Your shoulder facilitates a wide range of movements, making it vulnerable to injuries such as rotator cuff tears. You may also develop shoulder pain due to medical conditions like osteoarthritis. If you are looking for long-term relief from shoulder pain Leawood, the Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance team has your back.
An overview of shoulder pain
Your shoulder facilitates several movements, making it susceptible to injuries. When something interferes with your shoulder stability, it hinders your ability to move your arm freely and can result in excruciating pain and discomfort. Your shoulder consists of three bones: the scapula, the clavicle, and the humerus, and they are surrounded by a protective layer known as cartilage. You can get shoulder injuries due to repetitive movements, manual labor, or playing contact sports. Certain medical conditions can also trigger shoulder pain. As you age, soft tissues around your shoulder degenerate, increasing your risk of shoulder injuries. In most cases, shoulder pain responds to over-the-counter medications and home remedies. But if your symptoms deteriorate over time, you may need physical therapy, medicines, and in severe cases, surgery.
Factors contributing to shoulder pain
Several factors can result in shoulder pain, and they include:
- Fracture
You can crack or break a bone after a hard fall, hitting at work, or playing sports. The shoulder bones more likely to break are the humerus and the clavicle. You will experience excruciating pain, and the area may develop a bruise. A broken collarbone may cause your shoulder to sag, making it difficult to lift your arm.
- Rotator cuff tear
The rotator cuff consists of several tendons and muscles responsible for holding your arm in place and allowing you to lift your arm. Overuse or a hard fall can cause it to tear. It is also susceptible to wear and tear during the aging process. A rotator cuff tear may result in pain when lifting things or at night, and you may hear a crackling sound when moving it.
- Cartilage tear
Cartilage is the cushioning that protects your shoulder bones from rubbing against each other during movement. Repetitive motions can result in cartilage tears which can result in excruciating pain and weakness when you lift your arm above your head. A cartilage tear may also feel like your shoulder is grinding, locking, or catching.
- Separation
This injury occurs in the acromioclavicular (the joint connecting your shoulder and collarbone). A hard bow or fall can tear the ligaments holding it in place, and you may notice a bump on your shoulder if your collarbone is dislocated.
- Frozen shoulder
This injury limits movement in your shoulder. Adhesions (abnormal bands of tissue) accumulate in your shoulder joint, hindering motion. You may develop a frozen shoulder because surgery or pain makes you use it less, allowing the accumulation of adhesions.
Medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, heart attack, and tendinitis may contribute to shoulder pain. If you experience chest pain that spreads to your shoulder and arm, visit the nearest emergency room, and you may have a heart attack.
Call Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance office or book your spot online for diagnosis and treatment of shoulder pain.
