Difficulty Lifting the Arm and Reduced Arm Mobility
Individuals suffering from rotator cuff disease often experience challenges in lifting their arm overhead or away from the body, resulting in a decrease in the arm’s overall range of motion. In cases where the disease has caused severe tears in the rotator cuff tendons, it may even become impossible to keep the arm raised. Although there may still be some ability to lift the arm to a certain extent, it is typically not as high as the shoulder level. Consequently, simple tasks like brushing one’s hair or reaching for objects on high shelves can become arduous or unachievable.
Rotator Cuff Injuries and Audible Symptoms
When individuals sustain rotator cuff injuries, they may experience auditory symptoms such as loud clicking, popping, or cracking sounds when raising their affected arm. These noises, medically referred to as crepitus, can intensify as time progresses and become more noticeable during specific arm or shoulder movements.