The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint, providing stability and allowing a wide range of motion. Rotator cuff injuries are common after a collision or fall. When these muscles or tendons are injured, it can cause pain, weakness, and impaired mobility. Knowing the signs of a rotator cuff injury after an accident is crucial for getting a prompt diagnosis and treatment. We’ll explain the common signs of a rotator cuff injury after a collision or fall.
Pain in Rotator Cuff/Shoulder
Pain in the shoulder area is one of the most prominent signs of a rotator cuff injury after a collision or fall. The pain can vary in intensity, ranging from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pains. The pain is typically localized to the front or side of the shoulder and may get worse with certain movements like lifting or reaching overhead. The pain may also radiate down the arm, which is an indication that the nerves surrounding the shoulder joint are affected.
Weakness
Another common sign of an injured rotator cuff is weakness in the affected shoulder. Those afflicted may find it difficult to perform tasks that require lifting or reaching, like lifting objects overhead or reaching behind their back. Weakness may be especially noticeable when trying to raise an arm away from the body or hold it in certain positions. This weakness can majorly impact daily activities and may worsen over time if it isn’t treated.
Limited Range of Motion of Rotator Cuff
Those with a rotator cuff injury often experience a limited range of motion in the affected shoulder. They may have trouble raising their arm over their head, rotating the arm, or reaching behind their back. A feeling of stiffness or tightness in the shoulder joint can accompany the limited range of motion. It may gradually worsen if it’s not treated, which can lead to further impairment.
Swelling and Inflammation
Following a collision or fall, the shoulder may become swollen and inflamed due to the injury to the rotator cuff tissues. Swelling is the body’s natural response to tissue damage and is often accompanied by warmth and redness around the shoulder joint. Inflammation can contribute to pain and discomfort and may worsen over the first few days following the injury.
Clicking or Popping Sensation
Some people with a rotator cuff injury may experience a clicking or popping sensation in the shoulder joint, particularly during certain movements. This sensation may occur due to the abnormal movement of the injured tendons or muscles within the joint. It’s important not to ignore these symptoms, as they may indicate there has been underlying damage to the rotator cuff structures.
Difficulty Sleeping
Rotator cuff injuries can have a significant impact on sleep quality, especially if lying on the affected shoulder exacerbates pain. Sufferers may find it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position and may have disrupted sleep patterns as a result. Difficulty sleeping can cause fatigue and irritability, impacting a person’s overall quality of life.
Contact a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
Seeking legal advice is essential if you have suffered a rotator cuff injury after a collision or fall. You may be entitled to bring a personal injury claim against the responsible party.
Our legal team has more than 40 years of experience seeking justice for accident victims. Our attorneys have sought and won millions of dollars for our injured clients. Don’t allow your health or legal rights to go unaddressed after an accident.
Call 850-601-1111 to schedule a complimentary consultation with no obligations. This consultation will help you explore your legal options. Let us help you fight for fair compensation.
Mark continued his studies at Florida State University College of Law, graduating cum laude in 2008. While in law school, Mark was a member of the Journal of Land Use & Environmental Law and the Journal of Transnational Law & Policy, as well as a certified legal intern with the FSU Public Interest Law Center, where he assisted low-income clients with a wide range of family law issues. He also served as a law clerk intern to The Honorable L. Clayton Roberts of Florida’s First District Court of Appeal.
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