What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
Rotator cuff is the group of tendons in the shoulder joint providing support and enabling a wide range of motion. Major injury to these tendons may result in tear of these tendons and the condition is called as rotator cuff tear. It is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain in middle aged adults and older individuals.
Rotator cuff tear results from pressure on the rotator cuff from part of the shoulder blade (scapula) as the arm is lifted. It may occur with repeated use of arm for overhead activities, while playing sports or during motor accidents.
Rotator cuff tear causes severe pain, weakness of the arm, and crackling sensation on moving shoulder in certain positions. There may be stiffness, swelling, loss of movement and tenderness in the front of the shoulder.
Nonsurgical treatment options for Rotator Cuff Tears
The conservative treatment options for rotator cuff tears are:
- Rest.
- Shoulder sling.
- Pain medication, injection of a steroid (cortisone) and a local anesthetic in the subacromial space of the affected shoulder to help decrease the inflammation and pain.
- Certain exercises.