Rotator cuff problems accounted for nearly 2 million doctor visits in 2008, according to SportsInjuryClinic.net. The rotator cuff allows for the greatest range of motion of any joint in the body and essentially enables you to perform dozens of daily tasks. The muscles and tendons that make up the rotator cuff keep the ball of the upper arm bone securely in the shoulder socket and connect the bone with the shoulder blade. Repetitive motions and falls are two major causes for rotator cuff injuries, which can vary from irritation and inflammation to the damaging of the muscles and tendons.
Pain
One of the most indicative signs of a rotator cuff problem or injury is pain. Any normal motion that suddenly becomes painful, such as raising your arm above your head or lifting an object, can in most cases be attributed to an injured rotator cuff. The severity of the pain can further signal just how major the injury is. If you wince in pain at only slight movement of either arm, you have most likely severely damaged the muscles or tendons around the rotator cuff. Severe injuries should be apparent at the time when they occur, as the pain will be intense, continuous and instant. If this is the case, see a doctor immediately.
Discomfort
Rotator cuff problems that develop over time due to overuse or repetitive motions result in more subtle symptoms than injuries sustained from an accident, such as a fall. Rather than sharp and intense pain, rotator cuff discomfort stemming from overuse creates tenderness in the shoulder. Simple arm motions become tedious and difficult to execute, and are often accompanied by slight pain. This type of discomfort can also stem from years of sleeping on the same side. The pressure placed on the shoulder on a nightly basis contributes to the wear and tear a rotator cuff endures over a lifetime.
Weakness
The loss of power in an arm can signal a rotator cuff injury. This could be due to an injury induced by an accident that results in a tear or from years of use. In both cases, your shoulder muscles become weaker and impair your ability to lift objects or reach above your head. This problem is exacerbated in older people, as muscles tend to lose their strength as you age. A weaker shoulder and discomfort generally result in a more limited range of motion.
Causes
The rotator cuff can be injured in a number of ways, with normal wear and tear arguably being the most common. The arms are used on a daily basis in a variety of ways, including for sports and athletics. Repetitive motions, such as a golf swing or throwing a baseball, can wear down the muscles and tendons over time. Muscles weaken as you age, and become more prone to injury, a risk that is exacerbated if you are physically active on a regular basis. Other causes of rotator cuff problems include falls, as the arms are often instinctively used to break falls; tears and strains from lifting heavy objects; and poor posture, which can lead to muscles and tendons being pinched underneath the shoulder.
