications if not managed.

Rotator cuff injury

Rotator cuff injuries affect the muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and maintain the ball of the upper arm bone robustly inside the cavity of the shoulder. Rotator cuff muscles help lifting and moving the arms away from the body.

Rotator cuff injuries are common, and they increase with age.

Causes of rotator cuff injury

• The most prevalent cause of rotator cuff injuries is the gradual wear and tear of the tendon tissue with time. This includes repetitive shoulder moves during certain jobs (like painting, carpentry, and mechanics) and sports (like tennis, baseball, and weightlifting), decreased blood flow over time, and the forming of bone growths on the top of the shoulder bone.
• Accidents and injuries that cause shoulder dislocation or broken collarbones can lead to rotator cuff tears.

Symptoms of rotator cuff injury

• Mild deep pain in the shoulder.
• The shoulder pain worsens at night or when the arm is rested.
• Weakness and difficulty moving the arm or lifting things.
• Popping or crackling sounds or sensations when moving the arm in specific positions.
• If a rotator cuff injury isn’t managed, it can lead to a permanent inability to move the arm and chronic weakness in the shoulder joint.

Diagnosis of rotator cuff injury

• Physical exam.
• Imaging test.

Treatment of rotator cuff injury

• Resting.
• Physical therapy.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Steroid injections.
• Surgery.