More than 14 million people visit the doctor for a shoulder problem each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most shoulder pain is caused by problems in the soft tissues, muscles, ligaments and tendons that make up the shoulder joint, such as those listed below.
Common Diagnoses
Tendinitis: Irritation or inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder can occur due to injury, overwork of the joint, repetitive wear and tear due to age or a degenerative condition.
Bursitis: Overuse of the shoulder can sometimes lead to swelling or inflammation of the bursa, fluid-filled sacs in the joints of the shoulder that normally reduce friction during movement. When this happens, movement in the shoulder can be limited.
Injuries: Shoulder pain can also occur when the bones in the shoulder are moved out of their normal alignment, such as during a sports injury or fall. This can cause the shoulder to become dislocated, either partially or completely.
Arthritis: This occurs after years of repetitive motion. It is often characterized by swelling, pain and stiffness.
Treatment
When pain is caused by an injury, seek medical attention right away. For long-term pain, you and your doctor may consider pain relievers, muscle relaxants, corticosteroid injections or a prescribed physical therapy regimen. For pain that persists over several months, surgical options such as arthroscopic surgery, or even shoulder joint replacement may also be considered.
Remember you don’t have to “shoulder” the burden on your own. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best course of action to bring relief and range of motion back
to the joint.
Depend on Hill County Memorial Hospital for Expert Medical Information
The HCM orthopedic program features a comprehensive approach to treating injuries and diseases of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. Our imaging department, anesthesiologists, technologists and rehab clinic will be there for you, every step of the way. For more information about orthopedic care for sports injuries and other joint issues, click here to learn more out HCM’s Orthopedic Team.