What causes shoulder pain?
A group of muscles called the rotator cuff are responsible for supporting movement and holding the arm in the shoulder joint. As a result, the rotator cuff, and especially its tendons, are susceptible to injuries.
The conditions that commonly cause shoulder pain include:
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Rotator cuff tears
- Rotator cuff tendonitis
- Shoulder fractures
- Joint dislocation
- Shoulder impingement
- Biceps tendonitis
- Frozen shoulder
- Labral tear
Everyone can develop shoulder pain due to normal, everyday wear and tear. But your risk of developing shoulder pain increases when you’re engaged in activities such as pitching, weight lifting, and painting that require overhead movement.
What other symptoms occur together with shoulder pain?
The injuries and conditions responsible for shoulder pain usually cause other symptoms.
You may experience:
- Arm and/or shoulder weakness
- Difficulty lifting your arm
- Shoulder instability
- Muscle spasms
- Swelling and bruising
- Clicking in the joint
- Limited range of motion
- Loss of shoulder movement
Shoulder fractures can occur in the upper arm, collar bone, or less often, the shoulder blade. When the arm bone is affected, most people experience severe pain and swelling.
Does shoulder pain lead to joint instability?
Shoulder instability occurs when the shoulder lining, ligaments, or labrum (a rim of cartilage around the joint) become torn, stretched, or detached.
With early treatment, the injured tissues can heal and regain enough strength to prevent instability. If you ignore the pain and keep using your shoulder, the tissues won’t heal, and you’re at risk of developing chronic instability.
How is shoulder pain treated?
Dr. Schofield reviews your medical history and symptoms, examines your shoulder, and performs diagnostic imaging such as X-rays. Then he customizes your shoulder treatment based on the severity of your injury and your activity goals.
Most treatment plans begin with one or more of the following therapies:
- Activity modification
- Shoulder immobilization
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Joint injections
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Some shoulder conditions need surgery to diagnose the severity of the problem and repair the tissues. Shoulder dislocations, fractures, and ruptured tendons or ligaments often require surgery to ensure you regain strength and movement.
Dr. Schofield performs minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery for most procedures, including rotator cuff repairs. Surgery for a dislocated shoulder involves repairing the ligaments to prevent chronic instability.
If you have shoulder pain, don’t wait to seek help at Schofield, Hand and Bright Orthopaedics. Call the office or book an appointment online today.
