I think I may have a rotator cuff tear. I would appreciate some input from DU. UPDATED/I SAW DOCTOR.

[StevieM]

Last edited Fri Jun 30, 2017, 04:48 PM - Edit history (2)

I was visiting my family. I was staying with my aunt. Her granddaughter, my cousin once removed, was also visiting. She is 10.

We were all taking a walk yesterday when my cousin asked me to race her down the street. So we raced. And then we raced again. Finally, she asked me to race her a third time. We were on a regular road with a concrete pavement.

I wound up falling down in the middle of the run. I fell really hard on my left side. I split the inside of lip. I got a deep scrape on my left forearm. I bruised the underside of my chin. I also think I bruised some ribs. I don't think they are broken but they still hurt.

The worst part is my shoulder area. I cannot lift my left arm over my head. And it hurts when I try.

It is now 24 hours later.

Does anyone have any thoughts? Does it sound like a rotator cuff injury?

I am going to make a doctor's appointment tomorrow, but I am wondering what I am looking at. Might this require surgery?


UPDATE: I saw the doctor today. She said that it did appear to be a rotator cuff injury. And she thinks it is most likely an impingement. She doesn't currently think it will require surgery. They took some x-rays. They will know more when they get the x-rays back. There may be some physical therapy. I got a stronger strength ibuprofen. And I was given some at home rehabilitation exercises I can do, after they determine that I am ready to start.

I am glad that it doesn't look like I will need surgery, but it appears that I may have a long road ahead.

Also, my ribs are apparently bruised, not cracked. Either way, it will take a little time for them to heal.

[MineralMan]

1. After you get examined, you'll know more.

They'll probably do x-rays. Wait until then.

You could get checked out at an urgent care clinic. They can do x-rays. You want to rule out a fractured clavicle. If your insurance will cover urgent care where you are, you could go in this evening.

[Mosby]

2. Ice it and take nsaids until you get to the dr.

Inflammation is your enemy.

[eShirl]

7. +1

[triron]

36. yes, ice for first 36 hrs. then ice and heat

surgery probably not necessary but lots of rehab

[safeinOhio]

3. Try Ibuprofern every 4 hrs for two days

If that doesn't work the next step, most likely, will be a cortisone shot.
May be impinged, that's what mine turned out to be.

My experience.

[StevieM]

8. So if it is impinged then surgery won't be needed?

I certainly hope I can avoid that.

I have been taking Advil. Two pills last night, two this morning, two after dinner. You think it is safe to take it every four hours?

[safeinOhio]

12. I've been able to get by

on a shot 1 or 2 times a year. May need surgery in the future. Good thing is it's a much easier to do and recovery than a torn rotor cuff

[woodsprite]

38. If the impingement can be handled with PT and anti-inflamatories,

Than you're good. If not, they can shave the bone a bit to allow more room. Almost 2 yrs ago, I fell running downhill with my dog. She saw a raccoon or something, pulled me off track, and I went down when I tripped on the storm drain. According to the dr, I had the rare triple whammy - broken and dislocated left shoulder, and a torn rotator cuff. I healed from the break and dislocation first, then they went in with laparoscopic surgery to fix the 3cm tear, release my bicep tendon, install some pins, and shave the bone to fix impingement issues. Was in/out of PT for 18 months, but I'm back 90%. Still working on strength out to the side and over my head. I'm up to 4lbs over my head now.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that it's just a minor injury that will heal with little intervention.

[Ilsa]

16. And the shot is a piece of cake.

Please get it looked at. You don't want it getting stiff or weak. If you need physical therapy, go, at least until you are able to safely do the exercises on your own. I know it can get expensive, spending $20-25 two or three times a week for a month or longer.

Ibuprofen, please. And if your stomach can manage it, take 400mg, not 200mg. Intermittent cold compresses might help, too.

[StevieM]

22. I am hoping to get a doctor's appointment for tomorrow.

I guess I will know more then.

[malaise]

4. You won't know until after the xrays - hopefully

you've just dislocated your collar bone

[StevieM]

9. It is strange to say that I hope I dislocated my collar bone, but it beats having surgery.

I hope the doctor can see me tomorrow.

