If you have recently experienced shoulder pain and suspect a rotator cuff tear, you are not alone. Rotator cuff tears in Carmel, IN, are very common, especially among athletes and active individuals.
However, you could also suffer a rotator cuff injury at work or home. According to reports, more than two million Americans experience rotator cuff issues every year.
Let us explore the important steps to take when you have a rotator cuff tear and discuss the importance of expert treatment to maintain shoulder health.
Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear
A rotator cuff tear can present with several symptoms, which may vary in severity depending on the extent of the injury.
Common signs include:
- Dull, Deep Shoulder Ache: The pain often feels like it is coming from deep inside the shoulder and can worsen over time.
- Weakness: You may notice reduced strength, particularly when lifting or rotating your arm. Simple tasks like reaching for objects or lifting items overhead can become challenging.
- Limited mobility: Difficulty moving your arm in certain directions, especially raising it above your head or behind your back, is a key sign.
- Pain During Specific Activities: Activities like lifting weights, playing tennis, or even performing routine tasks such as typing or reaching for objects can aggravate the injury.
- Night Pain: Rotator cuff tears often cause discomfort that worsens at night, making it difficult to sleep on the affected side.
Severity of Tears
- Partial Tear: The rotator cuff tendon has small tears but is not completely severed. Symptoms are typically milder, with occasional pain and weakness.
- Complete Tear: A full-thickness tear means the tendon is completely torn away from the bone. This results in significant pain, loss of strength, and limited movement. In severe cases, the arm may feel completely weak or immobile.
Diagnosis of a Rotator Cuff Tear
To diagnose a rotator cuff tear, orthopedic doctors use a combination of a physical exam and imaging test. Your doctor will assess your shoulder’s range of motion and strength. Specific tests such as lifting your arm in different directions or rotating it help determine the extent of the injury.
The doctor may recommend an MRI or ultrasound. An MRI can provide a detailed image of the rotator cuff tendons. This type of imaging test shows the doctor the extent of the damage and whether other structures are involved. An ultrasound also reveals the condition of the tendons and muscles in real time, showing whether there is a tear and its location.
Early diagnosis is important for a rotator cuff injury to preserve shoulder function. Addressing a rotator cuff tear early can prevent long-term complications and promote faster recovery. If you suspect a rotator cuff tear, consult with an orthopedic doctor in Carmel, IN.
Delaying treatment could lead to chronic pain, decreased mobility, and the need for more invasive procedures. By seeking timely medical advice, you are setting the stage for a successful healing process.
6 Important Steps to Take When Dealing with a Rotator Cuff Injury
Taking care of your injury at home is essential in the initial stages. Here is a step-by-step guide.
1. Rest the Shoulder
Avoid activities that cause pain. Give your shoulder time to heal.
2. Ice the Area
Ice the shoulder for at least 15 minutes every few hours to bring down swelling and relieve pain.
3. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), available over-the-counter, can help with symptoms. Ibuprofen or naproxen not only helps with the pain but also controls inflammation.
4. Consult a Healthcare Professional
Schedule an appointment with an orthopedic doctor for a rotator cuff tear in Carmel, IN. An orthopedist can assess the injury and recommend a personalized treatment plan.
5. Follow Your Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Program
Your orthopedic doctor may prescribe physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility. Your physical therapist will guide you through your exercises and make recommendations for a successful recovery.
6. Ask About Other Treatment Options
If symptoms of a rotator cuff injury persist or worsen, discuss additional treatments with your orthopedic doctor. Other options for treatment include cortisone injections and, in severe cases, rotator cuff repair surgery.
Orthopedic surgeons usually exhaust non-surgical procedures before recommending surgery. Rotator cuff surgery in Carmel, IN, can repair the torn tissue and restore shoulder function.
Taking these steps can help manage symptoms and promote healing for a rotator cuff tear. While home care is beneficial, there are times when professional intervention is necessary. If your pain worsens or if you experience significant weakness, it is crucial to seek medical advice.
For rotator cuff repair in Carmel, IN, consult a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic shoulder surgeon.
Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment in Carmel, IN
Dr. Stephen Jacobsen and his team at Total Shoulder provide comprehensive shoulder care. Our practice is focused on the shoulder, which makes us uniquely capable of restoring your shoulder to health.
Whether you need non-surgical treatment or rotator cuff surgery in Carmel, IN, Total Shoulder provides exceptional care. Dr. Jacobsen leads with compassion and gives every patient his undivided attention.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jacobsen for rotator tear treatment, call us today at (317) 705-4392 or use our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to serving you in our shoulder clinic in Carmel, IN.
