Rotator Cuff Injuries

 

The shoulder joint is surrounded by four muscles and their tendons. These are collectively referred to as the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is surrounded by an empty sac, or bursa, which helps the tendons slide. The rotator cuff is supsceptible to many problems which can cause weakness, tenderness and pain. These problems include overuse tendonitis, which can be caused by certain activities.

 

Overhead sports such as throwing, swimming, or tennis, can lead to tendonitis. If the space between the rotator cuff and the bone above it is narrowed, the rotator cuff tendons and the overlying bursa can get squeezed. This will lead to bursitis and tendonitis. This is called impingement. Occasionally a calcium deposit may form in the rotator cuff and cause acute inflammation of the tendon and bursa, this is called calcific tendonitis. The rotator cuff tendons are also susceptible to the process of aging. As we get older, the rotator cuff tendons degenerate and weaken. A rotator cuff tear can occur due to this degeneration alone, or when the weakened tendons are stressed during activities or accidents. Most rotator cuff problems can be treated with rest, medication and gentle exercises, but pain which persists more than two weeks should be evaluated by a physician.