What are common sports played that result in rotator cuff tears?
Several sports use the shoulder repeatedly and may cause the rotator cuff to wear out with time. Some examples of sports that may cause the rotator cuff to wear include any sport that uses the shoulder routinely. Rowing, sports that require throwing, bowling, cricket and pitching baseball are frequent sports that are related to rotator cuff tears.
What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear?
The most common symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include:
- Pain during rest and when lying on the damaged shoulder at night.
- Pain when raising and lowering your arm, or during moving your arm in specific ways.
- Increased weakness when using your arm, especially when performing lifting and rotating motions with your arm.
- Crackling and popping sound when you move your shoulder (Crepitus).
Some tears are not painful but have such symptoms as weakness and difficulty moving the shoulder.
How is a rotator cuff tear diagnosed?
Make an appointment with your orthopedic specialist. Your doctor will examine the shoulder in question by checking it for pain and deformity. Your physician will also check the range of motion on that shoulder and your arm’s strength.
Imaging tests are used such as x-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs to determine whether or not a rotator cuff has occurred. X-rays are used to determine whether a bone spur is present that may be causing the cuff tear. Ultrasounds and MRIs may be used to view the actual soft tissue of the rotator cuff tendon, and thereby show the physician if there is a tear, and how severe the damage is if it is found.
What are the Complications of a Rotator Cuff Injury?
Complications of a rotator cuff injury are increasing pain and inflammation. The person may not be able to rotate their shoulder.