Your shoulder is a complex and very mobile joint that allows the arm to move in many directions. This can make it vulnerable to wear and tear injury and conditions such as arthritis. Pain or restricted function in your shoulder can become disabling and prevent you from carrying out normal day to day activities, but by using the latest surgical and non-surgical methods, a shoulder surgeon can diagnose and treat the full spectrum of shoulder problems and help you return to your normal lifestyle – pain free.
The shoulder joint is made up of ligaments, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and bones. The three main bones are the humerus (upper arm bone), shoulder blade (scapula), and the clavicle (collarbone). The strong tissues that provide stability for the shoulder and hold the shoulder bones together are often the most common parts to become damaged. If they stretch or rupture, it can cause the shoulder to become weak, unstable, or dislocated. A shoulder surgeon treats many different shoulder problems, the most common ones include:
Damage Caused by Arthritis
Arthritis can cause stiffness, immobility, and swelling in the joints. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease and is the most common type of arthritis. It causes the cartilage in joints to wear away. Cartilage is the smooth, strong, flexible layer that covers the ends of many of our bones to form a protective surface that allows the bones in our joints to glide easily during motion. If the cartilage is damaged or worn away, it can cause painful bone on bone rubbing and restricted movement.
Rotator Cuff Tear
A rotator cuff tear is a common source of shoulder pain. The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and their tendons, which cover the upper end of our arm bone forming a cuff. Rotator cuff tears can result from sudden shoulder movements or overuse injuries, such as during sports. The risk of rotator cuff tears increases with age because the tendons and muscles can degenerate and weaken. Symptoms can include pain in the front of your shoulder and down the side of your arm, stiffness, weakness, and difficulty moving your arm. If it is caused suddenly by traumatic injury, you may feel a snap, sudden pain, and immediate weakness in the arm.
Fractures
Your shoulder can be prone to fractures, especially during high impact and contact sports, such as football and boxing. Fractures can occur from direct impact or trauma, overuse, and diseases that weaken bones, such as osteoporosis. A fracture can cause sudden, severe pain, followed by immediate swelling and bruising to the area. You may be unable to move the fractured area. If you suspect you have a fracture, seek medical attention immediately.
Dislocated Shoulder
Shoulder dislocations are common because the shoulder socket is very shallow. A dislocated shoulder happens when the humerus pops out of the socket in the shoulder blade. It often occurs from a sudden blow, such as during contact sports or from a fall onto an outstretched arm. Symptoms of a dislocation include the joint being noticeably deformed, severe pain, and the inability to use the joint. Seek prompt medical care if you suspect you have a joint dislocation.
Shoulder Surgeons of Greater Chesapeake, Maryland
If you are suffering with shoulder pain, call Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder today. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons use the latest surgical and nonsurgical techniques to treat the full spectrum of shoulder problems and ensure the best possible outcomes.
To schedule an appointment, call us at (410) 296-6232 or request an appointment online at one of our locations in the Greater Chesapeake area.
