Your shoulder is among the most movable joints in your body, yet it is also the least stable. Thus, while this joint enables you to move your upper arm in all directions, its need in many everyday tasks renders it susceptible to damage. To compensate for this instability, your shoulder relies on a group of muscles, ligaments, and tendons known as the rotator cuff. Nonetheless, the rotator cuff is still vulnerable to injury due to continuous wear and tear or acute trauma. Typical symptoms range from trouble lifting your arm to pain and a reduced range of motion, but the condition could sometimes exist without clear symptoms. So, how can you determine if you are at risk of a Leawood rotator cuff tear? In this post, Dr. H. Scott Ellsworth of Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance highlights the common risk factors for a rotator cuff tear. Read on to learn more.

Age

After 35 years, the danger of degenerative rotator cuff tears grows and becomes more prevalent. Nonetheless, persons over 60 years are more susceptible to degenerative rotator cuff problems due to repeated usage.

The link between age and a heightened incidence of rotator cuff rupture could be due to a reduction in blood flow to the tendons that could develop with advancing age. Without healthy blood flow, your body’s capacity to repair tendon injury is diminished, which could increase wear and strain.

Sports

Sports requiring repeated shoulder stress or motion could raise the risk of rotator cuff injury. This concern will likely develop in rowers, surfers, weightlifters, tennis, and volleyball players.

Baseball players, especially pitchers, are also susceptible to rotator cuff injuries. During throwing, pitching, and hitting, these players put immense strain on the rotator cuff. Consequently, shoulder injuries, like rotator cuff tears, account for most sports injuries.

Occupation

Certain occupations, including carpentry and painting, demand repeated arm motions, which might raise the risk of rotator cuff injury. Small rips in the rotator cuff could be caused by everyday overuse of the shoulder. These little tears damage the muscles, making them more prone to significant tears. Additional occupations associated with increased rotator cuff tears include police work, construction work, or firefighting, as it often involves climbing or raising heavy items.

Family History

Considering rotator cuff injuries are more prevalent in particular families, genetics may raise the risk of rotator cuff tears. According to research, having relatives with rotator cuff tears, even as far back as third cousins, might raise your chance of acquiring this concern.

Traumatic Injury

Most rotator cuff injuries in young people are caused by traumatic injury. Suffering a traumatic injury, like a fall that exerts excessive strain on the rotator cuff, may cause tearing.

Landing on an extended arm increases the likelihood of a rotator cuff injury. Even a modest fall may trigger a rotator cuff tear if your rotator cuff is already susceptible to tears due to overuse and aging.

Persons at high risk and experiencing discomfort or pain should seek prompt medical attention. While the discomfort might be mild and simple to disregard, the tear worsens with time, producing greater discomfort and a slower recovery. At Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance, you can access various conservative solutions, including rest, medication, or injection therapy to alleviate your discomfort. However, if your discomfort does not resolve with these procedures, you may explore surgery with Dr. H. Scott Ellsworth. Schedule a consultation today through mobile or book online to get started.