Rotator Cuff Injuries Treatment in Kenya

A rotator cuff injury can cause a dull ache in the shoulder, which often worsens with use of the arm away from the body.

Rotator cuff injuries are common and increase with age. These may occur earlier in people who have jobs that require repeatedly performing overhead motions. Examples include painters and carpenters.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include:

1. Pain at rest and at night, particularly if lying on the affected shoulder
2. Pain when lifting and lowering your arm or with specific movements
3. Weakness when lifting or rotating your arm
4. Crepitus or crackling sensation when moving your shoulder in certain positions

Tears that happen suddenly, such as from a fall, usually cause intense pain. There may be a snapping sensation and immediate weakness in your upper arm.

Tears that develop slowly due to overuse also cause pain and arm weakness. You may have pain in the shoulder when you lift your arm, or pain that moves down your arm

Causes

Causes of degenerative tears include:

1. Bone spurs: Bony growths can form on the top of the shoulder bone. These bone spurs rub against the tendon when you lift your arm. This shoulder impingement creates friction between the bone and tendon. Eventually, a partial or complete tear may occur.
2. Decreased blood flow: Blood flow to the rotator cuff decreases as you get older. Your muscles and tendons need a healthy blood supply to repair themselves. If blood doesn’t nourish the tendons, they can tear.
3. Overuse: Repetitive shoulder movements during sports or on the job can stress muscles and tendons, causing a tear.

Treatment

Treatment for rotator cuff injuries include;

1. Injections
If conservative treatments haven’t reduced your pain, your doctor might recommend a steroid injection into your shoulder joint, especially if the pain is interfering with your sleep, daily activities, or physical therapy.

2. Therapy
Physical therapy is usually one of the first treatments your doctor may suggest. Exercises tailored to the specific location of your rotator cuff injury can help restore flexibility and strength to your shoulder.