Rotator cuff tear symptoms vary based on severity, from pain when moving the arm to difficulty sleeping due to pressure on or around the rotator cuff. Symptoms can include constant throbbing pain, sharp shooting pain, reduced strength, and difficulty moving the arm. Inflammation around the joint and shoulder can indicate a serious injury requiring medical attention.
A rotator cuff tear in the shoulder can be as minor as a muscle strain or as severe as a torn tendon, and rotator cuff tear symptoms vary based on the severity of the injury. Mild symptoms include pain when moving the arm and shoulder outside the normal range of motion or difficulty moving the arm through its full range. There may also be aches and pains in the shoulder after sitting in the same position for a long time, or the individual may have difficulty sleeping due to pain from putting pressure on or around the rotator cuff.
Most injuries to the tendons or muscles of the rotator cuff involve pain. Even minor injuries such as muscle strain from repetitive activities, such as lifting boxes from the floor to the back of a truck, can lead to stabbing pains. Often, rotator cuff tear symptoms are worse when you lift your arm overhead, such as grabbing something off a shelf or reaching to close the curtains. These types of injuries can usually heal over time, with adequate rest of the injured muscle or tendon.
Different types of pain occur as symptoms of rotator cuff injury. Constant, throbbing pain in the shoulder can sometimes be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and usually gets better with a few days of rest. Other times, there may be a sharp, shooting pain that gets worse with certain movements. This often indicates a tear in the muscle or tendon and may be accompanied by difficulty lifting the arm and a lack of strength in the arm and shoulder muscles.
If the individual repeats constant movements that irritate but do not tear any of the muscles or tendons, they may develop aches and pains that come and go, as well as periods of reduced strength and difficulty moving the arm. Pressure on the arm and shoulder can make it worse, and these rotator cuff tear symptoms can start interfering with sleep. Usually there are also difficulties in moving the arm in the direction supported by the injured areas.
In some cases, there may be signs of inflammation around the joint and shoulder. This is caused by the immune system’s response to damage; when torn or damaged tissue is flooded with immune system cells, fluid buildup, tenderness, and mild swelling can occur. Shoulder swelling generally means the injury is serious and may require medical attention to ensure proper treatment.
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