A Rotator Cuff Injury Doesn’t Have To Minimize Quality Of Life

The shoulder is a complex joint that allows free movement of the arm and all the motions necessary to use the arms and hands. When a rotator cuff injury happens, it can reduce the ability of the joint to perform. The result is pain and stiffness that makes it difficult to take on the simplest tasks. Picking up a bag becomes almost impossible, and the act of reaching into a pocket or for an itch on the back is painful. However, suffering from shoulder pain in Las Vegas doesn’t have to be permanent. Medical intervention can help resolve the issue, eliminate pain, and restore mobility to the joint.

What Causes Rotator Cuff Injuries?

General overuse of the shoulder is the most common cause of rotator cuff injuries. Athletes that perform the same motion over and over, such as a baseball pitcher, are at a higher risk of injury than not. People who work in jobs that require a repetitive motion that involves the shoulder are also more likely to damage their rotator cuff.

The Different Types of Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator cuff injuries range from tears in the tendons, bursitis or tendonitis. A tear in the tendons creates a sharp, acute pain that’s felt every time the affected tendon is put into action. Bursitis and tendonitis tend to be duller pains that are felt when turning the shoulder and/or arm in different directions. It might be impossible to move the arm behind the back, or to simply move the shoulder in any direction.

Tendonitis and bursitis involve the swelling of the bursa and tendons. Bursa are fluid-filled sacs that act as a cushion between joints. When they become inflamed, they still have to do their job as a cushion when the shoulder joint moves. The area becomes painful as a result until the problem is addressed. Tendons that suffer injury are also prone to inflammation and fill up with fluid. As with the bursa, when an inflamed tendon moves, the result is pain.

Treatment for Rotator Cuff Injuries

Treatment varies depending on the presentation of the issue. Complete immobilization of the joint via a sling may be necessary. Sometimes oral pain relievers to reduce swelling will work. In some cases, surgery may be a solution. A physician will have the area x-rayed or imaged to determine the problem, then proceed with a course of action to resolve the issue and eliminate the pain.