Published: September 26, 2018

Shoulder Pain

Early diagnosis and treatment prevents further damage

Your shoulder is the most flexible joint in your body. That is why instability and shoulder injuries are so common. Depending on the nature of your shoulder pain, non-surgical treatment options are often recommended. However, in some instances, delaying the surgical repair of a shoulder can increase the likelihood that the problem will be more difficult to treat later. Early diagnosis and treatment of shoulder problems is extremely important.

Common Shoulder Problems

Bursitis

The bursa becomes inflamed and swells with fluid which commonly occurs from overusing your shoulder.

Tendinitis

The rotator cuff tendons become irritated or damaged from overusing your shoulder.

Impingement

The shoulder bone rubs (impinges on) the tendon or bursa causing irritation and pain and can result in bursitis or tendinitis.

Rotator Cuff Tear

This is often the result of impingement and causes swelling and tenderness in the front of the shoulder. Pain is present with activity and at rest and sometimes radiates from the front of the shoulder to the side of the arm.

Instability

This occurs when the head of the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket. Pain and unsteadiness is felt.

Arthritis

The most common type of shoulder arthritis is osteoarthritis, also known as “wear and tear” arthritis. Swelling, pain, and stiffness usually begin during middle age.

Fracture

A fracture is a broken bone that accompanies severe pain, swelling, and bruising.

Tendon Tear

Splitting and tearing of tendons result from acute injury or degenerative changes from aging. In this case, the tendon is pulled away from its attachment to the bone.