What are common rotator cuff symptoms? What is the best treatment for a rotator cuff injury? Discover expert relief for all your extremities at Mount Sinai.

Common Rotator Cuff Symptoms

Your shoulder is a complex joint made up of three bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the clavicle (collarbone). Surrounding this ball-and-socket joint is a group of muscles and tendons known as the rotator cuff. While we may not think about the rotator cuff when everything is working properly, any inflammation or partial/full tear can make daily activities extremely painful.

Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury may include:

• Pain or tenderness when reaching overhead
• Pain or tenderness when the arm is at rest
• Pain that radiates down the arm
• Arm and hand weakness
• Inability to lift or rotate the arm
• Trouble reaching behind the back
• Popping or cracking sensation
• Shoulder locking into place
• Difficulty sleeping on the affected shoulder
• Progressive weakness of the shoulder

Can a rotator cuff injury cause pain in your arm and hand too? Yes, typically the pain starts as a dull ache in the shoulder, but as the injury progresses, it can cause radiating pain down the arm and into the hands. This can lead to a complete inability to raise the affected arm.

Causes of Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator cuff injuries can be caused by a specific incident, such as a fall on an outstretched arm, a sudden jerking motion, or lifting something too heavy. This is why rotator cuff problems are common among athletes (baseball, football, weightlifting, etc.) and people whose jobs involve repetitive arm movements, like construction, painting, carpentry, and decorating.

However, more often than not, rotator cuff injuries develop over time due to the natural wear and tear of the tendons, especially in the dominant arm. In fact, the National Institutes of Health reports that rates of rotator cuff tears can be as high as 80% in patients over 80 years old.

Best Treatments for Rotator Cuff Injuries

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, it’s possible for a rotator cuff injury to heal on its own with a few weeks or months of rest. Beyond that, there are several treatment options that can help manage pain and improve your ability to perform routine activities:

Medications

Prescription anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce inflammation, while steroids and other medications may be used in severe cases.

Stretching and Physical Therapy

A consistent routine of stretching exercises combined with physical therapy can improve flexibility, restore muscle strength, and enhance physical function.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged joints and tendons, allowing patients to live a more pain-free life.

Your doctor will evaluate your medical history, any past injuries, and current symptoms to determine the best treatment option for your specific rotator cuff injury.

Expert Relief for All Your Extremities

While a rotator cuff injury may seem like it’s more common among athletes and those who’ve experienced a significant shoulder injury, the truth is that almost 2 million people in the United States visit their doctors each year due to rotator cuff problems. These individuals come from all walks of life.

The good news is that the experts at Mount Sinai’s Hand Center regularly see and successfully treat patients with rotator cuff injuries. If you’re searching for an orthopedic doctor in New York City to address your arm and hand pain, don’t hesitate to request an appointment with our board-certified specialists.

FAQs

Can a rotator cuff injury cause pain in my arm and hand?

Yes, a rotator cuff injury can definitely cause pain that radiates down the arm and into the hand. Typically, the pain starts as a dull ache in the shoulder, but as the injury progresses, it can cause radiating pain down the arm and into the hands, potentially leading to a complete inability to raise the affected arm.

What are the common causes of rotator cuff injuries?

Rotator cuff injuries can be caused by a specific incident, such as a fall on an outstretched arm, a sudden jerking motion, or lifting something too heavy. This is why rotator cuff problems are common among athletes and those whose jobs involve repetitive arm movements. However, more often than not, rotator cuff injuries develop over time due to the natural wear and tear of the tendons, especially in the dominant arm.

What are the best treatments for a rotator cuff injury?

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, a rotator cuff injury may heal on its own with rest. Beyond that, common treatment options include prescription anti-inflammatory medications, a routine of stretching exercises and physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery to repair damaged joints and tendons.