How To Tell The Difference Between A Torn Rotator Cuff And Bursitis?

Sometimes it is challenging to identify the source of concentrated shoulder pain. Usually, our minds tend to jump to the worst possible conclusions. Consulting an orthopedist in Garden City, NY about your shoulder pain is a crucial first step, but it helps to know the differences between symptoms of common conditions to ease your mind. At Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation, our team would like to discuss the differences between a rotator cuff tear and bursitis. Continue reading to learn more. 

Rotator Cuff Tear vs. Bursitis

Bursitis and rotator cuff tears are painful conditions that present similar symptoms in similar areas. The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons that support the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff tears occur when you tear one of the tendons connecting a bone to a muscle around your shoulder and is a common injury treated by our orthopedist in Garden City, NY. Symptoms of a torn rotator cuff may include:

• Shoulder pain. 
• Muscle weakness.
• Stiffness. 
• Cracking or popping sensation in the shoulder. 
• Mobility issues. 

Bursitis

There are tiny sacs of fluid throughout the body known as bursae. The purpose of the bursae is to reduce friction between the soft and hard tissues in the body. When there is excessive friction between the bones and soft tissues, a bursa will react by becoming inflamed. The bursa tries to compensate by creating additional cushioning but can develop inflammation or even infection. Bursitis can be chronic. Some of the notable symptoms of shoulder bursitis typically include:

• Shoulder pain. 
• Shoulder tenderness. 
• Pain after activity. 
• Weakness.
• Warmth around the affected area
• Pain with range of motion. 

Treating Bursitis and Rotator Cuff Tears

Determining the difference between bursitis and torn rotator cuffs can be difficult due to the overlap in symptoms. Treatment for both of these conditions will depend on the type and severity. Ignoring your shoulder pain and continuing to use it could potentially worsen your situation, so it is crucial to consult with an orthopedist in Garden City, NY. Our team will confirm the root cause of your shoulder pain and devise a comprehensive treatment to get you back to full health and functionality. 

Contact Us

At Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation, our orthopedist in Garden City, NY will assess your injury and treat it before it gets worse. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, you should not hesitate to contact our team today! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]