Doctor's Notes on Rotator Cuff Injury
The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. The tendons connect to four muscles that move the shoulder in various directions:
- subscapularis muscle,
- supraspinatus muscle,
- infraspinatus muscle, and
- teres minor muscle.
An injury to the rotator cuff is a very common cause of shoulder pain and can be caused by an acute injury or repetitive strain. There may be partial or complete tearing of the tendons.
Symptoms and signs of rotator cuff injury include pain in the shoulder and upper arm that can be severe. The pain may be felt at night or when moving the arm in certain ways.
- If the injury is due to repeated small traumas over time, the pain may start as mild and may worsen over time.
- If the injury is sudden (acute) the pain may come on suddenly and be intense.
Associated symptoms may include a cracking sound when moving the shoulder.
What Is the Treatment for Rotator Cuff Injury?
Treatment for rotator cuff injury depends on its severity and may include the following:
- Rest
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Physical therapy, including strengthening and stretching exercises
- Ultrasound therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
- Surgery to repair the torn rotator cuff tendons
Pain : Test Your IQ of Pain Quiz
QuestionMedically speaking, the term "myalgia" refers to what type of pain?
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
-
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a scanner that takes cross-sectional images of the body. It is used to evaluate tissues of the head, neck, chest, limbs, abdomen, and pelvis. MRI is a very safe procedure; sedation may be used for infants, small children, or adults who are claustrophobic. -
Sprains and Strains
An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, while an injury to a muscle or tendon is called a strain. Symptoms and signs include pain, swelling, bruising, and decreased range of motion. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the injury is the standard treatment for sprains and strains. -
Tendinitis
Tendinitis (tendonitis) is inflammation of the tendons, commonly caused by overuse and repetitive motion. Learn about how tendinitis is treated. -
Ultrasound
Ultrasound (sonography, Doppler study) is a non-invasive diagnostic medical procedure performed to exam the internal organs and tissues of the body. There are several types of ultrasound, including 2D, 3D and 4D. An abdominal ultrasound is commonly used to examine the fetus during pregnancy, while a transvaginal ultrasound may be used to assess non-pregnancy symptoms -
What Is the Best Treatment for Rotator Cuff Injury?
Treatment for rotator cuff injury (tears or tendonitis) can include rest, NSAIDs, home remedies (using a sling), exercises and physical therapy, steroids injections, surgery, and others. -
X-Rays
X-Rays are a form of radiation used to image solid forms inside the body. X-rays are administered by radiologists for many different routine tests, such as mammograms, checking for broken bones, upper GI series, and dental exams, among others. Radiologists carefully monitor the X-ray equipment to make sure the patient receives the smallest dose of radiation possible.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.