Rotator Cuff Disorders

Things that may increase the risk of rotator cuff disorders include:

• Aging.
• Having long-standing rotator cuff tendinitis.
• Holding or moving your arm overhead frequently, such as when you regularly paint; work as a waiter; or play tennis, baseball, and other throwing sports.
• Previous shoulder injuries, such as dislocations and broken bones.
• Having a rotator cuff tear in the other shoulder.
• Irregularities of the muscles, tendons, and bones in the shoulder that increase wear on the rotator cuff tendons.
• Having received multiple Reference corticosteroid Opens New Window injections in the shoulder, which may weaken tendons and increase your risk.
• Smoking, which decreases the blood supply and slows the healing process.
• Shoulder instability.

As the rotator cuff and the shoulder weaken, the risk for a partial or Reference complete tear Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window increases.

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