This hardworking part of your shoulder makes it possible for you to lift and rotate your arm. It consists of four muscles that join together as tendons. Sometimes these tendons can fray and cause a partial or complete tear of the rotator cuff.

A rotator cuff injury is painful—and common: Every year, almost 2 million people in the U.S. go to their doctors because of rotator cuff problems.

How and why tears happen

You can tear your rotator cuff suddenly in an accident—like if you lift something too heavy or fall and land heavily on your outstretched arm.

You're also at risk of a tear if you routinely move your shoulder in the same way over and over again—for instance, if you play a lot of tennis or work as a carpenter.

But most often, rotator cuff tears happen slowly over time and are caused by the normal wear and tear of aging. They are particularly common in people who are middle-aged or older.

Signs to watch for

Rotator cuff tears that happen suddenly can cause intense pain. Tears that occur slowly over time usually also become progressively more painful.

You may have a tear if you experience symptoms like these:

• Pain at rest and at night, especially if you're lying on the injured shoulder.

• Pain when lifting and lowering your arm.

• Weakness when lifting or rotating your arm.

• A crackling sensation when you move your shoulder in certain ways.

If you suspect a rotator cuff tear, see your primary care provider. Many tears can be effectively treated with nonsurgical methods, such as:

• Rest.

• Avoidance of certain activities.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medication.

• Physical therapy.

• Steroid injections.

If nonsurgical treatment doesn't work, your provider may recommend surgery to fix the tear. You might also opt for surgery if your job or favorite sports activity depends on your ability to move your shoulder.

Watson Clinic’s Orthopaedic Surgeons offer a comprehensive roster of nonsurgical and minimally invasive surgical treatments for a vast array of injuries, including rotator cuff tears. Call 863-680-7214 or visit WatsonClinic.com/Ortho for more information.

Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; UpToDate