Four Signs You May Have a Rotator Cuff Injury

Do you have difficulty moving your shoulder?  Have you been avoiding reaching behind your back due to shoulder pain?  The rotator cuff, which is the group of muscles that stabilizes your shoulder joint, is susceptible to many injuries, especially when it is overused or stressed.  Our orthopedic surgeon in Orange City specializes in rotator cuff repair for those that have been experiencing pain in their shoulder area.  From tendonitis to tears, there are a few common rotator cuff injuries.  Here are a few signs that you may be suffering from an injury to your rotator cuff.

You Have Inflammation

Have you noticed your shoulder joint has become inflamed?  Inflammation of the shoulder area is one of the signs that you may be suffering from tendonitis in your rotator cuff.  This is frequently caused by overuse of the muscle group, which is commonly attributed to sports or exercise.  For example, many tennis players frequently repeat similar shoulder and arm movements that can cause painful tendonitis in the rotator cuff.  Painters and carpenters, who often repeat similar movements with their shoulders, are also at-risk for tendonitis in their rotator cuff.

You Experienced Sudden Shoulder Injury

Sudden shoulder injuries can indicate a tear or a strain on the rotator cuff muscles.  When the tendons that connect these muscles have been torn, whether partially or completely, you will experience extreme pain.  This will require stabilization of the shoulder and immediate medical attention.  Many times, these injuries are caused by car accidents, falls, lifting heavy objects, or other sudden injuries.  These acute injuries will need to be seen by a specialist soon after they occur.  

You Cannot Achieve Full Range of Motion

Rotator cuff injuries can cause you to decrease your range of motion in your shoulder.  This can be attributed to either sudden injury or overuse of the area.  If you have been have difficulty achieving full range of motion after stretching, resting, or icing the shoulder, you will want to seek medical attention to be diagnosed.  Typically, you will want to see a doctor after experiencing this for over a week.

You Have Progressive Weakness in Your Shoulder

Over time, rotator cuff injuries can become worse without proper intervention.  If you have progressive weakness in your shoulder, you will want to see a specialist to receive proper treatment.  They will be able to provide you with exercises or therapy that can strengthen this joint properly.  Without medical intervention, you may actually continue to experience worsening symptoms and increased pain, which can eventually lead to more drastic treatment options.

These are a few of the common signs and symptoms of a rotator cuff injury.  If you are experiencing any of these persistent symptoms, you will want to seek the medical attention of an orthopedic surgeon in Orange City.  Without the right intervention, your injury may progress and cause more damage.  Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic doctors today.