Knowing the Signs of a Torn Rotator Cuff

 

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint that facilitate movement and stability. Suffering an injury to this area can be incredibly debilitating, negatively impacting your daily routine and even keeping you from performing activities that you love. While many people have heard of a rotator cuff injury, not everyone knows what symptoms to look out for. If you suspect that you’ve torn your rotator cuff, knowing the signs will better prepare you to take action. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing some of the common signs of a rotator cuff tear.

 

The most common symptom of a rotator cuff tear is pain and weakness in the shoulder. You may experience a sudden, sharp pain, or it may gradually worsen over time. Pain can occur and worsen with various activities, such as lifting something overhead or reaching behind your back. Additionally, you may notice that your shoulder feels weak and unable to lift objects, especially if you’re experiencing pain while attempting to do so.

Another sign of a rotator cuff tear is a popping or cracking sound in the shoulder. This sound can occur when moving your arm in particular positions, such as during overhead movements. Furthermore, you may experience a noticeable decrease in range of motion in your shoulder. This can vary from mild stiffness to severe limitations in your ability to move your shoulder.

If you’re suffering from a rotator cuff tear, you may begin experiencing difficulty sleeping. The pain can be noticeable even while laying down, especially on the side of the affected shoulder. Additionally, you may notice that the affected shoulder appears lower than the unaffected one. This is due to the fact that the tear can cause your tendon to pull away from the bone, resulting in it descending from its normal position.

Lastly, you might experience some numbness or tingling sensations down your arm if you have a severely torn rotator cuff. This can happen when the muscles surrounding your shoulder become damaged or compressed, resulting in nerve damage. This is an uncommon occurrence and is typically associated with advanced stages of rotator cuff tears.

 

Conclusion

Recognizing the signs of a rotator cuff tear can help you seek prompt medical advice and treatment. If you suspect that you may have torn your rotator cuff, it’s best to speak to an orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible. At Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute, our team offers comprehensive and cutting-edge treatment options for various orthopedic injuries. If you're looking for an orthopedic surgeon in Lake Mary, FL, contact us today to schedule a consultation and find relief from your pain.