The shoulder joint, a complex arrangement of bones, muscles, and tendons, allows for an impressive range of motion, crucial for many daily activities. However, this flexibility also makes it prone to injuries, including tears. These tears can vary in severity, affecting different structures and presenting in distinct ways. Recognizing the signs of a shoulder tear can help individuals know when to seek medical advice.
Symptoms of a Shoulder Tear
A shoulder tear often causes internal sensations and functional limitations.
Pain is a common indicator, appearing as a dull ache deep within the joint or a sharp, intense feeling, especially with sudden trauma. This discomfort often worsens with movements like lifting or reaching overhead. It can also become more noticeable at night, particularly when lying on the affected side, and may radiate down the arm.
Arm weakness is another significant symptom, making it difficult to lift, rotate, or raise the arm. This can cause the arm to feel like it’s “giving way” or struggling with simple tasks. A torn shoulder also limits range of motion, preventing the arm from moving through its full arc due to stiffness or pain. This restriction can hinder daily activities like combing hair or reaching behind the back.
Individuals might also experience clicking, popping, or grinding sensations within the joint during movement, a phenomenon known as crepitus. While occasional joint sounds are normal, persistent or painful clicking, especially after an injury, may signal a tear in structures like the cartilage (labrum) or tendons.
Visible Signs of Injury
Beyond internal sensations, a shoulder tear can also present with visible external signs, especially after an acute event.
Swelling around the shoulder joint often appears within hours or days after an injury, signaling inflammation or fluid accumulation. This localized swelling can make the shoulder appear larger or more rounded than the uninjured side.
Bruising, appearing as discoloration around the shoulder or extending down the upper arm, is common after a direct impact or fall. The bruise’s color may change over time, progressing from reddish-purple to yellow or green as it heals. Bruising suggests internal bleeding from damaged blood vessels, indicating a more significant soft tissue injury.
In rarer, more severe cases, a visible deformity of the shoulder or upper arm might be present. For instance, a complete tear of the biceps tendon can result in a distinctive “Popeye” muscle appearance, where the muscle belly bunches up near the elbow.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Knowing when to consult a healthcare professional is important for managing a potential shoulder tear.
If shoulder pain persists for more than a few weeks without improvement, despite rest and over-the-counter pain relievers, medical evaluation is advisable. Pain that significantly interferes with sleep or daily activities also warrants attention.
Seeking medical care is important if you experience significant weakness or a noticeable loss of motion in your arm. This can make it difficult to perform routine tasks and may indicate a serious injury.
Immediate medical attention is recommended if the injury occurred suddenly due to a fall, accident, or heavy lifting, especially if accompanied by a popping sensation. Any visible deformity of the shoulder, severe swelling, or extensive bruising that appears rapidly after an injury also warrants a medical visit. Furthermore, if your symptoms progressively worsen, a healthcare provider can assess the situation and recommend appropriate next steps.