Rotator Cuff Injuries: 6 Signs You Need to Consider Undertaking Surgery

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Rotator cuff injury is a common problem among athletes, especially those who play contact sports. It can be caused by trauma or overuse of the shoulder joint, and it can significantly affect an individual’s ability to perform everyday activities such as reaching for items, lifting objects, and even brushing their hair.

 If you have experienced a rotator cuff injury in Dallas, some signs should not be ignored that may indicate surgery is needed. Knowing these signs will help you make informed decisions about your healthcare needs so that you can get back to living life without pain or discomfort.

 That’s why this article will discuss six key indicators that it might be time to consider undergoing surgery after a rotator cuff injury in Dallas.

Pain that does not subside

If you’ve been dealing with shoulder pain for more than a few weeks, and it isn’t improving, then surgery may be needed to repair the tear in your rotator cuff muscles or tendons. It’s important to note that even with rest and physical therapy, some tears are too severe to heal on their own and require surgery to achieve a full recovery.

The most common indication of a tear is pain that radiates down the arm and worsens when you raise your arm above shoulder height. Depending on the pain level and injury scope, you may get different Dallas rotator cuff surgery—arthroscopy, open surgery, or a combination of both—which is why it’s important to seek out a qualified doctor. Make sure you discuss treatment options in detail before making any decisions.

Decreased range of motion

If you’ve noticed decreased mobility in your shoulder joint, this is another sign that surgery might be necessary. It’s important to have a full range of motion in your shoulder so that it can perform everyday tasks without difficulty or pain.

As the tear worsens, you may find that the area becomes increasingly stiff and limited in motion, making it difficult to perform activities such as reaching overhead or combing your hair.

Muscle weakness

Rotator cuff tears can lead to muscle weakness in the shoulder joint area. If you’re having difficulty lifting items and performing everyday tasks due to a decrease in strength, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor. Studies have found that those who undergo surgery to repair their rotator cuff tear can regain strength and function in the joint after undergoing a successful procedure.

Additionally, if you experience any numbness or tingling in the shoulder area, it’s important to seek medical attention. This could be a sign of nerve damage and should be addressed before attempting any type of surgery.

Recurring Injury

If you have experienced re-injury after an initial rotator cuff tear, this is a sign that further intervention is needed. Surgery may be required to properly address the issue and help provide long-term relief from pain and discomfort. Additionally, if you have experienced painful flare-ups without any specific incident being the cause, this could also indicate that surgery is necessary.

Therefore, if you find that your shoulder pain is getting progressively worse, this could be a sign that the tear is not being properly addressed and surgery may be necessary to fully resolve the issue.

Nighttime pain

Pain that worsens at night could be indicative of a rotator cuff injury that needs to be addressed with surgery. This is because the shoulder joint is at rest during this time and any underlying issue can become more pronounced.

For instance, if you notice that your shoulder pain is getting worse as the day goes on, and it’s impacting your sleep quality, this could be a sign that surgery is necessary.

Swelling or tenderness

If your shoulder is swollen and tender, it’s more than likely due to inflammation from a rotator cuff injury. This can be a sign that the injury is getting worse, and that surgery may be required to fully resolve the issue. Swelling can also cause the area to feel warm to the touch, so if you notice this symptom along with any of the others on this list, it’s important to seek medical attention.

However, swelling and tenderness can also be signs of other issues like arthritis or bursitis, so make sure to discuss your symptoms with a qualified physician before making any decisions.

Rotator cuff injuries can cause a variety of symptoms that range from pain and decreased mobility to swelling and tenderness. If you experience any of these symptoms or if your shoulder continues to worsen despite rest and rehabilitation, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible—surgery may be necessary to fully resolve the issue and help restore full function in your shoulder joint.

With proper treatment and care, you should be able to achieve a successful recovery.