We rely on our shoulders to perform our day-to-day activities—so much so that experiencing pain in either of them can greatly hamper our ability to move freely and even affect our quality of life.
Most cases of shoulder pain are nonspecific or mechanical, which means that the source of the pain may be triggered by a person’s own movements. Such cases are typically either self-limiting or responsive to self-care measures. However, there are those that are caused by an underlying injury or condition and therefore warrant a visit to an orthopedic doctor.
Learn when you should see an orthopedic doctor for your shoulder pain and where to see a good one in the Greater Chesapeake area in Maryland.
When to See an Orthopedic Doctor
See your orthopedic doctor for your shoulder pain if:
- It has persisted for several weeks.
- It is accompanied by swelling or a lump, tenderness, and/or warmth near or on your shoulder.
- It is accompanied by numbness that radiates to your arm, weakness, or paralysis.
- It is severe and not subsiding, despite basic remedies and avoidance of activities that you think may have caused it.
- Its intensity has worsened: from an ache to sharp pain.
Along with the signs stated above, it would also help to determine the answers to the following diagnostic questions:
- Is your shoulder range of motion limited? Can you move your arm away from and back toward your body?
- Does your affected shoulder look noticeably different from the other one?
- Do you hear creaking, grinding, or popping noises when you move your arm?
- Is your sleeping affected by your shoulder pain?
- Did you sustain injury to the affected shoulder recently?
Common Causes of Persistent Shoulder Pain
The following conditions are some of the culprits in persistent shoulder pain. Your orthopedic doctor will order some tests to confirm a diagnosis and determine the appropriate method of treatment:
- Bursitis or tendonitis (inflammation of the soft tissue)
- Fractures
- Frozen shoulder (also known as adhesive capsulitis, a condition characterized by the inflammation, scarring, thickening, and shrinkage of the shoulder capsule)
- Nerve impingement
- Osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition of the joints
- Partial or complete shoulder dislocation and instability
- Rotator cuff or bicep tendon strain or tear
- Sports or occupational injury (from a traumatic blow, repetitive motion, or overuse)
Orthopedic Doctor in Greater Chesapeake, MD
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our highly qualified and experienced orthopedic doctors utilize the latest shoulder pain treatment techniques to get that joint fully functional and pain-free. We offer everything—from innovative nonsurgical treatment approaches to surgical treatment methods, such as total shoulder replacement. What’s more, we provide on-site medical imaging procedures as part of our commitment to deliver comprehensive, seamless, attentive, and prompt care.
To schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic doctors, call us at (410) 296-6232, or use our online appointment request form.
