Shoulder pain can be a frustrating and limiting experience that can affect your daily routine and activities. It can range from mild discomfort to excruciating pain that makes it difficult to move your arm or perform simple tasks. Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, overuse, and underlying medical conditions.
The shoulder joint is a complex structure made up of four joints, each with its own set of tendons, ligaments, and muscles. The glenohumeral joint is the main joint of the shoulder and is responsible for most of the shoulder's mobility. The acromioclavicular joint connects the collarbone to the shoulder blade, while the sternoclavicular joint connects the collarbone to the breastbone. The scapulothoracic joint is located between the shoulder blade and the chest wall.
Shoulder pain can be caused by injury to any of these joints or the surrounding muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Common causes of shoulder pain include
A torn rotator cuff can occur from a sudden injury such as a fall, abrupt twist, or attempting to break a fall. It can also happen due to normal wear-and-tear and degeneration over time. However, a damaged rotator cuff tendon can cause inflammation, resulting in discomfort, weakness, and limited mobility in the shoulder. To learn more about this condition and its treatment, consider exploring the topic of rotator cuff tears and minimally invasive repair options.
Frozen shoulder is a condition that can cause stiffness and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint due to inflammation and thickening of the shoulder capsule. It can develop gradually and be caused by injury, surgery, or underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or stroke. Treatment options for frozen shoulder may include physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgery.
Repetitive strain on the shoulder can cause inflammation and thickening of the bursa above the rotator cuff, especially if bone spurs have formed on the acromion. This can result in impingement syndrome, a condition where the bursa catches on the bone spurs, leading to discomfort and limited mobility, particularly during overhead movements. Subacromial bursitis is another common cause of shoulder pain that is related to this condition. To learn more about these conditions and their treatment options, consider exploring the topic of keyhole decompression.
Tendinitis, also known as tendonitis, is a condition characterized by inflammation and irritation of a tendon, which connects muscles to bones. It can be caused by overuse, injury, or aging, and commonly affects the tendons in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. Treatment options may include rest, ice, compression, elevation, physical therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgery.
When the protective cartilage surrounding the shoulder ball and socket joint is damaged due to injury or degeneration, it can lead to bone exposure. Regrettably, this type of cartilage does not regenerate, and with time, more bone may become exposed. This can lead to bone-on-bone arthritis, resulting in discomfort, limited mobility, and stiffness. If you are experiencing such symptoms, it may be helpful to learn more about shoulder arthritis and the potential benefits of shoulder replacement surgery.
Nerve impingement, also known as nerve compression or pinched nerve, is a condition that can cause shoulder pain when nerves in the shoulder are compressed or irritated. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, overuse, poor posture, and degenerative conditions such as arthritis. Treatment options may include rest, physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgery.
Fractures are breaks or cracks in the bones, and they can occur in any part of the shoulder, including the collarbone, shoulder blade, and upper arm bone. Shoulder fractures can cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. Fractures are often caused by trauma, such as a fall or direct impact, and can also result from osteoporosis or other degenerative bone conditions. Treatment options may include immobilization, physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgery.
While there are numerous shoulder problems that can cause pain, the ones mentioned above are the most frequently encountered. The initial step towards addressing your shoulder pain is to schedule an appointment with your Orthopaedic expert, who can examine both you and your shoulder. In some cases, imaging tests such as x-rays, ultrasounds or MRIs may be necessary to establish a diagnosis and guide the course of treatment.
Typically, first-line treatments for many of the common shoulder problems include rest, modifying your activities, taking anti-inflammatory medications, undergoing physiotherapy, and receiving steroid injections. If your condition persists or if referral to an orthopaedic shoulder surgeon is deemed necessary, you may need further assessment. Ultimately, the aim of treatment is to alleviate your shoulder pain, restore your mobility, and allow you to resume the activities you enjoy.
