Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center - (Page 6)

Stay in joint. “Rotator cuff tears are very common,” says Michael Potter, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Phelps County Regional Medical Center (PCRMC). “In fact, whether they know it or not, 80 percent of adults who are over the age of 60 have an injury of some degree to the rotator cuff.” In young people, most rotator cuff tears occur as a result of trauma—from sports, a car accident or a bicycle wreck. For older adults, however, a rotator cuff tear is generally the result of a fall or the gradual wear and tear of the tendon. sIgns that You need tReatment You will know you have a rotator cuff tear that needs treatment when you experience pain and discomfort “at night when you try to sleep on your affected side, pain that radiates down one arm, pain that occurs with overhead or behind-the-back activities [such as reaching to the back seat of your car], and pain with lifting,” Dr. Potter aby boomers are staying more active than says. “Unfortunately, a rotator cuff tear does not heal on ever by practicing healthy lifestyles through its own, so if you are suffering pain that is reducing your diet and exercise. Although the benefits to quality of life, you should contact your physician.” regular activity are proven for maintaining Treatment options depend on the degree of the tear. flexibility in the joints, exercise can also conDr. Potter says small, partial tears can be helped by tribute to unwanted aches and pains, particularly in the going through rehabilitation therapy to strengthen musshoulders. Most of these minor nuisances cles; getting steroid injections; taking antiwill go away with a little rest and TLC, but inflammatory medications; using ice on the sometimes medical intervention is necessary. area; and avoiding abduction exercises—moveOne of the most common culprits of shoulder ments that raise your arms out to the side. pain that often requires medical attention is a Although full rotator cuff tears can improve rotator cuff tear. with rehabilitation therapy, Dr. Potter advises they are better treated with surgery. “The lonJust What Is a ger the muscle is not hooked up to the ball of RotatoR Cuff? the shoulder, the more the muscle becomes The rotator cuff consists of the muscles and weak and nonfunctional, and the rotator tendons that connect to form a cuff over the cuff will not work even after it is repaired,” upper end of the arm, or humerus. The rotaDr. Potter says. “It is always a wise idea to fix tor cuff helps to lift and rotate the arm and a rotator cuff tear sooner rather than later to stabilize the ball of the shoulder within the maximize results.” Michael Potter, M.D. B 6 Spring 2 013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Getting a Clear Picture
Stay in Rotation
Half-Century of Service
You’re the Star
Heart-to-Heart
Lighten Up!
Have No Fear
Work It!
Diane Keaton
What Are the Chances?
9 Symptoms Never to Ignore
When Allergies Attack
Virtual Health
Everyone Has a Story to Tell
Let Nature Take Its Course
Managing Menopause
Foundation
Auxiliary

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center