From the Research
Finger swelling is not typically expected after a rotator cuff injury, but it can occur in some cases, particularly in patients with a past history of carpal tunnel syndrome or flexor tenosynovitis, as reported in a study published in 2021 1. Rotator cuff injuries primarily affect the shoulder joint, specifically the group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and help stabilize it. Symptoms of rotator cuff injuries usually include shoulder pain, weakness, limited range of motion in the shoulder, and difficulty performing overhead activities. Swelling is generally localized to the shoulder area if present at all. If you're experiencing finger swelling along with a rotator cuff injury, this may indicate a separate issue such as a hand injury, circulation problems, or nerve compression that should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. The rotator cuff is anatomically distant from the fingers, and the nerve pathways and blood vessels that affect the fingers are generally not directly impacted by isolated rotator cuff damage. Some key points to consider include:
- A study published in 2021 found that complications involving the fingers and hand after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair occurred in 40% of patients, with flexor tenosynovitis being the most common complication 1.
- Another study published in 2022 found that hand paresthesia was common in patients presenting with rotator cuff tears, and that the prevalence and severity of shoulder pain and hand numbness and tingling improved postoperatively 2.
- The presence of a past history of carpal tunnel syndrome or flexor tenosynovitis, as well as preoperative subjective assessment for edema of the fingers and hand, were significant risk factors for complications involving the fingers and hand after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair 1. If you notice finger swelling after a shoulder injury, it's essential to seek medical attention to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.