The shoulder is an exceptionally flexible and complex joint, consisting of three bones – the humerus, scapula, and clavicle – along with numerous muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other tissues. As a ball-and-socket joint, it allows for a wide range of motion, making it one of the most versatile joints in the body. However, this intricate design also makes the shoulder particularly vulnerable to injury and pain. Understanding the common causes of shoulder pain can help identify the source of discomfort and find the appropriate treatment to restore function and ease the pain.
Common Shoulder Injuries
There are many parts of the shoulder, so there are many reasons why you might have shoulder pain. Some specific conditions include:
- Bursitis: The bursae are tiny sacs filled with fluid that surround joints and bones in the body. They work to cushion the muscles, tendons, and bones. Bursitis occurs when the bursae become inflamed.
- Rotator cuff injuries and tears: The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and their tendons, providing the shoulder with a wide range of motion. Inflammation, damage, or bone abnormalities around the rotator cuff can cause shoulder pain. Rotator cuff tears often occur in people who repeatedly perform the same shoulder motions, such as lifting heavy objects or overhead arm movements.
- Tendinitis: Tendinitis is the inflammation of the rotator cuff or biceps tendon. It frequently occurs due to sports injuries and overuse.
- Nerve injuries: Axillary nerve injuries affect the nerve running from the neck to the shoulder. They commonly occur when the nerve is overstretched.
- Dislocations: A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm bone comes out of the shoulder socket.
- Fractures: A fractured shoulder is characterized by any broken bone within the shoulder joint.
- Frozen shoulder: A frozen shoulder involves stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. Holding the shoulder still for a long period increases the risk of developing the condition.
- Bone spurs: A bone spur is a small bony growth that forms on bones, often in response to prolonged pressure, rubbing, or stress.
- Arthritis: In an arthritic shoulder, inflammation causes pain and stiffness.
Shoulder Injury Symptoms
Depending on the type of shoulder injury, symptoms can vary. The pain may feel sharp or achy, and it can come on suddenly or gradually. Using a painful shoulder can cause further injury, so it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible, especially if your shoulder pain comes with swelling, redness, or fever, or your pain lasts longer than two to four weeks.
Rather than guessing what sort of shoulder pain or injury you might be suffering from, you should reach out to an orthopedic specialist to get an official diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Get Advanced Orthopedic Care for Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can be challenging to live with, making everyday activities painful and difficult. At The Orthopedic Health Center, our expert team can diagnose the source of your pain and create a personalized treatment plan to address it. We use advanced techniques and only consider surgery as a last resort after exhausting non-invasive treatment options. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
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