DAVE WATTS, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
Shoulder Injuries
Athletes who play physically active sports like tennis, swimming, pitching, and weightlifting are more prone to shoulder injuries. The repetitive motion of the arm is one of the main reasons for shoulder injuries.
Shoulder injuries result in severe pain, stiffness, lack of movements, popping sensation, and patients face difficulty in carrying daily routine tasks.
The common shoulder injuries include dislocations, sprains and strains, tendonitis, bursitis, rotator, cuff injury, arthritis, and fracture.
Dislocations
When the ends of the bone get out of their position, it causes a shoulder dislocation. The most common reason for shoulder dislocations includes a fall or direct blow to the joint during a sports activity.
Sprains and Strains
A sprain is caused by the tearing of ligaments or stretching. This common injury usually occurs when an individual suddenly falls or twists. The strain injury usually occurs because of stretching or tearing of the muscle or tendon. Strains are usually caused by twisting or pulling of the tendons.
Tendinitis
The inflammation of the tendon, a tissue connection muscles to bones occurs because of an injury or overuse.
Bursitis
The inflammation of the bursa, a sac filled with fluid. Bursa’s main function is to protect and provide a cushion to the joints. Arthritis, gout, or chronic overuse of the shoulder muscle can cause bursitis.
Rotator Cuff Injury
The rotator cuff is composed of muscles and tendons holding the bones of the shoulder joint together. The rotator cuff muscles are used to move the arm up and down. The injury to the rotator cuff causes decreased the range of motions.
Fractures
The breaking of the bone is the fracture. The most common reasons of shoulder fracture include a fall or direct blow to the shoulder.
Arthritis
The most common type of arthritis affecting shoulder is osteoarthritis. Progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint is the leading cause of the shoulder arthritis.
A patient needs to take shoulder pain seriously. In the case of a shoulder injury, you need to get in touch with a doctor immediately. Most immediate pain relief treatments recommended include rest, compression, ice, and elevation. In the case of severe pain, the doctor may also recommend anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce swelling and suffering.
Sometimes, the doctor may also advise the certain types of exercises for strengthening shoulder muscles and helping the patient regain shoulder movement.