Rotator Cuff Tears
Wear and Tear of Tendons
Overview
Rotator cuff tears are a condition in which the muscles and tendons supporting the shoulder joint gets torn. General wear and tear can occur over a period of time due to the rubbing of the shoulder blade while performing overhead motions repeatedly. It is most commonly caused by road accidents or even while playing sports.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of rotator cuff tears are:
Dull pain in the shoulder
Clicking Sound in Arm Movement
Difficulty Raising Arm
Difficulty Lifting Things
Causes
The most common causes of rotator cuff tears are:
- Acute shoulder injury
- Heavy weightlifting
- Repeated overhead activity like house painting or carpentry
- General wear and tear
Diagnosis
Other than the regular physical checkup a doctor may advise one or more than one of the following tests to determine the cause and treatment. Tests can include:
X-Rays
Ultrasound
MRI
When to See a Doctor
Make an appointment right away if any worrisome symptoms appear.
Treatment
Rotator cuff tears can be treated with the help of anti inflammatory medication and physical therapy. Steroid injections can reduce pain and swelling .Specific exercises may help in restoring muscle flexibility and strength. If medication and exercise fail to improve the condition, then arthroscopy, a key hole surgery is required to repair the tendon.
Risks, Complications & Preventions
Rotator cuff tears must be treated timely otherwise they can lead to permanent shoulder damage. It is important to continue with physical therapy even after surgery to minimise future complications.
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Dr. Faisal Murad
Chief of Surgery & Laparoscopic Surgery
M.B.B.S., MCPS, FCPS (Surgery), Fellowship Telemedicine
Dr. Mustafa Javed
Orthopedic Surgery
BSc, MBBS, MRCS (Edinburgh, UK), FRCS, Trauma & Orthopedics (Edinburgh, UK), CCT (Yorkshire, UK)
