What Are the Causes of Rotator Cuff Tear?

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and several tendons located at the top of the upper arm. It holds the humerus bone in place and allows the arm to rotate, hence the name. Tears to the rotator cuff are painful, but most of the time they heal on their own. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.

• Repetitive use is a common cause of rotator cuff injuries.

Incident

• Rotator cuff injuries are common. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, most people report a recurring pain in their shoulder after a specific incident, like a fall or heavy lifting. In some cases, people may use their arm to cushion a fall and can cause damage or bruising to the muscle.

  Lifting heavy objects can also cause a tear around the rotator cuff. An injury can also occur if someone lifts an item improperly.

Day-to-Day Activity

• Normal wear and tear is another main cause for rotator cuff injuries. It is more common in people over the age of 40 because of the muscles' excessive use. It makes the area more open to degeneration and injury.

Poor Posture

• Mayo Clinic experts say slouching or poor posture can contribute to rotator cuff injuries. By pulling your neck and shoulders forward,the muscles or tendons in that area can become pinched and irritate the rotator cuff.

Repetitive Stress

• People with certain occupations, like carpenters and painters, are also more prone to rotator cuff problems because they rely on that area consistently. Specific repetitive movements, especially overhead, can cause stress, inflammation and, eventually, tearing. This is also common in athletes including swimmers and tennis and baseball players.

Symptoms

• There are several signs that point to a rotator cuff tear. Doctors look for pain or weakness when lifting the arm. There also may be a crackling sensation when the shoulder is rotated a certain way, and the muscle may become thin. These symptoms can happen immediately after an injury, or they can develop gradually over time.