Shoulder pain, injuries and fractures are very common and affect millions of people every year. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, about 4 million U.S. citizens suffer shoulder problems yearly.
Pain in your shoulder can have many causes but in most cases it is caused by overuse from repetitive motion.
If you are experiencing shoulder problems, contact our shoulder specialist in Miami for expert care for a wide variety of shoulder injuries and conditions.
What is shoulder trauma?
Shoulder trauma occurs as a result of injury from a fall, sports injury, car accident, or any direct blow to the shoulder that fractures the shoulder blade or collarbone.
Source: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/shoulder-trauma-fractures-and-dislocations
If we are to take a closer look, the shoulder is made up of three bones: the humerus (arm bone), the clavicle (collar bone), and the scapula (shoulder blade). These bones are joined together by soft tissues that allow the shoulder and arm to function. A fracture of any of these bones can cause extreme pain and greatly impair your mobility to move your arm.
Common shoulder injuries
The shoulder is a complex joint and is the most movable joint in the body. Because of flexibility, the shoulder is not very stable and can easily be injured. Common problems include:
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Dislocation:
Shoulder dislocation occurs when the bones on opposite sides of a joint do not line up. It happens when your shoulder is pulled back too hard and the top of your arm pops out of its socket. Some of the symptoms include pain, weakness in the shoulder, swelling, numbness, and bruising.
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Fracture:
Broken bones can happen if you fall or take a hard hit. Fractures commonly involve the clavicle (collar bone), proximal humerus (top of the upper bone), and scapula (shoulder blade) and are being described as displaced or non-displaced.
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Frozen shoulder:
Frozen shoulder is a painful condition that commonly occurs in people between ages of 40 and 60, and occurs in women more often than men. The main symptoms of a frozen shoulder are pain and stiffness that make it difficult or limited to move.
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Cartilage tear:
Tears of the ligaments, tendons, muscles, and join capsule of the shoulder can happen by doing an activity that can cause the bones in your shoulder to move out of place. Some of the symptoms may include pain, weakness of the arm and shoulder, and difficulty when you make overhead movements.
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Bursitis:
Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa in the shoulder, causing pain and discomfort in the affected area. A burst shoulder is usually caused by repeated pressure on the area or by using a joint too much.
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Torn rotator cuffs:
Rotator cuff tears are most common in people over age 40, and for athletes competing in overhead sports such as basketball, tennis, golf, baseball, and swimming. Rotator cuff injuries happen by injuring your shoulder or by wearing down your tendons over time. Our Miami Sports Medicine doctors are familiar with treating these kinds of shoulder injuries for athletes.
The majority of these injuries can be treated without surgery. However, it is important to note that some injuries are better treated with surgery especially those that are high risk.
How is shoulder trauma treated?
Now that you have an idea what’s causing your shoulder pain, it’s important to know what you should do next. Licensed orthopedic professionals can help guide you through early interventions to address your shoulder problems.
Treatment for shoulder injuries typically involves resting, taking medicines, and trying physical therapy or occupational therapy.
However, for more severe injuries like a rotator cuff tear, a frozen shoulder, or fractures, our orthopedic surgeons in Miami FL offer complete diagnosis and treatment for shoulder trauma.
How long does a shoulder injury take to heal?
The healing time depends on the severity of the shoulder injury. For mild cases like shoulder strains or sprains, typically it begins to heal within one to two weeks. Unfortunately, not all sprains are mild. For moderate shoulder injuries, it usually takes four to six weeks. In other severe cases, the recovery period may take 4 to 6 months or even longer.
How to prevent shoulder injuries?
There are plenty of ways you can reduce the risk of shoulder injury. Here are some expert tips for taking care of your shoulder:
- Maintain a healthy shoulder by regularly exercising
- Do some stretching before you start to exercise
- When sitting, sit in a supportive chair with a good posture
- Take posture breaks for a couple of minutes every hour
- Follow instructions for safe lifting and other safe work practices
Shoulder trauma treatment at South Florida International Orthopaedics
If you are experiencing chronic shoulder pain and having difficulty moving your shoulder, our shoulder specialists in Miami can help.
At SFIO, we specialize in providing the best orthopedic care and sports medicine. Call us now at our Miami (305) 233-0011 office. You can also request an appointment online.
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.
