Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is made up of several joints, tendons, and muscles that allow a wide range of motion. However, mobility has its price and sometimes, whether due to repetition, a bad move or genetics, you can suffer from instability, or impingement which can result in pain. At Ashford Orthopedic Specialists, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist William Ashford, MD, diagnoses and treats common causes of shoulder pain, including rotator cuff tears and dislocations.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Anybody can suffer from shoulder pain. Whether you are an athlete, a weekend warrior, or have a physically demanding job, you are vulnerable to injuries and degenerative issues in your shoulder joint.
Shoulder pain can be acute or chronic. Acute pain refers to that provoked by sudden injuries. On the other hand, chronic pain develops over a period of time and might be the consequence of other factors. Most shoulder pain consultations are the result of the following four categories:
- Tendon inflammation or tear
- Instability
- Arthritis
- Fracture (broken bones)
Within these, the most common issues are:
- Bursitis (inflammation of the bursa)
- Rotator cuff tendon tears
- Cartilage tears
- Shoulder dislocation
- Pinched nerves
- Bone spurs
From the time you arrive at Ashford Orthopedic Specialists, Dr. Ashford will answer your questions and address your needs relating to your diagnosis and treatment. He will provide you with an accurate diagnosis and an individualized care plan.
Understanding the Shoulder Joint
The anatomy of the shoulder joint consists of a “ball and a socket,” where the ball is the head of the humerus bone and it is held by ligaments and the rotator cuff tendons. Your shoulders can rotate through a greater range than any other joint in your body.
The clavicle attaches your shoulder to the rib cage and holds it away from your body. The head of the humerus rests against the socket created. As shown in the figure. A smooth substance (cartilage) covers the surfaces of the bones where they connect, which enables them to glide and move easily.
A membrane also covers all the remaining surfaces and makes a small amount of fluid that lubricates the cartilage.
The rotator cuff is made up of a group of muscles whose function is to keep the joint together. When the tendons in the rotator cuff tear, patients experience great pain and loss of function.
“Dr Ashford has been great to work with throughout my procedure. My experience has been better than I expected. I am very pleased with Ashford Orthopedics and have and will recommend Dr Ashford for any orthopedic needs.” —Charles R.
Finding the Right Diagnosis
During your consultation with Dr. Ashford at Ashford Orthopedic Specialists, he will analyze your medical records and perform a thorough medical examination. You should be candid about any pain, stiffness, tingling, or numbness you might be feeling. In order to evaluate your shoulder mobility, he may ask you to carry out particular movements.
Following the physical examination, Dr. Ashford might suggest running diagnostic tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or X-ray imaging.
In some cases, a minimally invasive procedure called shoulder arthroscopy might also be able to provide a definitive diagnosis for your shoulder pain. A shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure performed on the shoulder using an arthroscope, an endoscope which is inserted through a small incision. Thanks to the endoscope, doctors can view the shoulder joint from the inside and therefore diagnose a wide range of issues.
Shoulder Pain Treatment Options
When patients see professionals for their shoulder pain, their concerns might go unheard and the pain only worsens. At Ashford Orthopedic Specialists, Dr. Ashford offers comprehensive care that includes surgical and non-surgical treatments to relieve your shoulder pain, improve your shoulder mobility, and make necessary repairs.
Your individualized shoulder pain treatment plan might involve:
Home Care
At-home care for your shoulder pain as indicated by Dr. Ashford cannot be underestimated. He might recommend applying ice to your shoulder, resting, taking over-the-counter medications or doing some light exercises.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Non-surgical treatments for shoulder pain include physical therapy, occupational therapy, trigger point injections, corticosteroid injections and arthroscopy.
Surgery
In some cases, the damage is such that surgery is the only option. However, Dr. Ashford often takes a minimally invasive approach and performs shoulder arthroscopy. When the damage can’t be repaired with this technique, the last resort is to have traditional shoulder surgery, known as arthroplasty.
Only after careful assessment will you know which approach is best for your injury and shoulder pain.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain or have suffered an injury to your shoulder, call Ashford Orthopedic Specialists or book a personalized appointment online today.