Anyone who has had a rotator cuff tear knows that the pain can be excruciating. It’s been estimated that about 2 million Americans suffer rotator cuff injuries each year. Rotator cuff tears are injuries to muscle-tendon groups in the rotator cuff group. The rotator cuff is a network of muscles that keeps your arm in your shoulder socket. When one or more of those muscles is torn or is frayed, you can experience a variety of medical issues.
Rotator cuff tears are caused in several ways. First, if you fall down on your arm when it’s outstretched, or lift something heavy with a jerking motion you may tear your rotator cuff. You could tear your rotator cuff gradually over time, such as by doing a repetitive motion like rowing or weightlifting, or something work-related. You may also develop a rotator cuff injury gradually over time as your muscles age.
Rotator cuff injuries can be painful. Once your rotator cuff is torn, you will experience inflammation, which will prevent you from moving your shoulder normally. If you tear the rotator cuff all at once, such as in an accident, you may have severe pain shooting down your arm. If you gradually tear or injure your rotator cuff, you may just feel a gradual weakness and decreased shoulder motion. Doctors can usually diagnose a rotator cuff tear using x-rays, MRIs, a physical exam, an ultrasound, or an arthography. To treat rotator cuff injuries at home, doctors recommend rest, ice, a sling, and an anti-inflammatory medication. For more serious injuries, surgery or physical therapy may be necessary.
Unfortunately, rotator cuff injuries are painful and medical treatment can be expensive. However, for some people whose rotator cuff injuries were caused by another party, help may be available. If you rotator cuff injury was caused by a fall on another’s property, a work accident, an automobile collision, or a repetitive work injury, another party may be liable for your injury. Talk to The Barber Law Firm to learn more.
