About this topic
The rotator cuff is made up of the muscles and tendons in your shoulder. It helps your shoulder move and be steady. Tendons are strong bands that connect muscles to bones. You may have a small tear or a total tear of the tendon or muscle. Both of these are a rotator cuff injury. You may have swelling and pain in your shoulder area. Some of the causes of this injury are: ‚
- Falling with an outstretched arm
- Overuse or stress on the shoulder, especially when doing overhead movements like pitching or swimming
- Aging
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Rest your shoulder. Do not do painful motions that bother the shoulder. You may use a sling to rest the joint. Wear your sling at all times for the first few weeks. You can remove it when bathing, grooming, or doing your exercise program.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Prop your arm on pillows to help with swelling.
- Follow the exercise program suggested by your doctor or therapist.
If you had surgery: ‚
- Use an ice pack to help with pain and swelling. Do not use heat.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- How to take care of your bandage
- When you may take a bath or shower
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
- Control muscle spasms
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. Ask your doctor when you may: ‚
- Return to school or work without using your affected arm
- Begin to use your affected arm for regular activities
- Be able to run, work out, or play sports
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid activities like pitching or swimming. These can cause you to overuse your shoulder muscles.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects.
- Exercise often to strengthen all your muscles, including your shoulder.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher; chills; red, warm, or painful skin.
- Swelling and pain does not go away even when you take a drug for it
- Numbing or tingling feeling in your fingers or hands
- Your hand or fingers change in color or are cool when touched
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain, numbness, tingling, or swelling or my fingers are cool or blue.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00064 ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00378 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