[WhiteTara]

24. Even if you tore the rotator cuff, this doesn't necessairly mean

you need surgery. There are stretches you can learn and massage techniques to help the pain. I tore my (again) and the dr told me that he could never repair it again, that next time it is replacement. He also told me that I could live a long time with a slightly torn rotator cuff.

Do see your doc. You'll probably need an MRI to really see what is going on. Good Luck!

[herding cats]

39. I've been in this boat for almost 11 years now.

I get by and still manage to workout even. It's manageable, it's just not 100%.

Good luck!

[malaise]

28. Yep - happened to me when I was twelve

minor matters

[MontanaMama]

5. Get radiographs

and a solid orthopedic opinion. My lay opinion is a separated shoulder? Surgery is possible for that particular injury but a stint of PT is more likely. I've had that injury twice and surgery once - which was very successful. I'm not a doctor just a clutz. Ibuprofen, ice and rest. Pain is an indicator something is wrong. Listen to your body and go to the dr. Be well, friend.

[StevieM]

15. Thank you. I couldn't contact a doctor today because I was driving home.

I hope I can get a same day appointment tomorrow.

I certainly hope that I don't require surgery.

[jberryhill]

6. Eat two raw eggs and walk barefoot backwards for an hour

I guarantee it works. After all, I'm a stranger on the internet.

[SharonClark]

35. Worked for me!

[cwydro]

49. Lol.

It used to be in the TOS not to ask for medical advice here.

Too funny.

[marylandblue]

10. RICE

Rest
Ice
Compression( don't press too hard)
Elevation ( if it hurts to elevate, then don't)

Regarding surgery for rotator cuffs - they will probably wait to see if it heals on it's own. Don't rush into surgery, it's a last resort.

[StevieM]

19. Thanks. I will keep that in mind, especially the part about not elevating. (eom)

[sarah FAILIN]

11. My daughter is a physical therapy assistant

I read her your post and she said it sounds like it to her, but that you should see someone. I have torn mine when I had no insurance by reaching behind my SUV passenger seat from the drivers seat and picking up my purse. Hurt like hell. I couldn't lift my arm to the 45 degree mark. Eventually, like 2 months later it healed on it's own. It still is weaker and I can tell when I'm about to hurt it again, but I can live with it. I am afraid to get it worked on now that I do have insurance.

[StevieM]

20. I hope I can avoid surgery. Actually, I hope it isn't a rotator cuff tear at all.

But mostly I hope I can get into see the doctor tomorrow.

It is terrible that you didn't have insurance when you needed it.

[sarah FAILIN]

25. This is the bad part.

We were making money like crazy and couldn't get family coverage because our son has asthma amd eczema.. wtf..

It didn't matter how much we paid BCBS, they would not give us insurance. Eventually I got hospitalization by lying to a different company then later I went to work in a factory just for insurance.

Hope it turns out good for you.

[Sissyk]

13. I don't want this to sound harsh,

But use your common sense, until you make it to your doctor tomorrow.

Shoulder injuries hurt!!

[safeinOhio]

14. I find it hard to sleep at night.

I sleep on my side and that's not good for it. Found that if I put a small pillow under the top of my arm at night I do much better.

[NightWatcher]

17. I dislocated both my shoulders and had to get surgery to repair it and put it back in place.

Take your shirt off and look in a mirror. Are you crooked? Do your shoulders look level? Has your injured one gone forward, backwards, or slipped down? If you are crooked or uneven, get it checked before nerve damage gets worse. Is their tingling in your hands or fingers?

I waited before getting it checked out and that was very bad for me. If you have insurance I'd recommend that you get to a good orthopedic surgeon asap. If you don't have good insurance, get to an ER of possibly a hospital with a charity policy that will forgive some of the debt.

[StevieM]

23. I took my shirt off and looked in the mirror. It looks the same.

But it might be a rotator cuff issue, which isn't necessarily better.

I will try to see the doctor tomorrow.

[NightWatcher]

29. Hope it all works out.

I'm still crooked some 7 years later.

[pangaia]

18. Don't throw any 12-6 curve balls.

[Warpy]

26. A doctor will have to make that determination

I can tell you that a lot of people I know have recovered from them with physical therapy and didn't need surgery. You do need to follow instructions and do the exercises.

That's if what you have is a rotator cuff injury.

For tonight, ice will help keep inflammation down a bit and numb the pain. If you can't get in to see the doctor within a couple of days, consider an urgent care or ER visit. They don't get better if you just try to tough them out.

[StevieM]

30. Thanks. I will put some ice on it now. Hopefully I can get in to see the doctor tomorrow. (eom)

[Patterson]

27. If the doctor doesn't find anything serious but it still hurts or is stiff,

go to the farmer's co-op and get some DMSO. Mix some cayenne pepper with it and rub it on. Keep it on as long as possible. Wipe it off when the heat is too much. Do this a few days. I've fixed two frozen shoulders like this.

[StevieM]

31. Thanks. I will keep that in mind. Hopefully the doctor will be able to clarify what the exact

problem is. And then I can take it from there.

[unblock]

32. Not a doctor, but I've had rotator cuff tears, bone spurs, and frozen shoulder

First, only a doctor can tell.
Second, any self-diagnosis is even more hazardous than usual until the swelling goes down.
Third, the doctor can tell a lot by having you hold out your arms in various positions and orientations, pushing against them and having you resist.

The hallmark of a rotator cuff tear is loss of strength but only in certain positions/orientations. When I had mine, I could carry a 50 pound bag of dog food across my chest no problem, and I could hold my arms straight out to the side palm up, but if I turned it palm down, I couldn't support the weight of my right arm.

I had surgery when I was about 32 years old and it healed pretty quickly. Important: you will get lost-surgical exercises to do. *do them religiously* the short term inconvenience can make a big difference for the rest of your life.

I had another rotator cuff tear, plus a bone spur that gradually tore some muscles when I was about 47 (other shoulder). That took about 6 months to recover from. Age matters.

Then I had frozen shoulder when I was about 49. No surgery for that. That's the good news. Bad news is that it took about a year and a half to get better. I got a couple injections of lidocaine and steroids, that helped with the pain for a while.

Not being able to raise your arm over your head is consistent with frozen shoulder, but that could be just the temporary swelling.


Anyway, good luck and heal well!

[Zo Zig]

33. See a doc

Ice, ice, ice. Big difference between torn and full separation of ligament(s). If full, surgery. Good luck, I am six weeks out from my sugery. Tight, sore, but no pain, very pleased.

[StevieM]

34. I am hoping it is a good sign that I could do the long drive home today.

Maybe that is a positive indicator.

But, yes, I will see a doctor ASAP.

[Zo Zig]

60. Sugestion

Amazon for a device called the "Berg Polar Care Cube".

[StevieM]

62. Thanks!! I will talk to my doctor about it when I get the results of my x-rays back. (eom)

[Alea]

37. Hope you feel better and get good news at the doc

[herding cats]

40. You've gotten all the good advice I could have given you already.

All I have left to offer is well wishes that it's not a surgery issue.

My thoughts are with you, and do keep us updated!

[MineralMan]

42. Let us know what you find out, OK?

[StevieM]

43. I updated my post with new information after seeing the doctor. (eom)

[MineralMan]

46. I replied downthread.

[malaise]

44. Don't take too many of thestronger ibuprofen

It will mess up your stomach.

Glad it's not a rotator cuff injury

[StevieM]

50. It is a rotator cuff injury. It just isn't a tear, but rather an impingement.

The doctor told me to take the medicine three times a day, along with meals.

[malaise]

51. Well the tear is the real problem

Take care

[MineralMan]

45. OK. Take it easy and follow your doctor's instructions.

I've had badly bruised ribs a couple of times. Ibuprofen works pretty well, and lets you sleep OK at night. I hope your stomach can handle it. Take antacids to help prevent stomach pain. Gaviscon tablets work very well, I find.

Take it slow on the rehab, too, and you'll end up OK, I'm sure. I'm glad to hear that it wasn't any worse.

[StevieM]

54. Thank you. Taking the ibuprofen is fine. My stomach isn't at all upset, at least not as of now.

I will wait to hear back from the doctor after she has seen my x-rays. Then I will start my recovery program, whatever it is.

[Liberal In Texas]

47. Had one of those afer a spill while ridiing my bike.

After a few physical therapy sessions with things to do at home, it magically went away.

I'm a big advocate or PT!

[StevieM]

53. I am praying that it goes as well for me as it did for you.

Hopefully the x-rays will show that it isn't so bad.

It is so strange to not be able to lift my arm over my head.

[onethatcares]

48. had surgery #2 yesterday

had surgery #1 on Jan 12 this year and somehow tore the left rotator cuff.

now my arm is in a sling with a 4 inch pad holding my arm away from my body.

no use of arm allowed for 14 days.

thank you LBJ for medicare

[StevieM]

52. I hope you have a strong recovery.

And, yes, Medicare has done so much good for our country.

[cyclonefence]

55. I always sneered at physical therapy

until I injured my rotator cuff. My shoulder was frozen, and the doctor suggested we try PT as a last-ditch effort to avoid surgery. Son of a bitch--it worked. I am a PT convert.

[StevieM]

56. Was your rotator cuff torn? Or just impinged?

How long did your PT last for? Have you fully recovered?

[cyclonefence]

57. It was not torn

but the word "impinged" wasn't used, either. The serious word was "frozen" with regard to my shoulder. I had very limited range of motion.

I think the therapy lasted 6-8 weeks. It seemed so stupid, just gentle stretching and movements, and I couldn't imagine that it would make a difference, but after the first few weeks, my shoulder began to loosen up, and by the end of therapy I was fine.

If I were you, I'd go ahead and try therapy. It might be boring and a nuisance, but it won't hurt your shoulder and may well help it. In fact, if you do end up needing surgery, the PT exercises done beforehand will strengthen your muscles and make recovery much easier and quicker.

Good luck!

[REP]

59. I had full thickness cuff tears on both shoulders

Additionally, I had a bone spur that would rip into the muscle on my right every time I used my right arm. These were from repeated dislocations and resulting calcification (I'm hypermobile). Physical therapy is the only thing that allowed me any use of my arms until I had the damage repaired; I had full AC joint resections with soft tissue repair. Trust me - you don't want that. Two year recovery and said to be the hardest recovery of any orthopedic surgery. The exercises are boring as shit but will build up the undamaged muscle and allow your range of motion to improve.

[Binkie The Clown]

58. I had that several years ago.

No surgery required, but it took me almost a full year of doing range-of-motion exercises every day to get full function back.

On edit: These were exercises I could do myself at home. No need for physical therapy. I don't remember all of them, but one of them involved standing next to a wall and putting my hand on the wall and "walking" my fingers up the wall as high as I could go. Another one involved holding one end of a towel behind my back and with my good arm, pulling it up gently to stretch the shoulder. For six months or more I couldn't even reach my back pocket to take out my wallet. I had to move my wallet to the other side. But I got a little bit better every day.

[JHan]

61. You'll have to take it easy for a while.

I got a similar injury a year ago, it truly sucked. Took 10 physiotherapy sessions.

[politicat]

63. Hey, a bit of useful information we got when spouse broke his wrist at 40-mumble...

You can safely take acetaminophen and ibuprophen together. They work better together than either one separately because they're hitting different neuro-receptors and accomplishing a synergistic goal. Spouse said a dose of 400mg of Ibu and 800 mg of acetaminophen three times a day worked better than the opioids he was prescribed, without the brain fog and without risking any sort of liver or kidney damage. He was told he could take up to four doses a day, but never needed it.

I've used it since, for dental pain (a crown that was being difficult at first). It really does work very well.

[StevieM]

64. Thanks for the info!! I will talk about it with my doctor when she gives me the result of my x-rays.

Hopefully I can deal with this through medicine and physical therapy.