When Should I Consider Rotator Cuff Surgery?
The shoulder is a highly mobile joint, so when it's injured, that injury will highly affect your mobility and cause some degree of pain. A rotator cuff injury is common among athletes and active individuals but can also result from repetitive use or an accident. Depending on the degree of your injury, you may need rotator cuff surgery. A sports medicine and shoulder specialist in San Antonio can perform this surgery to restore full mobility and reduce your pain.
When Should I Consider Rotator Cuff Surgery?
If you have injured your rotator cuff, it probably resulted from either sustaining injury or wearing down over time. It's typically recommended that as soon as you experience pain and reduced mobility in the area, you take some time off from the activities you enjoy, including weightlifting, golfing, and other activities.
If you have been resting, taking anti-inflammatory medications, icing the area, and even stretching, whether at home or with the physical therapist, and your rotator cuff is not healing, it may be a sign that you need to undergo surgery not only reduce your pain but regain full mobility of your shoulder.
What Are the Signs of a Rotator Cuff Injury?
Those who have injured their rotator cuff typically experience the same symptoms. The first is pain and discomfort, followed by limited mobility. The inability to perform a full range of motion often indicates a rotator cuff injury. Tenderness, swelling, trouble sleeping because of pain, weakness, limited range of motion, and cracking are all common symptoms of a rotator cuff injury.
Your Next First Step
The next first step before surgery is to schedule an appointment with a specialist who can evaluate your shoulder in person and run the necessary imaging test, including an x-ray or MRI, to get a better idea of the severity and extensiveness of your injury.
Then, you can receive a full treatment plan, including a surgical option, if necessary to help you experience total healing. During this appointment, you will discover the full extent of your injury and learn more about the surgical process and what you can expect regarding preparation and recovery.
Finding a Sports Medicine and Shoulder Specialist in San Antonio
If all your symptoms indicate that you have a rotator cuff procedure in the future, we can help provide the care you need to get back to your normal life. At San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists, we focus on patient-centered care and are proud to serve the local community in San Antonio, TX, by providing quality orthopedic care and services.
The board-certified physicians at our office are committed to providing exceptional care and are able to do so thanks to their fellowship subspecialty training.
Rotator cuff injuries are common, but that doesn't mean they are normal. You don't have to live with the pain and reduced mobility that results from this type of shoulder injury. If traditional healing methods haven't improved your condition, we can help. Contact our shoulder specialist, Dr. Marx today!