Causes and Symptoms of Shoulder Pain
Having shoulder pain can be a serious affliction. It can make you lose your mobility and lead to many other complications. Some of the most common causes of shoulder pain are osteoarthritis, bursitis, and rotator cuff problems. If you are suffering from any of these conditions, you need to take action immediately to avoid further damage.
Rotator cuff problems
Approximately two million Americans visit doctors every year for shoulder pain, and rotator cuff problems are among the most common causes of this type of discomfort. A number of rotator cuff problems can be treated at home, but more serious injuries may require surgery.
Rotator cuff pain is often caused by a tear in one of the tendons that support the arm. This may occur after an accident, or after a sudden movement. Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include pain, a snapping sound when moving the shoulder, and a lack of motion.
Some rotator cuff injuries do not cause any symptoms, but a tear can be diagnosed by x-ray or range of motion tests. A tear can also be determined by an MRI, which uses a computer and large magnets to create images of the internal tissues.
If the rotator cuff is torn, the pain can be severe. If the tear is minor, it may be treated with ice and rest. However, a complete tear may require open surgery.
People with rotator cuff problems should see a healthcare provider right away if they experience pain, weakness, or a loss of mobility. If the pain does not improve, a doctor may prescribe steroid injections to ease the pain. A sling can be placed over the shoulder to allow the injury to heal.
Rotator cuff problems may also cause pain in the wrist or in the fingers. These rotator cuff tears can be caused by overuse or by an accident, but they can also be caused by a degenerative tear.
Treatment for rotator cuff tears can be both surgical and nonsurgical. If the tendon has been torn, the surgeon will repair the tear, and you will then need to follow a physical therapy program to strengthen the muscles.
Subacromial bursitis
Usually caused by repetitive overhead activities, shoulder bursitis can cause severe pain in the shoulder. However, there are a number of treatment options to help alleviate the pain.
Using corticosteroids can be an effective way to reduce inflammation. Patients can also use cold therapy, which can help reduce pain and swelling. Taking ibuprofen can also provide relief.
If the pain continues or becomes worse, a physiotherapist may recommend physical therapy. In addition to reducing the pain, these exercises can increase range of motion.
If these treatments do not offer adequate relief, your therapist may consider surgery. Surgeons can remove the bursa to create space for the tendon. They can also repair tendons or muscles damaged during the surgery.
For the most part, subacromial bursitis is self-limiting. But if it remains untreated, it can cause long-term pain. The best way to treat this condition is to determine the source of the pain.
Your doctor will evaluate your medical history and perform diagnostic screenings to rule out other shoulder conditions. The doctor will then prescribe a treatment plan. This treatment plan may include activity modifications, anti-inflammatory drugs, icing, and physiotherapy.
The first step in the Subacromial bursitis rehabilitation program is to reduce pain. If your symptoms do not respond to these treatments, you may need steroid injections. These shots can be effective in reducing inflammation and enabling you to work towards a complete recovery.
Surgeons can also remove the bursa if it has become severely inflamed. These surgeries are done through an arthroscopic procedure. The surgeon will make a small incision in the skin and view the tendons from an outside perspective.
Shoulder bursitis can be treated with a variety of methods, including over-the-counter painkillers, physical therapy, and ice. Patients should avoid activities that worsen their symptoms, such as throwing or overhead lifting.
Osteoarthritis
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the shoulder include aching, stiffness, and limited range of movement. In advanced cases, arthroscopic debridement, total shoulder arthroplasty, or hemiarthroplasty may be required. The condition is more common in women than men.
The most common symptom of osteoarthritis of the shoulder is an intermittent deep ache. A person with this condition may also experience pain that is worse when lifting heavy objects. It can also be accompanied by grinding or grating sounds.
X-rays can help diagnose this disease. An X-ray shows how much bone is in the joint and may reveal bony growths. A CT scan is also helpful.
X-rays can be used to identify osteoarthritis and other conditions. In addition, they can rule out other causes of joint pain. They can also show the amount of cartilage in the joint.
The symptom of shoulder osteoarthritis is often associated with thinning of the synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint. The loss of cartilage also contributes to the development of bone-on-bone friction, which causes pain.
There are several types of osteoarthritis of the shoulder. Some of these include post-traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and avascular necrosis. Depending on the condition, treatment can include NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, or surgery.
If you think you have osteoarthritis, it is important to get a diagnosis as soon as possible. OA of the shoulder can limit your daily activities, and interfere with your quality of life. Early diagnosis can help prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
Your doctor will conduct a physical exam to assess the range of motion and function of your shoulder. He or she may also ask questions about your symptoms and medical history.
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica can include shoulder pain, fatigue, and stiffness. Inflammation of the synovial membrane tissue causes pain. It is most common in the shoulders, neck, and hips. It is more prevalent in women than men.
The onset of the disease may be sudden. It usually occurs in the neck or the shoulder girdle. It may not affect the wrists or knees. However, it can develop gradually over time. In some patients, the disease can last for six years or more. The pain and stiffness can make simple activities such as getting out of bed and brushing your teeth difficult.
It is important to determine whether you have other conditions that can be contributing to your pain. Your doctor may order blood tests to evaluate your C-reactive protein and other blood substances. Your doctor may also order an ultrasound to examine your shoulder joints. The test will help you differentiate polymyalgia rheumatica from other conditions.
During the examination, your doctor should assess your temperature, pulse, strength, and flexibility of your joints. They should also look for signs of joint inflammation. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to strengthen your muscles and improve your range of motion. Depending on your doctor’s instructions, you may need to take pain-relieving medications to ease the pain.
Because of the long-term effects of corticosteroids, it is best to see your doctor regularly. You may be able to reduce your risk of side effects by taking calcium and vitamin D supplements. In addition, you should try to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
In addition to the symptoms mentioned, you may also have trouble brushing your teeth, grooming your hair, or performing simple tasks. Eventually, the symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica will go away.
Labral tear
Symptoms of a labral tear include swelling and pain in the shoulder. The tear is also likely to cause instability in the shoulder. A doctor may order an arthroscopic examination to help determine the severity of the injury.
Typical treatment for a labral tear includes resting the area and anti-inflammatory medication. If the pain persists, a cortisone injection into the shoulder joint may be necessary.
A physical therapist can help with the recovery process. They can teach you how to move your arm safely and avoid excessive stress. They can also develop a treatment plan to return you to your normal activities.
In addition to rest and medication, stretching exercises can be helpful in improving the range of motion. They can also help increase the strength of your shoulder. This can help prevent future tears of the labrum.
X-rays and MRI scans are useful tools for detecting shoulder problems. Although these images do not show the labrum, they can reveal other injuries.
An arthroscopic examination involves making a small cut in the skin and inserting a tiny camera called an arthroscope through the hole. The surgeon can then look at the torn labrum on a television screen. This is one of the better-known ways to diagnose a labral tear.
A CAT scan uses computer-enhanced X-rays to provide more detailed images. This is not as accurate as an MRI, but it is still a good way to find out if you have a labral tear.
There are many different types of labral tears. The most common ones involve the ball and socket joints. A tear of this type may cause difficulty in lifting objects overhead.
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