Our shoulders have an extensive and flexible range of motion. However, when an injury in your shoulder occurs, it can prevent you from moving freely and can result in a great deal of pain and discomfort. Injuries can develop when you perform difficult tasks, playing sports, or even due to repetitive movements. Aging can also contribute to problems in the shoulder, as the soft tissues in the joint often degenerate over time due to wear and tear.
Causes of Shoulder Pain
The causes of shoulder pain range from injuries to several conditions affecting joint health. However, the most common reason is rotator cuff tendonitis, a disorder characterized by swollen tendons in the shoulder. Other causes of shoulder pain include:
- Torn cartilage or rotator cuff
- Swollen tendons
- Bone spurs
- Broken shoulder or arm bone
- Arthritis
- Frozen shoulder
- Dislocated shoulder
- Spinal cord injury
When Should You See a Doctor?
A lot of people experience chronic shoulder pain, which means symptoms persist for more than a few weeks. If your shoulder pain is very infrequent and minor, you can get relief by using over-the-counter medications. However, if the pain persists, comes back repeatedly, or was caused as a result of an accident, you should see a doctor.
Sometimes, other symptoms accompanied by shoulder pain can also help you determine if you need to see a doctor. If you experience shoulder pain with any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention:
- Fever and skin redness or warmth in the shoulder area
- Tenderness around the joint
- If you cannot move the shoulder
- Lasting bruises, heat, and tenderness around the shoulder joint
- If you cannot carry objects
- If you cannot use or raise your arm
- Any visible deformity in the joint
- If you experience other symptoms, like abdominal pain or breathing difficulties
If your shoulder pain is caused by an orthopedic injury or condition, an orthopedic doctor can recommend a variety of treatments to bring you relief. There are a lot of different treatment options when it comes to shoulder pain. Examples include medications, steroid injections, PRP therapy, physical therapy, and more. In some cases, shoulder pain can require surgery for long term relief.
Orthopedic Care for Shoulder Pain in Kansas
If you experience shoulder pain, you don’t have to deal with it alone. An orthopedic doctor can help diagnose the cause of your shoulder pain and recommend effective treatments that can help you find relief.
If you are looking for an experienced and high-quality orthopedic physician for your orthopedic care needs, look no further than Midwest Orthopaedics. Our physicians are all board-certified and have a wealth of experience treating all types of orthopedic conditions and injuries, including ones that cause shoulder pain. We offer all types of treatments, including physical therapy and regenerative medicine, to treat your orthopedic issue effectively.
To make an appointment, please call us at (913) 362-8317 or visit our office in Merriam, Kansas. You can also schedule an appointment using our online request form. We look forward to helping you find relief!
