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Rotator Cuff Disease / Impingement |
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Did you know... The rotator cuff is the group of four tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. The tendons hook up to the four muscles that move the shoulder in various directions.
Causes
Rotator cuff disease can be defined as any damage to the rotator cuff, and is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. The rotator cuff can be injured due to degeneration, or inflammation due to tendinitis, bursitis, or arthritis of the shoulder. The rotator cuff is commonly injured by trauma, such as from sports or a major fall. Rotator cuff injury is more common in people who perform repetitive overhead motions that put stress the rotator cuff.
Symptoms
Shoulder pain is the most common symptom of rotator cuff disease. Other symptoms include:
- Gradual increase of pain in the shoulder
- Sudden pain during a sport activity
- Pain located to the front and side of the shoulder
- Intense pain at nighttime or when lying on the affected shoulder
- Tenderness in the area of the injured rotator cuff
- Difficulty lifting the arm away from the body
Treatment
The treatment of rotator cuff disease depends on the severity of the injury and the underlying condition of the patient. Mild cases of rotator cuff disease are treated with ice, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications. Often, exercise rehabilitation is prescribed.
Patients with persistent pain and motion limitation can often benefit from cortisone injections. More severe rotator cuff disease may require surgery.
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