An Inability to Lift Your Arm
Rotator cuff tears can range in size and severity, leading to various symptoms and outcomes. One common symptom associated with larger tears is an inability to lift your arm. The extent of muscle damage can be so severe that even basic arm movements become challenging. This limitation can significantly impact your daily life and activities. The inability to raise your arm is a result of two main factors: pain and loss of muscle strength. Seeking medical attention is crucial in this situation, and your doctor’s office should be your primary destination. Treatment for this type of tear often involves wearing a cast and making adjustments to your sleeping position.
Signs of Increasing Weakness
As mentioned earlier, muscle tears can vary in size, with smaller tears often leading to worsening symptoms over time. This particular type of tear falls into that category. Although the tear may be small, it can still cause damage to your muscle fibers, gradually weakening your arm. To determine the severity of this symptom, you can perform a series of simple tests. Stretching your arm and massaging your shoulder can help you assess the situation. If you experience pain that is sensitive to touch, it is likely that you will require pain medication and rest to alleviate the discomfort.