Rotator cuff injuries or tears are one of the most common causes of shoulder disability and pain among adults. Every year around 2 million people across the U.S. visit injury treatment centers or doctors due to rotator cuff tears. Our professional team has extensive experience and we provide the best Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment in Greenville, SC.
What Is A Rotator Cuff Injury?
When a tendon in the rotator cuff tears, this tendon becomes completely or partially detached from the humerus. The majority of these tears happen in something known as the supraspinatus tendon, yet other rotator cuff parts can also become involved. A torn tendon usually starts by fraying. When the damage starts to progress, this tendon can tear completely, which can occur when trying to lift heavy objects.
Rotator cuff tears or injuries typically cause an ache that is usually dull that tends to get worse at night. Rotator cuff tears are common injuries that tend to increase as people get older. They can occur at an earlier stage in individuals that are in jobs such as painting or carpentry that involve repeated overhead motions.
In some cases, a rotator cuff tear can happen from an isolated injury. In these cases, the person should seek immediate medical attention since they may require surgery.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Rotator Cuff Tear?
Rotator cuff tears are usually associated with the following symptoms:
- Pain at night and at rest, especially when the person lies on the shoulder that is affected.
- Pain when lowering or lifting the arm or from specific movements.
- A crackling sensation, or crepitus when the shoulder is moved into certain positions.
A tear that occurs suddenly from a fall will usually result in intense pain. The person may experience instant weakness in the area of the upper arm or a snapping sensation.
A tear that has developed slowly caused by overuse can also result in arm weakness and pain. The person may experience pain in their shoulder when lifting their arm, or pain or discomfort in the arm.
What Causes A Rotator Cuff Injury?
Rotator cuff tears are caused by wear (degeneration) or an injury.
Acute Tear
If a person lifts something that is too heavy and the motion is jerking or they fall on their outstretched arm, they can tear their rotator cuff. This tear type can also occur with another injury, such as wrist fractures, a dislocated shoulder, or a broken collarbone.
Wear-Related (Degenerative) Tear
Many tears are caused by the tendon that wears down slowly as time goes by. This type of degeneration occurs naturally as people age and in these cases is usually painless.
If you experienced a fall or you lifted something too heavy and hurt your shoulder, you may have a rotator cuff injury. While these injuries are not usually dangerous, they can be painful and disrupt your life. If you need Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment in Greenville, SC, we have the right team of experts that know the correct way to treat your injury. To schedule your first appointment call us at 864-866-PAIN, or contact us on our website. We will gladly answer your questions and help you get the attention that you need.
