How to Treat a Torn Shoulder Tendon

A torn shoulder tendon is a common issue among the elderly and athletes, which can severely impact daily functioning. This condition can cause significant difficulty in everyday life. Therefore, if you experience shoulder pain, such as pain while lying down or persistent pain for several days, it is essential to consult a doctor for diagnosis and timely treatment. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods for a torn shoulder tendon, aiming to help patients regain their strength and return to a normal, healthy life

 

What Causes a Torn Shoulder Tendon?

     A torn shoulder tendon (Rotator Cuff Tear) can occur due to various reasons, including tendon degeneration, accidents, or other contributing factors. This condition results in pain or discomfort in the shoulder area, limiting the full use of the arm or shoulder. To understand the symptoms and treatment options, it is important to first recognize the underlying causes of this condition, which include

 

 

Degeneration of the Shoulder Tendon

     Older adults are particularly at risk for various health conditions, including a torn shoulder tendon, due to the degeneration of the shoulder tendons with age. This is often combined with other factors, such as the buildup of calcium deposits around the shoulder joint. These deposits can rub against the shoulder tendons, leading to wear and eventual tendon tears.

     Additionally, certain behaviors that weaken body tissues, such as smoking, can also accelerate the degeneration of the shoulder tendons, making them more susceptible to tears. This can ultimately lead to a torn shoulder tendon

 

Intense and Prolonged Use of the Shoulder Tendon

In addition to older adults, athletes or individuals who engage in strenuous physical activity are also at high risk of developing a torn shoulder tendon. For example, tennis players or badminton players who rely on their shoulders to generate force when hitting the ball are more likely to experience rapid degeneration of the shoulder tendons. This repetitive use can cause the tendons to wear down over time, eventually leading to a torn shoulder tendon.

 

Severe Injury

Accidents in daily life or sports, particularly falls where the arm is stretched out to break the fall or the shoulder hits a hard surface forcefully, can lead to shoulder tendon inflammation. For example, a goalkeeper in soccer or a fall on the ground can result in shoulder injuries. If these injuries are left untreated for a long time, they can lead to a torn shoulder tendon. Additionally, in young children whose bodies are still developing, accidents can also be a contributing factor to this

 

 

Symptoms of a Torn Shoulder Tendon

After understanding the causes of a torn shoulder tendon, it is important to recognize the symptoms so that you can seek treatment in a timely manner. Generally, patients with a torn shoulder tendon experience the following symptoms:

 - Pain in the shoulder area, particularly at night when lying on the affected side. You may also experience pain in nearby areas, such as the neck, scapula, or along the arm.

 - Shoulder stiffness, making it difficult to move the shoulder fully.

 - Pain when lifting or extending the arm, with the feeling of a "locked" joint.

 - Muscle weakness, making it difficult to lift or carry objects.

 - Shoulder tightness, restricting movement and making it hard to move the shoulder freely.

It's important to note that the intensity of pain caused by a torn shoulder tendon varies from person to person, and the level of pain does not always indicate the severity of the tear. For example, some individuals may experience severe pain with a mild tear, while others may feel little pain even with a more significant tendon injury.

 

Pain from a Torn Shoulder Tendon vs. Pain from Exercise: How They Differ

After exercise or increased physical activity, many people may experience muscle soreness or fatigue. This type of pain is known as DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness), which occurs due to inflammation from muscle tissue being damaged during the workout. Typically, this soreness subsides within 3-4 days.

However, if the pain persists beyond this period and does not improve, it may be a sign of a deeper issue. For example, if you experience shoulder pain while lying down, along with pain in the neck, scapula, or radiating down the arm, this could indicate a torn shoulder tendon. In such cases, it is important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis to determine if a rotator cuff tear has occurred.

 

 

Source : KDMS Hospital

**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team

 

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