If you suffer from shoulder pain, it can be difficult to deal with. The shoulder is a complex joint system made up of many bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When one of these things is damaged or injured, it can cause shoulder pain. There are a variety of reasons why you could be experiencing shoulder pain. Let’s take a look at the most common causes of shoulder pain and how orthopedic physicians commonly treat them.
- Rotator Cuff Injury: A rotator cuff injury involves tendons located in the shoulder becoming inflamed and damaged which causes pain when the shoulder is moved. Physical therapy, cortisone injections, and ice/heat are recommended healing measures for most rotator cuff injuries.
- Labrum SLAP Tear: The scapula, humerus, and clavicle bones make up the shoulder. The labrum cushions the humerus and has a soft, fibrous rim of tissue called the labrum that connects the socket part of the scapula to the head of the humerus. A labrum SLAP tear happens when the labrum tears at the top where it attaches to the bicep tendon. A labrum SLAP tear is usually treated through anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. In some cases, the injury may be treated through surgery.
- Dislocated Shoulder: A dislocated shoulder happens when the upper arm bone pops out of its socket that fits into the shoulder blade. It can be very painful and requires immediate medical attention to put the shoulder back into place without damaging any nearby nerves or structures in the shoulder. Dislocated shoulders are treated through closed reduction, immobilization, and rehabilitation.
- Frozen Shoulder: When a frozen shoulder develops, it causes pain and loss of range of motion. The shoulder becomes stiff and it’s difficult to move it. Doctors usually prescribe pain relievers, physical therapy, and steroid injections to treat a frozen shoulder.
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: This condition happens when the tendons in the shoulder are inflamed or begin to degenerate because of overuse or abnormalities in the shoulder. Shoulder impingement syndrome is typically treated through medication, modification, and physical therapy.
- Fractures: Fractures happen when blunt force or deterioration from overuse cause a bone to break. A shoulder bone can break after an accident or bad fall. Doctors may use immobilization or surgery to fix a fracture in the shoulder.
Treating Shoulder Injuries
If you suffer from shoulder pain, rest assured that there are a variety of treatments available for every condition and injury that may be causing it. If you suffer from shoulder pain, it’s crucial you find a board-certified orthopedic physician to diagnose and treat you. Orthopedic doctors are expert physicians in treating every type of musculoskeletal system disease, condition and injury.
If you are searching for an experienced and high-quality orthopedic physician for your shoulder pain needs, consider the experts at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder. Our orthopedic doctors and surgeons have a wealth of experience diagnosing and treating shoulder pain problems. To make an appointment, call Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder at (410) 296-6232 or request an appointment online.
