Torn Rotator Cuff Symptoms and How to Identify the Problem
While torn rotator cuff symptoms are more commonly experienced by people who are middle aged, this is an injury which can affect anyone at any age. A torn rotator cuff can be due to an accident or more commonly, from repetitive stress injury. In the case of torn rotator cuffs stemming from an accident, the problem is immediately apparent. But, many with rotator cuff injuries due to repetitive strain don’t notice the problem for some time since the hurt and symptoms worsen gradually over a period of time.
The first sign of an injured rotator cuff is usually throbbing pains which happen periodically and are not usually very severe. Many simply take a pain reliever and ignore the problem – which is a serious mistake, since they tend to continue putting stress on the injured joint, exacerbating the problem. All the pain reliever does is to numb the pain for a small time, with the symptoms returning worse than before once it wears off. The other early signs of an injured rotator cuff are stiffness, swelling and weakness. These symptoms show up slowly and worsen over time, which allows the suffer to prevent the worst possible outcome if they take action, since these symptoms will be experienced before the tear really occurs.
A condition called “frozen shoulder” (adhesive capsulitis) may develop if no treatment is sought after experiencing the earlier torn rotator cuff symptoms. This condition is characterized by a reduction in the ability to go the shoulder, often to the point where even routine tasks like dressing or driving can be done only with the greatest difficulty.
It is often not until torn rotator cuff symptoms become truly unbearable that many people start to pay attention. The symptoms worsen over time as the rotator cuff becomes increasingly inflamed – and once the symptoms have worsened to this point, the condition is severe enough that it can take years to make a full recovery. Instead of letting the condition progress to this point, it’s best to pay attention to symptoms and start using a rotator cuff exercise program once you start to experience symptoms. Taking pain relievers does nothing but temporarily mask the symptoms. This makes it all too simple to worsen the hurt by continuing to strain the rotator cuff, meaning that the symptoms will return with increasing severity as the hurt continues to be done.
People who are into heavy physical activity or sports need to really pay excellent attention to torn rotator cuff symptoms. When the inflammation increases, then problems like frozen shoulder can even cause disability.
The best way to prevent torn rotator cuff symptoms from affecting your life is to get diagnosed and treated early. The diagnostic tools used to establish a torn rotator cuff include x-rays, ultrasound, MRI, arthograms and physical examination. The treatment depends on the severity of the injury and of the torn rotator cuff symptoms; these may include heat or cold, exercise and stretching, physical therapy and in very severe cases, steroids.
Tom Nicholson spends his time helping carpal tunnel sufferers. You can follow this link to find out more regarding having asore wrist.
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Originally posted 2009-11-26 22:12:12. Republished by Ancient Post Promoter
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