Your shoulder is a ball and socket joint that allows your arm to move freely in many directions. The joint is held in place by your rotator cuff, a group of four muscles and their tendons. Covering the upper end of the humerus, which is the top bone in your arm, these muscles help to move and stabilize your shoulder joint.

Rotator cuff tears can be caused by various different things. Too much stress or an injury can produce a mild strain and inflammation or cause the tendon to pull away from the bone or tear in the middle. Injuries to muscles and tendons are called strains and are classified according to how much damage has been done to the fibers. While Grade I strains stretch the fibers, Grade II injuries include partial tearing. The most severe cases, Grade III injuries involve a complete tear of the tendon or muscles.

The tendons and muscles of your rotator cuff can be damaged in several ways. The tear may be the result of an acute injury, such as a fall or accident. It can also occur when attempting to lift a heavy object too quickly. A rotator cuff tear may also come from chronic overuse like repeatedly throwing a baseball, using a paintbrush or doing another activity that requires regular overhead activity.

When the cuff simply wears out from overuse, the chronic condition is known as degenerative tendinosis. The tear may also result from a gradual deterioration of the muscle that can occur with aging. People over 40 have greater risk of developing rotator cuff tears due to an impingement of the acromion. This typically occurs when the tendon attaches to the bone. The area has poor blood supply, and a mild injury can lead to a secondary tear. The development of bone spurs around the shoulder may also irritate and damage the tendon.

If you are suffering from shoulder pain and inflammation, it is important that you schedule an appointment at the office of Albert R. Swafford M.D., Inc. Rotator cuff tears can become worse with repetitive use. Increasing pain and reduced strength is an indication that the tear is becoming larger. Early diagnosis and treatment will improve your chances of a successful outcome and prevent the loss of motion in your shoulder. Depending upon the cause, diagnosis and grade of the strain, the treatment may include surgical and/or non-surgical options. The goal is to relieve your pain and restore the strength of your shoulder to improve your quality of life.

The office of Albert R. Swafford M.D., Inc. is located in Bakersfield. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to have your condition evaluated.