A rotator cuff tear and tendonitis are both conditions involving the muscles and joints in your body. Both medical conditions are common causes of pain .
Definition
A rotator cuff tear involves a tear of one or more muscles and tendons (fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone) of your shoulder. Unlike a rotator cuff tear, tendonitis is an inflammation of any of the tendons in your body, says the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms
Both tendonitis and a rotator cuff tear cause pain and tenderness. However, a rotator cuff tear is a bit more extensive. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), a rotator cuff tear causes atrophy of your muscles, crepitus (popping sounds with movement) and weakness when lifting your arm.
Cause
Both conditions are the result of injury and overuse.
Diagnosis
Typically, tendonitis is diagnosed via physical exam. However, your doctor can obtain an X-ray for both conditions. The AAOS says that your doctor may obtain an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test to visualize the size of the rotator cuff tear.
Treatment
Tendonitis and a rotator cuff tear may be treated with corticosteroid injections, physical therapy and surgery.
