What is a rotator cuff tear?
A rotator cuff tear is a tear in your rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that keep your arm connected to your shoulder. Your rotator cuff helps your arm move, and a rotator cuff tear can limit that movement and cause pain and weakness, making everyday activities a challenge.
Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain, but they are treatable. An orthopedic specialist can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that helps reduce discomfort and improve your shoulder mobility.
Anatomy of a rotator cuff
Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint where a ball (the head of the humerus, or your upper arm bone) fits into the socket (glenoid) of your shoulder blade (scapula). The ball at the top of your arm fits into a shallow socket in your shoulder blade.
The rotator cuff, made of four muscles, helps hold the arm in place and allows you to lift and move it. The tendons of the rotator cuff cover the top of the arm bone and help with arm movement.
There’s also a small fluid-filled sac called the bursa between the rotator cuff and the top of your shoulder. It helps the tendons move smoothly, but if the tendons are damaged, the bursa can get irritated and cause pain.
Rotator cuff tear symptoms
Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include:
- Pain in the front or outer side of the shoulder
- Pain at night or when lying on the shoulder
- Difficulty raising the arm
- Weakness in the shoulder or trouble lifting objects
- Clicking or popping sounds when moving the arm
If the tear is sudden (acute), the pain is usually sharp. In general, rotator cuff pain can be sharp when reaching up or dull and aching, especially at night or after resting.
When to see a doctor
You should see your doctor if your shoulder and arm pain are persistent and don’t get better with at-home treatments or over-the-counter pain medications. Your doctor should also know if your shoulder pain starts to interfere with your day-to-day activities or a good night’s sleep. If you notice redness or swelling in your shoulder joint, or your shoulder or arm suddenly becomes weak, see your doctor right away.
Rotator cuff tear risk factors
Anyone can experience a rotator cuff tear. These factors may increase your risk:
- Age: Most rotator cuff tears are caused by wear and tear that may happen with aging and occur in adults older than 40. Younger adults are more at risk of acute tears associated with injuries.
- Genetics: Some evidence suggests that people can be genetically predisposed to rotator cuff tears.
- Existing medical conditions:Shoulder impingement and rotator cuff tendonitis can increase your risk for a rotator cuff tear. If you have a chronic tear in one shoulder, you’re also more likely to develop a tear in your other shoulder.
- Occupation: People with jobs that require repetitive overhead motions, such as painters, carpenters and mechanics, have a higher risk for rotator cuff tears.
- Sports: Athletes have a greater risk for rotator cuff tears due to overuse, especially baseball pitchers and tennis players.
