The anatomy of a shoulder consists of a ball and socket joint, which allows a rotary movement to the joint. Four muscles and tendons, which join muscles to bone, form the rotator cuff in the shoulder. The free movement also leaves the joint unstable. Repetitive activities and injury can cause a tear in the muscle or tendon in the joint. Treatments for rotator cuff tears vary depending on the severity of the condition, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Causes and Risk Factors
As an individual ages, the risk for tearing the rotator cuff increases. Tears occur because of overuse for years, especially for individuals who participate in sports that require overhead motions of the arm, such as throwing a ball, swinging a racket and weight lifting. For individuals younger than 40, trauma to the joint and repetitive activities can cause the tear, but the injury is less common than for older individuals, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear may occur suddenly or may occur gradually. Trauma or an injury to the joint normally causes sudden, sharp pain, while wear and tear may cause a gradual onset of pain. The pain may radiate down the arm. The pain normally worsens when the individual lifts the arm overhead. A decrease in the range of motion in the shoulder can also occur, according to MayoClinic.com.
Diagnosis
A physician may order an MRI to diagnose a rotator cuff tear to better visualize the injury to the tissue in the joint. An ultrasound and an X-ray can help diagnose the shoulder injury and help eliminate other causes for the joint pain.
Treatment
Treatment options for a rotator cuff injury vary between physical therapy and surgical options. Anti-inflammatory medications injected into the joint can help relieve pain. Individuals who avoid activities that aggravate the condition often experience a decrease in pain, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. When a conservative treatment plan is ineffective, surgery can help treat the condition. An open surgery or arthroscopic repair of the shoulder can restore function to the joint and decrease the pain associated with the rotator cuff tear. Some individuals, such as people with arthritis in the joint, are not candidates for surgical repair of the rotator cuff, according to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.
Prevention
Engaging in regular exercise to build strength in the shoulder can help prevent a rotator cuff tear, according to MayoClinic.com. Resting during activities that require repetitive use of the shoulder can also help a person avoid an injury. Treating shoulder pain with ice or heat therapy can help control inflammation and prevent further injury to the joint.
