Shoulder pain is common, often from arthritis, injury, or overuse. As with many musculoskeletal pain conditions, it may improve with rest and time.
However, rotator cuff tears may be more persistent, affecting your range of motion or strength, while the pain can interfere with sleep or concentration. Symptoms may also worsen over time.
At Bahri Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, we specialize in rotator cuff problems and other forms of shoulder pain.
In particular, there are three critical signs that your shoulder pain could be a rotator cuff tear and requires medical intervention to heal fully. Here’s what you need to know.
Whether the result of injury or repeated use of the arms in an overhead position, rotator cuff tears can cause pain that persists. It can even get worse over time or with additional use. After all, it’s hard to get through life without using your shoulders.
Characteristics of rotator cuff pain include symptoms that are more noticeable at night or when you lie on the affected shoulder. Pain can’t diagnose a rotator cuff tear, since other shoulder conditions produce similar symptoms.
Rotator cuff damage can make it hard to lift your arm over your head, reach out from the body, or rotate the shoulder. This difficulty results from weakness in the affected arm.
Simple tasks such as getting dressed and lifting objects may become more difficult. Previously, you likely made these movements without a second thought.
It may be startling the first time you reach for something and your arm refuses to obey as before. That signals a loss of range of motion. You may be unable to rotate your arm in a normal windmill motion without noticing clicks and catches.
You need an orthopedic assessment anytime you notice a substantial change in your normal range of shoulder movement. Don’t wait for the problem to get worse.
Because of the constant demands you make on your arms and shoulders, leaving your shoulder pain untreated can lead to continued loss of strength and mobility, while also affecting your ability to perform home and work tasks. Your sleep may continue to suffer.
There are plenty of treatment options. Seeking orthopedic care early for your shoulder pain improves your chances of healing with conservative care.
Much depends on factors such as the size and location of your rotator cuff tear, but early evaluation virtually always leads to better outcomes.
Stop ignoring shoulder pain and contact Bahri Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Clinic. Call 904-739-0050 to book with our nearest office, or request your appointment online today.
