Rotator cuff tears are a common type of sports injury. They can also happen if you fall on your arm when it’s outstretched, or use a sudden, jerking movement when lifting heavy objects.Degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis can irritate your rotator cuff, leading to the growth of bone spurs. These little bony growths cause a disorder called shoulder impingement, which can prevent you from moving your arm normally.These types of degenerative changes are more likely to be a problem for people who use their shoulders frequently to make repetitive movements. Participating in sports like rowing, baseball, tennis, weightlifting, and gymnastics can lead to degenerative changes and cause rotator cuff tears.