Whether you’re a teen, adult, or senior, you are likely to suffer from shoulder pain at some point in your life. One way or another, you are bound to experience some kind of shoulder problem一from mild muscle strain or numbness to debilitating conditions and injuries.
In fact, studies even suggest that shoulder pain is one of the most common sources of regional pain and affects almost 70% of the population.
Although a common phenomenon, shoulder pain should not be taken lightly, especially if it is a recurring pain that occurs with other symptoms. If left unaddressed, it can cause serious consequences that can negatively affect your day-to-day activities and quality of life.
But how can you know if your pain is already a warning sign of a much more serious shoulder condition? Read below to learn about the most common signs and symptoms of a budding shoulder illness.
What are the telltale signs of a shoulder injury?
The shoulder is one of the most flexible parts of the body. It is made up of complex structures that allow it to function at its maximum capacity without any problem. A mild ache here and there may be normal, but if the pain persists and worsens, then it might be time to seek a shoulder specialist in Miami.
Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of a developing shoulder illness.
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Persistent pain
Shoulder pain is one of the first symptoms to appear alongside all kinds of shoulder conditions. It may vary in severity (mild to severe) but it’s always the first indicator that something is wrong with the shoulder.
Shoulder aches usually come with numbness, weakness, and stiffness. Some may be caused by poor posture or muscle strain, while persisting discomfort may signify one of the following:
- An overstretched or torn muscle, tendon, or ligament (e.g., rotator cuff tear)
- Wear and tear in the joint due to overuse (arthritis) or direct trauma (sports injury).
- Dislocated shoulder joint
- Broken bones in the shoulder area
- Bone spurs
- Loose bodies or fragments inside the joint
- Pinched nerve or nerve injury
- Inflamed bursa, tendon, and other shoulder structures.
Most mild pain may be relieved with over-the-counter drugs, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You may also ice the painful shoulders and rest them for a while until the ache goes away.
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Inflammation or swelling
Inflammation occurs in the shoulder area when you suffer from an injury or condition that causes tissue damage. Generally, the body triggers inflammation as its way to try and repair the damage and protect it from further injuries.
An inflammation triggers the release of certain chemicals that stimulates the permeability of blood vessels. This allows fluid to leak into the injured area, permitting white blood cells and platelets to fix the tissue damage. But because of this, fluid builds up in the injured area, causing swelling or edema.
An inflamed shoulder usually signifies that you have an injury, so it’s best to seek an orthopedic doctor when this happens.
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Abnormal appearance
Another warning sign that should warrant a visit to a shoulder specialist is when you observe physical deformity in the shoulders. Some examples include noticeable bumps, bulges, or protrusions in the area.
Typically, an abnormal shoulder appearance may present itself with pain, redness, and movement difficulties. But even if it does not exhibit these other symptoms, you should still have it checked out, as it can also indicate benign or malignant tumors.
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Decreased shoulder mobility
A patient with a painful and swelling shoulder will also typically experience a restricted range of motion. You can’t function well if you are enduring shoulder aches, right? But even if there’s no pain or inflammation, you should never ignore decreasing shoulder mobility as this might signify a much more serious condition, such as:
- Rotator cuff injury, tendonitis, and bursitis
- Adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder
- Shoulder impingement
- Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Thyroid condition
- Diabetes
How to diagnose and treat a shoulder condition?
When you come in to have your shoulders checked, your doctor will usually perform a physical examination to check for visible injuries and palpable bumps and to determine your range of motion. Additionally, they will also conduct a medical history review and learn about your day-to-day activities and activity level.
If your doctor observes something suspicious that might be a warning sign of a shoulder condition, they will order a few tests to confirm this. This includes:
- Xray
- MRI scan
- CT scan
- Arthroscopy
Treatments for shoulder problems may differ depending on their cause and severity. Emergency conditions, such as dislocation, joint separation, and fracture, must receive immediate medical assistance. For other types of injuries and diseases, your doctor has two kinds of options.
Non-surgical treatment
Mild shoulder symptoms may be managed and treated using conservative methods first, such as OTC medications and prescription drugs. This may include ibuprofen, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, pain relievers, and steroidal injections. Your doctor may also recommend heat therapy, cold compress, rest, and activity modification.
Moreover, a few sessions of physical therapy or rehabilitative exercises can help remove muscle tension, stiffness, and numbness. Plus, it can aid in strengthening the shoulder muscles to prevent further injury.
Surgical treatment
If the pain and other symptoms do not get better with rest and medications, then your next option would be surgical treatment. Typically, this is the next course of treatment for: 1. symptoms that persist longer than six to twelve months, 2. Large muscle, tendon, and ligament tears, and 3. Significant loss of function in the shoulder.
The most common surgical techniques used by orthopedic surgeons include:
- Shoulder arthroscopy – an arthroscopic repair involves creating 2 to 3 small incisions, which will serve as the entryway of a small camera called an arthroscope. This device will feed real-time images and video on a monitor, allowing your surgeon to view and repair the damage inside. Most arthroscopic surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis and only last for at least 30 minutes to two hours.
Some of the benefits of this innovative technique include quicker recovery time, less scarring, and little to no complications.
- Open surgery – for severe and complex conditions, your doctor will need to perform a traditional open surgery for better access and to perform the procedure accurately.
Where to find the best South FL orthopedics?
South Florida International Orthopaedics is one of the leading facilities in Miami for sports medicine and orthopedic care. Our board-certified specialists provide high quality treatments and services to help patients improve their quality of life.
Some of the most common shoulder-related conditions that we treat in SFIO include:
Contact us now or request an appointment to get in touch with our specialists.
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.
