Q: I’ve been having some pain in my shoulder. How do I know if it could be a rotator cuff issue?
A: Rotator cuff problems typically present with shoulder pain from the side, back or front of the shoulder. Sometimes it radiates down the side of the arm to the region just above the elbow. Typically people complain of pain with reaching or raising their arms overhead. Also night pain — a continuous aching pain at night — is common.
Rotator cuff issues involve the four main muscles and tendons in the shoulder and can range from inflammatory problems to partial tears or full tears of the rotator cuff. Sometimes the condition gradually develops or there could be an injury or event that leads to the development of symptoms. It can also be related to overuse or doing an unusual activity excessively.
Fortunately, rotator cuff disease can often be managed non-surgically, and patients can get symptom relief with anti-inflammatories, rehab exercises and cortisone injections. When those conservative treatment options fail, surgery may be necessary. Rotator cuff surgeries are required when the tendon tears from the bone. That type of injury can’t heal without surgical intervention.
Dr. Todd Bell is a sports medicine and traumatology surgeon with Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics and a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.