The shoulder’s ball-and-socket joint allows it to be more flexible than any other body part. Its extensive range of motion enables you to turn it in many directions, accomplishing daily tasks with ease.
However, greater flexibility can make an individual vulnerable to injuries, such as shoulder dislocation. Furthermore, the anatomy of the shoulder joint itself contributes to the shoulder’s vulnerability and integrity. The shoulder socket’s (glenoid cup) shallow cup makes it easier for the head of the upper arm (humerus) to get loose or displaced.
Once a shoulder gets dislocated, it will become more prone to repeat episodes since the joint and its ligament system are now compromised. This repeated dislocation, whether partial or complete, is known as chronic shoulder instability.
Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options of shoulder instability from the best sports medicine doctors in Miami一South Florida International Orthopedics.
What causes chronic shoulder instability?
Shoulder instability refers to a condition wherein the surrounding muscles in the shoulder joints fail to keep the arm in the shoulder socket. This causes the top of the shoulders to get loose and slip out repeatedly. Some of this condition’s most common causes include:
Traumatic injuries that lead to shoulder dislocation
A traumatic injury refers to conditions that cause physical injury due to a powerful impact or direct blow to the shoulders. This can then result in a partial or complete dislocation of the shoulder.
During a dislocation, the cartilage (labrum) around the shoulder’s socket may sustain some tears and damage, an injury called Bankart lesion. This can lead to a continuing episode of dislocation that often results in an unstable shoulder joint.
Studies suggest that most shoulder instabilities caused by traumatic injuries happen in the anterior direction. It also commonly occurs in sports-related accidents.
Repetitive strain
Repeatedly using the shoulder joint, specifically in an overhead motion, causes the ligaments and supporting muscles in the joint to become loose. This increases the chance of the upper head of the humerus to slip out of place, thus causing shoulder instability.
Overusing the shoulder joint commonly occurs in the workplace when employees use it to perform the same tasks over and over again. Athletes may also weaken their shoulder ligaments since they usually practice and play their sport daily.
Additionally, improper posture and use of weights when working out can also make you vulnerable to shoulder strain and, eventually, instability.
Shoulder joint hyperlaxity
Sometimes, people can develop shoulder instability even without a repeated history of shoulder dislocation. This is called hyperlaxity.
Joint hyperlaxity or hypermobility refers to a condition wherein an individual is born with a looser set of shoulder ligaments than normal. An inherently unstable joint can make you vulnerable to many shoulder injuries, including dislocation and multidirectional instability.
With hyperlaxity, your shoulder joints are also weaker even without overusing them; thus, simple tasks that require overhead motion can instantly cause dislocation to your shoulder joint.
What are the symptoms of shoulder instability?
Some of the most common telltale signs of chronic shoulder instability include the following:
- Repeated episodes of shoulder dislocation
- Pain in the shoulder area
- A clicking sound when moving the shoulders.
- A feeling of looseness or a sense of giving out in the affected shoulder joint.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of shoulder instability involves discussing your symptoms and medical history. Your orthopedic specialist will also perform a physical examination to test the looseness and limitations of your shoulder joints.
Furthermore, your doctor can order a series of imaging tests to confirm their diagnosis and identify other damages in the surrounding bones and muscles.
How can I manage chronic shoulder instability?
There are two kinds of treatment options used to manage chronic shoulder instability: non-surgical and surgical techniques.
Non-surgical treatment
Doctors often treat shoulder instability using conservative methods first. All non-surgical treatment options focus on relieving pain, discomfort, and instability.
- Activity restrictions – this involves removing or changing some activities in your lifestyle that can worsen your symptoms and shoulder instability. Some examples include swimming, tennis, and tasks that require overhead motion.
- Physical therapy – specific shoulder exercises can help strengthen shoulder muscles and improve shoulder control.
- NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – doctors can prescribe these medications to help alleviate pain and swelling in the unstable shoulder joint.
- Proper rest
These conservative treatment techniques have been proven to manage chronic shoulder instability effectively. However, it usually takes six months or more before the patient can identify if the treatment plan is working.
Surgical treatment
Sometimes, non-surgical methods do not work anymore due to the severity of the condition. When this happens, doctors usually resort to surgical treatments instead. The procedure involves surgically repairing the damaged ligament to hold the shoulder joint in place.
An orthopedic surgeon may perform this arthroscopically or using the traditional open surgery method. It will depend on the nature and severity of your condition.
After surgery, you are expected to undergo physical rehabilitation to improve your healing process and prevent further injury.
Top Shoulder Specialists in Miami: Expert Care for Lasting Relief
Looking for the best shoulder specialist in Miami? South Florida International Orthopedics Has You Covered.
Treatment of chronic shoulder instability starts with a prompt and proper diagnosis from one of our orthopedic surgeons in South Florida.
South Florida International Orthopedics provides the most excellent orthopedic care and treatment services in the Miami area. Our board-certified physicians specialize in treating different kinds of musculoskeletal shoulder injuries, such as:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Labrum tears
- Bursitis shoulder
- Shoulder dislocation
- Sports injuries
Get in touch with the best Miami sports medicine specialists by contacting us at (305) 233-0011 at our Miami office.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
