Rotator Cuff Injury
What is it?
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that hold the shoulder joint together and help with shoulder movement. Two sac-like structures called "bursae" cushion and protect the rotator cuff from the pointy ends of the shoulder blades, called the acromion. Injuries to the rotator cuff can cause tendinitis, where the tendons become sore and swollen. As the bursae become worn, the inflamed tendon can get pinched under the acromion, causing more pain. Over time, worn rotator cuff tendons can also tear.
Who gets it?
If you are involved in sports or activities that require repeated overhead arm movement or occupations requiring heavy lifting, you may put enough strain on the rotator cuff tendons and muscles to cause injury.
What causes it?
Activities that require heaving lifting or repetitive overhead arm movement, overuse, age, falling on an outstretched hand, or a strong impact to the shoulder area all can cause rotator cuff injury.
What are the symptoms?
If you have a rotator cuff injury, you will feel pain over the muscle at the top and outer side of the shoulder, especially when you raise your arm or extend it out from the side of your body. You may find it difficult to lift your arm to perform everyday activities such as getting dressed. Your shoulder may feel weak, and you may also feel or hear a click or pop during shoulder movement.
How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and check your shoulder for pain, tenderness, and loss of motion as you move your arm in all directions. Your doctor also will ask whether your shoulder pain began suddenly or gradually. He or she may order an x-ray to rule out fractures and bone spurs. An MRI can help detect a full tendon tear. If there is no response to treatment, your doctor may order an arthrogram, where a dye is injected into the area before an x-ray, to confirm the diagnosis.
What is the treatment?
Doctors usually recommend rest, hot or cold packs applied to the area, and anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and inflammation. Your doctor may also recommend electrical stimulation of muscles and nerves, ultrasound, or cortisone injections. You may need to wear a shoulder sling for a few days. Eventually, you will be able to add exercises to build flexibility, strength, and normal function. If there is no improvement, however, you may need surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff.
Self-care tips
You can prevent rotator cuff injuries by avoiding repetitive overhead arm movements and repeated heavy lifting. If you have a rotator cuff injury, follow your doctor's treatment plan to regain strength and mobility.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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