Health Tip: Could It Be a Torn Rotator Cuff?

Here are basic warning signs

September 18, 2009 RSS Feed Print

(HealthDay News) -- The rotator cuff is a network of muscles and tendons that cover the upper arm bone and allow the arm to rotate. An injury or overuse can lead to a painful rotator cuff tear.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provides this list of common symptoms of a torn rotator cuff:

Shrinking or thinning muscles surrounding the shoulder.
Pain that occurs when you try to lift your arm, or lower it when completely raised.
A feeling of weakness when you move or lift your arm.
A "crackling" sensation when you move your shoulder in certain ways.