The shoulder joint is one of the most important joints in the body. It is incredibly flexible and provides a free range of motion to the arms. When there aren’t any issues, its function is seamless and natural, but when someone has a torn rotator cuff, the ensuing shoulder pain can significantly restrict their ability to move their arms.
You may experience excessive shoulder pain caused by a torn rotator cuff if you use your arms a lot at work while playing sports, or by doing manual labor. It can be caused by a number of factors, including repetitive stress, poor blood circulation, putting too much strain on the arms, a substantial injury, and the development of bone spurs.
What Is a Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff consists of a group of tendons and muscles in the shoulder. It connects the upper arm to the should blade and provides a secure structure to the shoulder. The muscles give the shoulder the ability to rotate.
What Causes a Tear in the Rotator Cuff?
The shoulder is incredibly vital to the arm’s functionality. Since the rotator cuff isn’t incredibly durable, taking care of it is essential. By applying too much stress on the shoulder, you can cause the tendons in the rotator cuff to tear off, resulting in immense pain. The tendons may also tear due to abrupt stress as well.
Partial tears in the tendon may heal by themselves, but when the damage is deep, it will require medical help. Complete tears can be serious and can have adverse effects on the arm for the foreseeable future. If you experience a sharp pain in your shoulder after falling or after placing it under a high amount of stress, it is important to get it checked by a medical expert.
Another type of tear, known as a regenerative tear, occurs as a person grows older. Aging can cause the tendons and muscles to become weak. The tears begin to show in the tendons. Because of this, taking care of our bodies as we grow older is very important.
Treatment for Rotator Cuff Tears
The best way to treat a torn rotator cuff is by taking time to rest and undergoing physical therapy. If you have a mild tear, it can heal on its own and with rest, the movement of your shoulders will become much more fluid. Complete tears, however, run deep and may require surgery to fix. Consulting with an experienced surgeon is the best way to find out what is best for you.
Contact Our Office
The next time you hurt your shoulder, be sure to have it checked by an expert surgeon. A tear in the rotator cuff can cause a significant amount of pain and discomfort and can affect various aspects of your daily life.
A mild tear can be treated through rest and physical therapy but a complete tear requires surgery. If you’re unsure about the seriousness of your injury, the best way to find out is by consulting a surgeon. To learn more about the available treatment options, contact us as soon as possible. Dr. Kevin James, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, will help you find relief.
