Shoulder injuries can happen to anyone, not just athletes. Everyday activities throughout the year – from shoveling snow and hanging curtains, to playing catch with your children or using a hammer – can result in a hurt shoulder. Understanding different kinds of shoulder injuries and knowing their symptoms can help you prevent serious shoulder trouble.
How your shoulder works
Your shoulder is made up of three bones: the collarbone (clavicle), shoulder blade (scapula) and upper arm bone (humerus). Although your shoulder is the most movable joint in your body, it can be susceptible to injury, as the ball of the upper arm bone is larger than the shoulder socket that holds it.
Some of the more common shoulder injuries and conditions include:
- Tendinitis, in which the tendons in the shoulder become inflamed
- Sprained ligaments
- Torn rotator cuff, usually where the tendon attaches to the bone
- Dislocation of the top of the humerus from the shoulder socket
- Fracture of the humerus, shoulder blade, or collarbone
- Frozen shoulder, where smooth tissues of the shoulder capsule become thick, stiff, and inflamed
- Separation of the ball and socket of the shoulder joint
“Treating a shoulder injury right away is important to preventing long-term shoulder problems, such as arthritis,” said Dr. Matthew Kippe, an orthopedic surgeon.
“Many shoulder injuries are caused by the breakdown of soft tissues,” explained Kippe. “Activity that requires use of the shoulder overhead and repetitive lifting can cause the tissue to break down faster as people get older. This explains why people who perform manual labor regularly, such as construction workers, or athletes of all ages can have an increased risk of shoulder injuries.”
Recognizing injuries
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, some of the symptoms that may indicate a shoulder injury include:
- Pain and tenderness in your shoulder, especially when reaching overhead, reaching behind your back, lifting, pulling, or sleeping on the shoulder
- Loss of range of motion
- Shoulder weakness
- Bruising or swelling
Certain injuries, such as dislocation, can result in complete immobility of the shoulder.
Surgical and non-surgical care for shoulder problems
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see an orthopedic specialist right away to prevent further or longer-lasting problems. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and take X-rays to determine the proper treatment for your injury.
Some injuries, such as a severe rotator cuff tear or some cases of frozen shoulder may require surgery plus physical therapy.
If surgery is not required, though, many shoulder problems can be treated successfully with physical therapy techniques alone.
If you think you have a shoulder injury
If you suspect you may have hurt your shoulder, ask yourself these questions:
- Is your shoulder stiff? Are you unable to rotate your arm in all the normal positions?
- Does it feel like your shoulder could pop out or slide out of the socket?
- Do you lack the strength in your shoulder to carry out your daily tasks?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may have a shoulder injury. Contact your doctor to discuss what you’re feeling and to determine the cause and recommended treatment for your injury.
To find a doctor or schedule an appointment visit Steward DoctorFinder™ or call 1-800-488-5959.
To find a doctor or schedule an appointment, visit Steward DoctorFinder™.
