Dr. William Sterett
Eagle County's Premier Rotator Cuff Surgeon
Treating Rotator Cuff Injuries in the Vail Valley
Rotator cuff injuries are a common complaint in our active mountain population. Over two million people in the United States visit an orthopaedic physician every year for rotator cuff pain. If left untreated, rotator cuff injuries can weaken your shoulder - making everyday activities painful.
Where Is the Rotator Cuff?
Three bones make up the shoulder:
Humerus (upper arm bone)
Scapula (shoulder blade)
Collarbone (clavicle)
The rotator cuff is composed of muscles and tendons that all work to keep your shoulder joint in place as well as helping your shoulder lift and rotate your arm. When the tendons or muscles in the rotator cuff become damaged, your shoulder's normal range of motion can be impacted.
Causes of Rotator Cuff Pain
Rotator cuff pain can be caused by injury or degeneration. This is called an acute or degenerative injury.
An acute rotator cuff injury is typically the result of a fall or attempting to lift a heavy object. This type of injury can also damage the collarbone and shoulder joint. Degenerative rotator cuff injuries are usually caused by wear-and-tear that comes with age or repetitive stress from overuse.
Most rotator cuff injuries occur in the following populations:
People over the age of 40
Athletes who sports involve repetitive motion (tennis players)
People who perform overhead work as a part of their profession (painters)
Symptoms of an acute and degenerative rotator cuff injury are similar. These symptoms include:
Pain at rest
Pain when lowering your arm
Pain when lifting an object
Shoulder weakness when lifting
Weakness when rotating your arm
A crackling sensation in your shoulder during certain movements
Acute rotator cuff injuries can cause intense, sudden pain followed by weakness immediately after the injury.
Common Rotator Cuff Injuries
Common rotator cuff injuries include:
Partial Rotator Cuff Tear: Tendons in the rotator cuff are damaged but not completely severed.
Complete (Full-Thickness) Rotator Cuff Tear: A tendon in the rotator cuff is completely separated from the shoulder bone.
In the majority of patients, torn rotator cuff tendons begin as microtears. The damage will later progress until the tendon tears completely during an intense lifting or twisting shoulder motion.
When Is Rotator Cuff Surgery Needed?
About 80 percent of rotator cuff tears can be treated nonsurgically. Conservative treatment options include:
Rest
Over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications
Physical therapy
Strengthening exercises
Steroid injections
If the injury is too severe for non-surgical methods of treatment, or if the patient has a goal of returning to a high level of sports performance, Dr. Sterett and his team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery may recommend surgery.
Click here to learn more about rotator cuff surgery.
Contact Vail Valley's Best Rotator Cuff Surgeon
Remember, if left untreated, rotator cuff injuries will only worsen over time. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain that’s impacting the quality of your life, contact Dr. Sterett at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery!
Request your consultation today by calling (970) 476-7220 or through Team Sterett's online form. Same-day, urgent care, and telemedicine appointments are often available!