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Rotator Cuff
If you have ongoing or severe shoulder discomfort, it could be because of a rotator cuff injury that needs medical attention. At Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County in Bloomfield Hills and Clarkston, Michigan, experienced providers find the root cause of shoulder problems and offer a variety of treatments for rotator cuff injuries. Call the nearest office to learn more about your options or book an appointment online today.
What are rotator cuff injuries?
Your rotator cuff includes tendons, muscles, and other tissues that surround your shoulder joint. It keeps the upper part of your arm bone securely attached to its socket. Rotator cuff injuries are often painful and can get worse over time if left untreated. Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County offers highly effective solutions that restore tissues and improve joint functioning.
What are the symptoms of rotator cuff problems?
Common signs and symptoms of rotator cuff injuries include:
- Dull, aching discomfort
- Deep ache in your shoulder
- Problems sleeping
- Arm weakness
- Difficulty reaching behind your back
When left untreated, rotator cuff issues can cause debilitating problems, worsening pain, and joint degeneration.
What are the common causes of rotator cuff injuries?
Rotator cuff injuries can happen to anyone, but common causes and risk factors include:
- Age-related wear and tear
- Heavy lifting
- Repetitive overhead activity
- Impingement
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Sports injuries
- Physically demanding jobs
- Being over 60
- Family history of shoulder problems
While you can’t always prevent rotator cuff injuries, there are several ways to reduce the risk of developing them. Examples include doing regular strength and stretching exercises, using proper lifting techniques, and adopting healthy habits. Seek treatment at the first sign of shoulder pain to help prevent worsening or more severe problems.
How does my doctor diagnose rotator cuff injuries?
To determine if you have a rotator cuff injury, experts at Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County review your medical history, discuss your symptoms with you, check your vital signs, and complete a physical examination to assess your shoulder joint function and range of motion.
They could recommend blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, MRIs, or other imaging procedures to diagnose your condition and develop an effective treatment plan.
What are my treatment options?
Depending on the type and severity of rotator cuff injuries you have, the skilled providers at Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County could recommend:
Home remedies
Resting your shoulder joint, using ice or heat packs, and wearing a sling are things you can do at home to speed up healing and reduce pain.
Injections
Steroid injections or other types of injections can reduce pain and inflammation associated with rotator cuff injuries.
Physical therapy
Stretching and physical therapy exercises with a licensed therapist help strengthen shoulder joint tissues, restore musculoskeletal functioning, and reduce the risk of re-injury.
Surgery
Your orthopedic surgeon can repair, remove, or replace tissues within your shoulder joint. Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County offers shoulder replacement surgery, reverse shoulder replacement, tendon repair, tendon transfer, and other procedures to restore your joint.
Providers use cutting-edge arthroscopic and minimally invasive methods for treating shoulder problems.
To find out if you have a rotator cuff injury and get treated for it if needed, call the nearest Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County office or schedule an appointment online today.