Age, arthritis, and injury can all cause stiffness, inflammation, and immobility issues in the joints. In most cases, this discomfort occurs in the hands or knees. However, the shoulder is also a joint that can be affected.
The shoulder joint consists of four muscles known as the rotator cuff. If one or more of the muscles are stressed or damaged in any way, you will lose the ability to move or lift your arm properly. In addition, the damage can be incredibly painful. An estimated 2 million people visited doctors for a rotator cuff issue in 2013 alone. While the injury is so common, most people do not fully understand it. This guide will help you diagnose and treat a damaged rotator cuff.
Diagnosing
Understanding the signs of a rotator cuff injury is key to receiving a fast and proper diagnosis.
Pain is one of the first and most noticeable signs of the injury. This pain will be most prominent in and around the affected shoulder when you are attempting to lift your arm. You may also experience pain in the shoulder area at night while resting, especially if you are laying on and placing pressure on the affected shoulder.
Many people with a rotator cuff injury also complain of weakness in the shoulder. Lifting the arm or rotating the shoulder in any way can be difficult. For example, you may not be able to dress because of the pain and weakness in the shoulder.
Lastly, some patients hear and feel a crackling sensation when moving the shoulder. This is due to the stress placed on the damaged muscles and ligaments.
If you are experiencing one or more of these signs, consult an orthopedist for testing.
If your orthopedist suspects your rotator cuff is damaged, an arthroscopy may be recommended for diagnosing and treating the issue.
Arthroscopic Treatment
To start the arthroscopy for diagnosing and treating a rotator cuff injury, you will be sedated using regional or general anesthesia. This ensures you do not experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
Your surgeon will then make a few small incisions to allow the scope into the shoulder area. These small incisions, rather than the larger ones required for traditional surgery, reduce your pain and recovery time after the procedure.
Once your surgeon is able to see inside the rotator cuff to determine which muscles and ligaments are damaged, repairs can be made without undergoing additional surgeries.
A damaged rotator cuff may not be a life-threatening disorder, but it can wreak havoc on your physical and emotional wellness. This guide will help you diagnose and treat a damaged rotator cuff. For more details, contact a company like Ultimate Sports.
Share11 July 2018
As we age, our bones become more brittle and susceptible to breaking. Even the slightest fall can cause a hip to break and leave us paralyzed with pain. After a hip replacement, there are exercises that you should do. If you have recently had a hip replaced or know someone who has, this blog will help you find exercises and stretches that will help the hip to heal properly and quicker than it would if you did nothing more than the minimum. Hopefully, what I have learned will help you heal quickly and begin living your life as you did prior to the surgery.
