What are the main symptoms of a rotator cuff injury?

The rotator cuff is the latest topic of discussion today in one of our latest medical articles here. In this article below, highly regarded consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Shyam Kumar, outlines some of the main symptoms typically associated with rotator cuff injuries.

What is the rotator cuff?

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. It consists of four muscles: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles work together to provide shoulder stability and allow a wide range of motion in the shoulder joint.

What are the main symptoms of a rotator cuff injury?

The rotator cuff can be prone to injury, especially in athletes who engage in repetitive overhead motions, such as throwing a baseball or swimming. Common injuries include rotator cuff tears, tendonitis, and impingement syndrome.

In adults, there is a high chance of having a rotator cuff injury following a shoulder dislocation. Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury may include pain, weakness, limited range of motion, and difficulty sleeping on the affected side.

How are rotator cuff injuries treated?

Treatment for rotator cuff injuries can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Following an acute injury, rest, ice, and physical therapy exercises may be sufficient to relieve pain and restore function. More severe cases may require surgical intervention, such as arthroscopic repair or open surgery.

Can rotator cuff injuries be prevented? If so, how?

Prevention is key when it comes to rotator cuff injuries. It's important to warm up properly before engaging in any physical activity, maintain good posture, and avoid repetitive overhead motions without proper conditioning. Strengthening the muscles of the rotator cuff through targeted exercises can also help.

It is also to be noted that a significant proportion of the general population above the age of 60 will suffer from age-related degenerative tears in their rotator cuff tendons. Most are asymptomatic, but some may become symptomatic, requiring a clinical evaluation. Treatment varies with the shoulder function and the impact on the function of each individual.

In conclusion, the rotator cuff is a crucial group of muscles and tendons that provide stability and allow for a wide range of motion in the shoulder joint. Injury to the rotator cuff can be painful and limit function, but with proper treatment and prevention strategies, individuals can recover and reduce the symptoms.

To schedule in an appointment with Mr Shyam Kumar, head on over to his Top Doctors profile today.