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Rotator Cuff Tear: Symptoms And Treatment Options
Your rotator cuff refers to the group of tendons and muscles surrounding your shoulder joint. Injuries such as rotator cuff tears are often caused by overuse and are common in older people as well as in athletes who participate in sports such as swimming, baseball, golf, tennis, and basketball. These sports require overhead use of the arms and repetitive arm movements, which, over time, can weaken and injure the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff tears can also result from traumatic injuries or falls sustained in sports such as hockey and football. Here are some symptoms of a rotator cuff tear and some effective treatment options.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include pain and weakness when moving your arms, especially when lifting your arms over your head. In addition, you may develop a popping sound in your shoulder joint upon movement, and have difficulty sleeping as a result of the pain. Rotator cuff tears can also lead to diminished range of motion, decreased arm mobility, and in some cases, numbness and tingling sensations in your shoulder that radiate into your arm and hand.
You may also develop headaches and neck pain, as well as an increase in pain at night. Your sports medicine doctor will perform a comprehensive examination that may include x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to rule out or confirm a rotator cuff tear diagnosis.
Treatment Options
Depending upon the type and severity of your rotator cuff tear, your plan of care may simply include conservative treatment options, or you may be a candidate for surgery. In some cases, a combination of both conservative treatments and surgical intervention is recommended. Conservative treatment options for rotator cuff tears include physical therapy to help reduce pain, enhance range of motion, and restore function and mobility of your shoulder.
Your sports medicine physician may also recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen to relieve your discomfort and decrease inflammation. If your rotator cuff tear is serious, tendon reattachment surgery may be recommended. After your shoulder has healed from your surgery, your doctor will recommend participation in an outpatient rehabilitation program so that you can resume your activities of daily living as soon as possible.
If you injure your shoulder or experience any of the above symptoms of a rotator cuff tear, make an appointment with a physician specializing in sports medicine care. When rotator cuff injuries are diagnosed and treated quickly, your prognosis will most likely be a favorable one.