Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is rotator cuff pain?
- How common is rotator cuff pain?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of rotator cuff pain?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What is the cause of RCP?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for rotator cuff pain?
- Medicines & Medicines
- What are my treatment options for rotator cuff pain?
- What are the usual tests for rotator cuff pain?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat rotator cuff pain?
Definition
What is rotator cuff pain?
Rotator Cuff Pain (RCP) or rotator cuff pain is an injury to one or all of the ligaments in the rotating joint of the shoulder.
Shoulder or shoulder blades are made up of bones and joints. There are several types of bones, such as the shoulder blades, collarbones, and upper arm bones. The joints include the arm joints, articular cartilage joints (ACJ), sternoclavicular joints. The shoulders are more flexible than the joints but are more prone to injury. The delta muscles provide the most power to move the shoulder. Under the delta muscles are the four swivel joints of the shoulders. Ligaments connect muscles to bones. The rotator cuff is made up of muscles and ligaments that support the upper arm against the shoulder joint.
How common is rotator cuff pain?
Rotator cuff pain is common, but it is more common in people over 40 years of age or who use their arms too often.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of rotator cuff pain?
If you suffer from rotator cuff pain, the main symptom is pain in the shoulder, especially when the hand is higher than the head. Other symptoms include pain when combing hair and lying down. You may feel pain when pushing objects with your hands, but not painful when you pull objects back.
There may be other symptoms that are not listed. If you have questions about signs of illness, consult a doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have any of the above signs or symptoms or have any questions, consult your doctor. Every body acts differently from one another. Discuss with your doctor to find the best solution for your condition.
Cause
What is the cause of RCP?
Generally, injuries result in RCP problems. Activities that require repeatedly lifting your arms above your head, such as baseball, swimming and tennis, can cause this injury. Chores like painting houses, moving in the same position over and over again, putting too much pressure on the shoulders causing inflammation and pain.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for rotator cuff pain?
There are many risk factors for RCP, namely:
- Age: The older, the more at risk, especially those over 40 years of age.
- Some sports: Usually appearing among athletes who frequently move their arms, such as baseball, archery and tennis.
- Work in construction: For example, carpentry or plumber, house painter, jobs that keep the arm above the head, will result in this injury.
- Family history: This disease is related to genetic factors.
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for rotator cuff pain?
RCP can often be treated without surgery. Your doctor may prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug to reduce swelling and relieve pain. However, this drug can cause stomach upset and bleeding.
The combination of exercise with physical therapy can reduce pain and restore the rotation cuff. Applying ice to your shoulder can also help relieve pain and reduce swelling.
Your doctor can suggest surgery if the ligament is torn or if physical therapy is ineffective. Surgery can be more effective with arthroscopic surgery (using small equipment to directly view the rotation cuff and treat the injured area).
What are the usual tests for rotator cuff pain?
Your doctor will ask about your medication history and perform a physical examination to diagnose whether you have RCP. The doctor will also try to move the shoulders and arms in specific positions for examination. MRI is useful if the doctor suspects a tear.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat rotator cuff pain?
The following lifestyle and home remedies may help treat RCP:
- Take medication and exercise as directed by your doctor.
- Rest your arms. Sometimes you have to rest completely.
- Try working with an uninjured hand.
- Call your doctor if your pain keeps you from sleeping and can't be controlled with over-the-counter medications.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
