Things That You Need to Know About Rotator Cuff Tears

Your shoulder is a very complex joint, and there are many different structures in the shoulder that work together to allow smooth movement of your arm.
One of these structures is called the rotator cuff, consisting of tendons that attach four muscles to your shoulder blade. These tendons also attach to your upper arm bone (humerus), where they can assist with shoulder movement as well.
In this article, we'll look at rotator cuff tears, how they happen, and what you can do to prevent them.
What Is a Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is made up of four tendons that attach your shoulder blade and arm to your upper arm bone. These tendons are responsible for the strength and stability of your shoulder joint, allowing you to lift and rotate your arm.
The rotator cuff is one of the most commonly injured areas in the body, especially among athletes. If you have torn any part of your rotator cuff, it will be very difficult to perform day-to-day activities without pain or discomfort.
What are the Common Causes of a Rotator Cuff Tear?
Rotator cuff tears are a common injury that can cause pain and disability in the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff is comprised of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint and help keep it stable. When these muscles and tendons become weakened or injured, it can lead to a tear in the rotator cuff.
Here are some of the common causes of a rotator cuff tear:

• Overuse: Repetitive overhead activities, such as throwing a baseball or lifting weights, can cause the tendons of the rotator cuff to become inflamed and eventually tear.
  
• Not Enough Blood Flow: A rotator cuff tear can also occur if there is not enough blood flow to the area, which causes the tendons of the rotator cuff to weaken. This can happen if you have diabetes or any other condition that affects blood flow. 
  
• Repetitive Shoulder Motion: A trauma or fall onto an outstretched hand can cause a tear in one of the four muscles that make up your rotator cuff.
  
• Bone Growth: A bone spur or calcium deposit in your shoulder can rub against the rotator cuff, causing inflammation and pain.
  

What are the Symptoms?
Rotator cuff tears can cause pain, weakness, and loss of motion in the shoulder.
Symptoms include:

• Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
  
• Inability to lift or rotate your arm above shoulder height
  
• Weakness in shoulder abduction (raising your arm away from your body) or external rotation (turning your arm outward)
  
• Decreased range of motion in the shoulder
  

How Can a Rotator Cuff Tear Be Treated?
Treatment options typically include non-operative measures like physical therapy and medication management. If these don't provide enough relief from pain and disability, surgery may be required. A common surgical procedure is an arthroscopic surgery, which involves making small cuts in the shoulder area so that a small camera can be inserted into the joint space. The surgeon then uses this camera to assess the damage to determine if repair or replacement of damaged tissue is needed.
Conclusion
Recognizing the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear is the first step in getting the proper treatment for your injury. However, it's also important to understand rotator cuff tears and how they occur so you can better prepare yourself when it comes time to see your doctor. It is best to consult with a medical professional if you are experiencing symptoms of a rotator cuff tear.
Have yourself checked by a bone and joint specialist from Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists. Our doctors are highly trained in diagnosing and treating rotator cuff tears. We can help you understand the underlying causes of your injury and help you get back on track to full recovery!