A torn rotator cuff can set you back significantly, and the pain can be debilitating and leave you feeling weak and helpless. Please keep reading to learn more about the causes, symptoms, treatments, etc., of this injury.
Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a Buffalo doctor. You can call us to make your appointment or come for a walk-in appointment. Either way, we can help you get the treatment you need after you have suffered an injury.
What is a Rotator Cuff?
Your rotator cuff is a collection of tendons and muscles that wrap around your shoulder. The function of a rotator cuff is to move your arms and keep them in place in your socket. When a rotator cuff tears, it can be pretty excruciating. Your shoulder is a ball and socket joint. A torn rotator cuff is where the tendons are torn away from the arm bone. This can be due to overuse.
Symptoms of a Torn Rotator Cuff
The pain associated with a rotator cuff tear from a sudden incident is described as intense. Not only will you have extreme pain with this injury, but your whole arm may also feel weak.
If this injury is from overuse, the pain may start mild but become more severe over time. Eventually, your OTC pain relievers won’t match the severity of pain you feel.
A tear in your rotator cuff can make it hard to pick your arm up over your head. Your shoulder may click or pop, and lifting items can be a struggle. Lastly, you may have worse pain when you are going to bed.
Treatment Options for a Torn Rotator Cuff
When you need treatment for your rotator cuff tear, you should explore your options with a doctor—the following details both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. Keep reading to learn more.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Odds are you will need surgery to repair your torn rotator cuff. In the meantime, your doctor may have you try to improve your case with non-surgical options first. You may be given a prescription for NSAIDs, have steroid injections, go to physical therapy, and wear a sling to help improve your condition. Most people have success with these methods, especially if it is a partial tear they are trying to treat.
Surgical Treatment Options
Surgery will be needed for many people who have suffered a torn rotator cuff, especially if it is a severe tear. Fortunately, this is an outpatient procedure in which your surgeon will work to remove damage and reattach the tears. This is all done with a tiny camera through a small incision.
The recovery from the surgery is vital to your getting better. You must follow your doctor’s instructions on when to wear your sling, when to start physical therapy, etc.
Call to Schedule an Appointment Today
Our Buffalo doctors can help you get your life back after you have suffered a torn rotator cuff. Do not hesitate to give us a call to schedule your appointment. We also accept walk-ins.
At Medical Care of WNY, we help injured workers receive the care they need. If you are looking for a workers comp doctor to treat your injuries, be sure to get in touch with our office as soon as possible. We would be happy to help.
