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The rotator cuff plays a central role in shoulder function, and it enables a wide range of motion and stability. When this group of muscles and tendons sustains an injury, it can impact daily activities and overall quality of life. Understanding the nature of these injuries and the value of timely medical attention is beneficial for long-term shoulder health. Here is more information on rotator cuff tears, their causes, and the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment:
What Is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and their tendons: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These components work together to keep the head of the upper arm bone centered within the shallow shoulder socket. A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of these tendons detach from the bone, and they detach either partially or completely.
What Causes It?
Rotator cuff tears generally stem from two primary causes: acute injury or degenerative changes. Acute tears occur suddenly, often from falling on an outstretched arm or from lifting a heavy object with a jerking motion. These injuries can occur in conjunction with other shoulder pathologies; these include a broken collarbone or a dislocated shoulder.
Degenerative tears develop slowly over time, and they are more common as the body ages. Factors contributing to degeneration include repetitive stress from overhead motions, a lack of blood supply to the tendons, and the development of bone spurs. Occupations or sports requiring repetitive arm movements increase the risk of this type of wear and tear.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear vary depending on the severity and cause of the injury. Patients may report a dull ache deep in the shoulder that disturbs sleep, particularly when lying on the affected side. This pain is sometimes accompanied by arm weakness, and this makes routine tasks like combing hair or reaching behind the back difficult.
Some individuals experience a crackling sensation when moving their shoulder in certain positions. In cases of acute tears, the pain is usually immediate and intense, followed by significant weakness in the upper arm. Degenerative tears may present with mild symptoms initially, but they can gradually worsen over time.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Treatment plans depend on the size of the tear, the patient’s activity level, and the duration of symptoms. Conservative management is often the first line of treatment for degenerative tears or smaller partial tears.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications such as ibuprofen reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy: Specific exercises restore flexibility and strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint.
- Corticosteroid injections: These injections provide temporary relief from inflammation, allowing for more effective participation in physical therapy.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: This biological treatment uses the patient’s own platelets to promote healing of injured tissue.
If conservative methods do not yield results, or if the tear is severe and acute, surgical intervention may be necessary.
How Is Early Intervention Beneficial?
Seeking medical evaluation at the onset of symptoms may influence the prognosis of a rotator cuff injury. Early diagnosis prevents the tear from enlarging, as small tears can propagate and become massive over time if left untreated. Addressing the issue early sometimes allows patients to recover using non-surgical methods like physical therapy and medication.
See an Orthopedic Specialist Today
Shoulder pain and weakness warrant a professional medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause, and a specialized orthopedic examination provides a diagnosis. Delaying care can lead to tear progression and changes in the muscle. Schedule an appointment to assess shoulder health and discuss the most suitable treatment option.
