Shoulders Disorders

Warning Signs of Shoulder Injury

If you are suffering from shoulder pain, ask yourself the following questions:

If you replied "yes" to any of these questions, you should see an orthopedic surgeon to determine the severity of the problem.

Common shoulder ailments includes:

• Dislocation. If you pull your shoulder back too forcefully or rotate it too far, the top of your arm may pop out of its socket. Your shoulder will be painful and feeble. You may also have edema, numbness, or bruising.
• Separation. This injury affects the joint where your collarbone and shoulder blade meet. It's known as the acromioclavicular (AC) joint.

A fall or violent impact destroys the ligaments that keep it together. If your collarbone is forced out of position, you will develop a hump on the top of your shoulder

• Fracture. If you fall or take a heavy hit, your bone may break or crack. The clavicle (collarbone) and humerus (arm bone closest to the shoulder) are the most commonly broken bones. You will feel a lot of discomfort and may bruise. If your collarbone is shattered, your shoulder will drop and you may be unable to lift your arm.
• A cartilage tear. You can harm the cartilage (the stretchy padding that surrounds the rim of your shoulder joint). It can happen after doing the same motion repeatedly.

It can also be injured during a fall or when your shoulder is subjected to a great deal of strain. With this sort of injury, you may have pain when reaching over your head, and your shoulder may appear weak. It may also feel like it is catching, locking, or grinding.

• Rotator cuff tears. The rotator cuff is a bundle of muscles and tendons in your shoulder that holds your arm in place and allows you to lift it overhead. Overuse or a tumble can both cause damage. It also shows signs of wear and tear as you get older. Your shoulder may pain at night and when you attempt to lift anything. You may hear a crackling sound when you move it.
• Frozen shoulder. This condition limits how much your joint can move. Abnormal bands of tissue (adhesions) accumulate in the joint, preventing your shoulder from moving freely. Your shoulder may "freeze" because discomfort or surgery has made you utilize it less, allowing adhesions to form.
• Impingement. This occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become constricted in the bones of the shoulder. It may cause swelling and pain. This can be triggered by repeatedly lifting your arms over your head.
• Bursitis. If you repeatedly perform the same actions, the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions your joint) might become enlarged and irritable. However, it can also result from a fall or other injury.

Diagnosis of Shoulder discomfort –

Your doctor may conduct tests to determine the cause of your discomfort and other issues.

• X-Rays. X-rays will reveal any injuries to the bones that form your shoulder joint.
• Ultrasound and MRI scans. These imaging procedures produce higher-quality images than X-rays of soft tissues. An MRI can help your doctor discover damage to the ligaments and tendons that surround your shoulder joint.
• A computed tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan uses X-rays and computer technologies to create a highly detailed image of the bones in the shoulder area.
• Electrodiagnostic tests. Your doctor may arrange an electromyography (EMG) to assess nerve function.
• Arthrograms. In this X-ray scan, dye is injected into the shoulder to improve the visibility of the joint and its surrounding muscles and tendons. It may be used in conjunction with an MRI or CT scan.
• Arthroscopy. During this surgery, your doctor uses a fiber-optic camera to view the joint. Arthroscopy may reveal soft tissue injuries that were not seen during a physical examination, X-rays, or other diagnostics. In addition to determining the source of discomfort, arthroscopy may be utilized to treat it.

Treatment

Activity Changes

• Treatment typically entails resting and changing activities.
• Physical therapy can enhance shoulder strength and flexibility.
• Common sense remedies, such as avoiding activities in which you would not typically participate, can assist in reducing shoulder pain.

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe medicine to alleviate inflammation and pain. To treat discomfort, take the medication exactly as suggested. To ease discomfort, your doctor may offer numbing or steroid injections.

Surgery

Certain shoulder issues may necessitate surgery. However, most people with shoulder discomfort will benefit from easy treatment options such as activity modification, rest, physical therapy, and medication.

Certain shoulder conditions, such as repeated dislocations and rotator cuff injuries, may not benefit from exercising. In certain circumstances, surgery may be considered rather early.

Surgery can include arthroscopy to remove scar tissue or repair injured tissues, as well as typical open surgeries for major reconstructions or shoulder replacements.

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