Problems with a rotator cuff are painful but often go ignored. This is dangerous because it often prolongs the issue, and it can become worse with time.
If you are an athlete, you have likely already heard of a rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is located in the shoulder, so those particularly vulnerable to the injury are baseball players and football players. It may start as a dull ache and worsen over time as you continue to use the shoulder.
What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?
The rotator cuff is made of several muscles and tendons and must be stretched and strengthened regularly to work effectively. If not, they can be prone to injury. If you think you have suffered an injury to a Rotator cuff, ask for a referral to an orthopedic doctor for sports medicine in Miami.
We can see problems with rotator cuffs in non-athletes as well. Inflammation can occur due to overuse or because of age. Common issues can include tendonitis around the rotator cuff, bursitis, or rotator cuff tears.
In non-athletes, these problems can occur if there is a fall or a person works in a job where they are consistently reaching overhead. Aging is a factor because it causes tendons to wear down over time.
What Are Some Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Injuries?
There are nonsurgical and surgical treatment options. However, conservative treatment options are usually recommended first. Many people find success with nonsurgical techniques and can return to regular activities without surgery. Such non-surgical treatment options include:
- Resting the affected shoulder
- Heat and Ice treatments for 20 minutes every couple of hours
- OTC NSAID medications (Ibuprofen or Aleve)
- Ultrasound Therapy
- Corticosteroid Injections
- Physical therapy
If these methods have failed, then a surgeon may speak to you to see what treatment options may be best for you.
What Does Rotator Cuff Surgery Entail?
Your doctor will need a view of the damage in the shoulder, likely with an MRI. Other diagnostic tests can include an X-ray or ultrasound to view the damaged area.
For tears to the rotator cuff, surgery is often required in the form of an arthroscopic tendon repair. The surgeon inserts a small camera and tool through a small incision to view the damaged tendons and creates the repair.
In some situations, they may need to do an open tendon repair. The surgeon then needs to work through a larger incision to repair the tendon.
Based on diagnostic imaging, your surgeon will consult with the best option for you.
Rotator Cuff Pain Relief in Miami: Expert Care at South Florida International Orthopaedics
Are You Looking for the Best Shoulder Surgeon in Miami? Look No Further! South Florida International Orthopaedics PA is a leader in orthopedics in Florida. We serve athletes, accident victims, workers compensation victims, and others in need of care.
We are highly-rated orthopedic surgeons who specialize in minimally invasive surgery and the latest innovative non-surgical treatments. Our goal is to provide you with high-level care that is individually fitted to your needs and lifestyle. We offer a variety of surgical, non-surgical and regenerative treatment options, including PRP injection for our patients.
If you are looking for orthopedics in South Florida, our practice has a team ready and waiting to help with your pain so you can reclaim your life. Request an appointment today!
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
