IS SHOULDER PAIN LIMITING YOUR FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT?
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What Is Shoulder Surgery?
The shoulder is the most flexible joint in the human body. It allows the arm to rotate in many positions. However, the shoulder is susceptible to instability and injuries due to its flexibility.
In several cases of shoulder injuries and disorders, the doctor will recommend surgery to correct the problem.
Impact Orthopedics is the most trusted orthopedic center for diagnosing and treating all orthopedic ailments.
Shoulder Pain Causes
Shoulder pain can arise from various issues affecting your shoulder joint’s intricate network of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Here are some of the most common culprits:
- Rotator Cuff Problems: This group of tendons stabilizes the shoulder joint. Inflammation (tendinitis) or tears in these tendons due to overuse, injuries, or age-related wear-and-tear can cause significant shoulder pain and weakness.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, the “wear-and-tear” arthritis, can affect the shoulder joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, can also impact the shoulder.
- Bursitis: Bursae are fluid-filled sacs cushioning the shoulder joint. Inflammation of these bursae, often due to overuse or impingement, can trigger pain and tenderness. Subacromial bursitis commonly affects the bursa near the shoulder joint’s roof.
- Frozen Shoulder: This condition involves stiffness and pain in the shoulder capsule the connective tissue surrounding the joint. It can develop gradually, limiting movement significantly.
- Impingement Syndrome: When tendons or the bursa become pinched between the shoulder bones, it can lead to pain and weakness, often associated with overhead activities.
- Dislocations and Separations: A forceful impact or fall can dislocate the shoulder joint (bones come out of alignment) or separate the ligaments holding the collarbone to the shoulder blade, causing severe pain and instability.
- Muscle Strains and Sprains: Overexertion, lifting heavy objects, or falls can strain or sprain the muscles and ligaments around the shoulder, resulting in pain and tenderness.
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, it’s important to consider the severity and duration. Minor aches after unaccustomed activity might improve with rest, but persistent pain or pain that worsens with activity requires a doctor’s evaluation. Early diagnosis and proper treatment from a qualified orthopedic doctor can help you manage shoulder pain effectively and regain full use of your shoulder.
Symptoms Of Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can manifest in a variety of ways, depending on the underlying cause. Here are some of the most common symptoms to watch out for:
- Pain : A dull ache to a sharp, stabbing pain and the location of the pain can also offer clues about the source. For instance, pain in the front of the shoulder might suggest a biceps issue, while upper shoulder pain could indicate rotator cuff problems.
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion: Difficulty raising your arm overhead, behind your back, or reaching across your body are all signs of shoulder stiffness. This limitation in movement can significantly impact daily activities.
- Weakness: You might experience weakness in the affected arm, making it difficult to lift objects or perform tasks requiring shoulder strength.
- Catching or grinding sensation: A feeling of catching or grinding when you move your shoulder can indicate problems with the tendons or bursa rubbing against bone.
- Clicking or popping sounds: Clicking or popping noises with certain shoulder movements might occur, but they are not always a cause for concern. However, if accompanied by pain or weakness, it’s best to consult a orthopedic doctor.
- Swelling and redness: In some cases, the shoulder joint may become swollen and red, especially with injuries like bursitis or a shoulder separation.
- Pain at night: Discomfort that disrupts sleep can be a sign of certain conditions like arthritis or a frozen shoulder.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they persist for more than a few days or worsen progressively, it’s important to consult with an orthopedic doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can help prevent further complications and ensure a faster recovery.
What Are The Conditions For Which A Shoulder Surgery Would Be Required?
Impingement and Partial Rotator Cuff Tears: Impingement of shoulders is a condition where the tendons or bursa of the shoulder are impinged. In Partial rotator cuff tears the tendons are torn. These conditions cause extreme pain in the shoulder and make the movement of the arm difficult. In extreme cases, the doctor will recommend a surgery to correct these conditions.
Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: Full-thickness rotator cuff tears happen because of impingement, heavy lifting, or falls. In some cases, a surgery would be needed to correct this problem. Sometimes, the doctor might recommend an arthroscopic surgery.
Shoulder Instability: Shoulder instability is a condition where the head of the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket. This condition is a result of an injury or overuse of the shoulder ligament.
Acromioclavicular Joint Separation: Aacromioclavicular separation is a common injury in children. In cases of severe acromioclavicular joint separation, a surgical repair would be necessary.
Arthritis of the shoulder: When osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis damage the shoulder joint and surrounding tissue, and causes tearing of the rotator cuff, a surgery would be required.
What Are The Types Of Shoulder Surgeries?
There are two basic types of shoulder surgeries based on how they are performed. They are Arthroscopy and Open procedure.
ARTHROSCOPY
In Arthroscopy the orthopaedic surgeon will make a small incision at the joint and insert into it a thin device with a lens attached to it and a lighting system. The lens sends images of the joint to a TV monitor. The doctor will use these images to diagnose the condition. He will then insert some special instruments into the incision to repair the joint.
OPEN SURGERY
In complex cases where arthroscopy might not yield the desired results, an open surgery is performed. In open surgery the surgeon will make incisions of a few inches to reach and repair the affected joints.
RECOVERY
Some of the joint related surgeries require an extensive recovery and rehabilitation support. Physical therapies accelerate the recovery and rehabilitation process.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Many conditions can cause shoulder pain, such as arthritis, rotator cuff tears, overuse injuries, and swelling of the tendons and ligaments surrounding the shoulder joint. Consult with an orthopedic doctor to diagnose and get the right treatment.
If shoulder pain does not go away with rest, causes problems with daily activities, or is followed by swelling, instability, or limited range of motion, it is best to see an orthopedic doctor. Diagnosing early and identify underlying causes of shoulder pain, such as arthritis or rotator cuff injuries helps reduce discomfort and prevent further complications.
Upper left shoulder discomfort can result from a number of conditions such as muscular strain, rotator cuff injury, or inflammation of the shoulder joint. Consulting an orthopedic doctor can make sure that the root cause of the issue is accurately diagnosed and the treatment can provide effective relief and recover shoulder function.
Ice therapy, Heat therapy, rest, and a break from daily activities or sports that strain your shoulder can help relieve pain.
For permanent relief and mobility, one should consult an orthopedic doctor if the pain prevails even after trying the physical therapy and prolongs over three months.
Shoulder pain caused by stiff or tight muscles may be temporarily treated with heat treatment, which also helps to relax muscles and increase blood flow. A proper diagnosis and specific treatment options, including heat therapy and other treatments for complete pain management and improved shoulder function, can be guaranteed by consulting an orthopedic doctor.
Physiotherapy can successfully relieve shoulder discomfort by treating underlying muscle weakness, increasing flexibility, and restoring normal shoulder structure. Consult with an orthopedic doctor to ensure that your physiotherapy is customized to the specific causes of your shoulder pain, which will increase the success rate in relieving pain and improving shoulder function.
A note from Impact Orthopedic Center :
Don’t let shoulder pain limit your ability to move and enjoy life’s activities. While many cases respond well to self-care measures like rest, pain relievers, and ice therapy, persistent pain requires professional evaluation. If your shoulder pain is severe, worsens with activity, or interferes with daily functioning, seek help from an orthopedic doctor. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can significantly improve your condition and help you regain full use of your shoulder.
Our team of highly skilled and experienced doctors utilizes the latest advancements in diagnosis and treatment to create personalized plans for your recovery. At Impact, we’re dedicated to alleviating your shoulder pain and helping you achieve a pain-free life with a better quality of movement. Book your appointment today.