What is painful arc syndrome?
Painful arc syndrome is a condition characterized by pain when a person lifts his or her arm between 45 and 160 degrees from the side of the body. The condition is caused by tendonitis or bursitis of the shoulder.
The rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder in place. It is one of the most important parts of the shoulder. The rotator cuff allows a person to lift his or her arms and reach up. An injury to the rotator cuff, such as a tear, may happen suddenly when falling on an outstretched hand or develop over time due to repetitive activities. Rotator cuff tears are also due to aging.
The following are the most common symptoms of a rotator cuff tear. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
The symptoms of a rotator cuff tear may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for a rotator cuff injury may include the following:
A rotator cuff may tear partially or fully. Partial thickness tears do not completely sever the tendon from the shoulder.
Specific treatment for a rotator cuff injury will be determined by your doctor based on:
Treatment may include:
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