Tendon Tears
The shoulder tendons and muscles are placed under a significant deal of strain on a daily basis. Painting, cleaning, lifting boxes, gardening, and majority of recreational activities, such as swimming, tennis, and golf can case shoulder tendon tear or strain.
Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.
Symptoms and Signs
Overuse and injury are common causes of shoulder tendon tear. Symptoms and signs of shoulder tendon tear include:
- Deep and dull pain in the shoulder
- Pain in the night, especially when sleeping on the troubled side
- Inability to bear weight on the troubled side
- Feeling or hearing a popping or snap when moving the shoulder
- Shoulder weakness caused by pain or exertion
- Shoulder stiffness
- Inability to keep the arm at an elevated position
Types of Shoulder Tendon Tear
Tendon tear of the shoulder can either be complete or partial:
- Partial tears occur when the tendon is not severed completely
- Complete tears occur when there is a split in the tendon
Treatment for Shoulder Tendon Tears
Tendon tears can be microscopic in size to complete ruptures causing the tendon to come away completely from the bone. Further, initial injuries can cause secondary tears.
Treating mild to moderate tears
You should speak with an orthopedic expert if you suspect a rotator cuff tear. The following treatment may be recommended for mild to moderate injuries:
- Steroid injections
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
In certain cases, a combination of patients, conservative treatments, and rest is enough. Mild tears can take 6 – 8 weeks to heal while a more serious one may need 12 weeks to heal.
Severe tears
You may need surgery in severe cases of tendon tears. This is particularly in the case of people working in construction or athletes. Partial or complete tears of the rotator cuff tendon may require an arthroscopic surgery. Open surgery involving a larger incision may be needed in the case of difficult tears. It is vital to immobilize the shoulder following the surgery. Rehabilitation exercises should be started gradually for regaining shoulder strength.
Risk of Shoulder Tendon Injury
Shoulder injuries can take place in anyone, whether from repetitive overuse, falling on an outstretched arm, or direct impact. However, there are certain factors that may increase the risk of shoulder tendon injury:
- Age: older people are at a higher risk of degenerative weakening soft tissue because of wear and tear. Degenerative disorders generally begin at the age of 40.
- Jobs: Repetitive exertion of the shoulder can cause tiny tears in the soft tissue. This damage can worsen over time. Painters, construction workers, and athletes are at a greater risk of injury.
- Smoking: Flow of blood and oxygen is reduced to the body’s soft tissues because of smoking. This increases the susceptibility to injury and slows down the healing process as well. Smoking can make it difficult to prevent future injuries.
Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV for safe and proven orthopedic surgery procedures.
Contact Board Certified Surgeons Dr. Bigler or Dr. Thomas at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board-certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. Contact the office today click here.
Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada