Your shoulder is your body’s most movable but least stable joint. Although this joint enables you to move your upper limbs in various directions in front, behind, and above, the fact that it is required for numerous routine activities renders it susceptible to injury. A rotator cuff tear may happen due to an acute injury or overuse, with symptoms ranging from discomfort and trouble raising your arm to shoulder weakness and loss of mobility. However, this condition may also exist without causing any symptoms. Thus, if you suspect a rotator cuff tear in West Chester, you should consult highly skilled orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ronald Hess. At Beacon Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Dr. Hess and his staff offer professional diagnosis and quality care for rotator cuff tears. Schedule a consultation through mobile or book online.

Here are the common risk factors of rotator cuff tears:

Age

With age, the risk of rotator cuff tears grows, becoming more prevalent past 35 years of age. People in their 60s and 70s, on the other hand, are more likely to suffer degenerative rotator cuff tears as their muscles wear down from repeated use.

The link between age and a heightened danger for rotator cuff tear could be due to a reduced blood supply to one’s tendons that may happen as you get older. Once you lack a healthy blood flow, your body’s capacity to repair tendon injury is hampered; thus, accelerating damage caused by wear and tear.

Sports

A rotator cuff tear is more likely to occur in sports requiring repeated action or force on the shoulder. This condition is more common in rowers, tennis and volleyball players, surfers, and weightlifters.

Additionally, rotator cuff tears are prevalent amongst baseball players, especially pitchers. In pitching, throwing, and hitting, they place a huge amount of force on the rotator cuff. For this reason, they are highly likely to experience shoulder injuries, particularly rotator cuff tears.

Occupation

A rotator cuff injury is more likely if you work in specific vocations. Excessive usage of the shoulder on a routine basis can create tiny tears in the rotator cuff. These minor tears weaken the affected muscles, rendering them more vulnerable to major tears. Some of the common occupations that may increase your danger of a rotator cuff tear include carpentry, painting, construction work, and firefighting.

Traumatic Injury

Most rotator cuff injuries in young people are caused by traumatic injury. A traumatic event, like a fall, might put excessive stress on the rotator cuff, causing it to rupture.

A rotator cuff tear is more probable to occur in injuries where you fall on an extended arm. Even a modest fall might induce a rotator cuff tear if your rotator cuff is already prone to tears due to aging or degenerative wear and tear.

Family History

Although it is yet proven, genetics may raise your susceptibility to suffer a rotator cuff tear. Some research shows that individuals with a close relative or family member with the condition tend to experience the problem as well.

Do not allow shoulder pain to dictate your life or keep you from engaging in the activities you love. At Beacon Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Dr. Ronald Hess and his expert team provide a wide range of conservative care options for rotator cuff tears, including heat & ice therapy, activity modification, and more. If these options fail to offer you the relief you need, Dr. Hess can conduct surgery. To explore your care options and find one that works for you, call the office or use the online scheduling tool to request an appointment online.

Neuromuscular disorders are a complex group of health conditions that affect the functioning of your nerves. The signature symptom of these disorders is muscle weakness and spasms. These symptoms may limit your mobility, reducing the quality of your life. If you are looking for long-term relief from neuromuscular disease in Oxnard, reach out to the specialists at Link Neuroscience Institute for treatment.

How can you describe a neuromuscular disease?

Neuromuscular disease refers to a group of health conditions that affect the nerves responsible for transmitting sensory information to your brain (peripheral nerves) and the nerves that control your voluntary muscles. The peripheral nerves also deliver information to your muscles from your brain to facilitate muscle activity. These disorders can also cause your muscles to weaken and eventually waste away. Over time, you may start experiencing muscle spasms, pain, and twitching symptoms. If you have a family member with neuromuscular, you may be at risk of developing this disorder. You can also develop a neuromuscular disorder due to enzyme deficiency, nerve damage, or an autoimmune disease.

There are several forms of neuromuscular disorders including, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, peripheral neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-tooth disease, and metabolic muscle diseases. These diseases may also represent several other health conditions; muscular dystrophy has nine categories.

Facts you may not know about neuromuscular disease?

The different neuromuscular disorders display unusual symptoms that need treatment by a professional team such as Link Neuroscience Institute. These disorders deteriorate and cause severe symptoms that prevent you from carrying out your daily activities if left untreated. Some neuromuscular disorders may develop during the infant stage, and others may occur in adulthood. If you experience the following symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical help:

• Difficulty moving around
• Muscle loss
• Droopy eyelids
• Trouble swallowing
• Double vision

In some cases, you may experience trouble breathing, a symptom that can jeopardize your life. Over time you may also develop balance problems that require a specialized neurologist to correct.

How can your doctor diagnose a neuromuscular disorder?

During your appointment, your physician may review your medical history and conduct a physical exam which may involve checking your muscle strength and reflexes. The team at Link may also evaluate your symptoms which may determine the diagnostic tests to use. The team may order electromyography, blood test, muscle biopsy, lumbar puncture, and MRIs. After your medical exam, your provider may analyze the results and discuss the diagnosis with you.

Is there a cure for neuromuscular disorders?

There is no known cure for neuromuscular disorders, but the team at Lik Neuroscience Institute has specialists in neuroscience who can help you manage your condition. Your treatment plan focuses on alleviating your symptoms while preventing the progression of the disease. Your doctor may recommend medications to relieve your symptoms and chronic pain management for long-term relief. The team at Link Neuroscience Institute may also refer you to specialists who offer integrative and comprehensive medical care.

If you suspect that you have a neuromuscular disorder, call the Link Neuroscience Institute office or book an appointment online to get a comprehensive physical exam.