Shoulder pain is a very common predicament. Because the shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint with a wide range of motion, it is easily susceptible to injury. Pain does not always mean you have a shoulder problem, and most cases resolve on their own. However, some instances may require medical intervention, like surgery.
Here are shoulder conditions that may require surgery:
Rotator Cuff Tears
Your rotator cuff has tendons and muscles that stabilize and surround the shoulder joint. A tear in it can range from a small rip to a complete rupture. When you sustain this type of injury, you may:
- Feel pain when reaching overhead or behind your back
- Have weakness in your shoulder
- Hear a popping or grinding noise when you move your shoulder
- Experience a loss of range of motion in your shoulder
Rotator cuff injuries often result from repetitive motions or overuse. They can also occur due to a sudden injury, like falling on an outstretched arm.
Most rotator cuff tears can heal with nonsurgical methods like rest, ice, and physical therapy. However, if the rip is large or does not heal with conservative treatment, you may need surgery to repair the damage.
Shoulder Instability
Shoulder instability happens when the upper arm bone is not stable in the joint socket. That can be due to a:
- Dislocation – when the shoulder joint’s bone pops out of its socket
- Subluxation – when the shoulder joint’s bone partially pops out of its socket
Shoulder instability can also result from tears in shoulder ligaments, the tissues that connect bones.
You may need surgery to repair ligaments or tighten the joint capsule if your condition is severe. This can help stabilize the shoulder and prevent further dislocations or subluxations.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is arthritis that occurs when the cartilage between joints breaks down due to wear and tear. It can cause the bones to rub against each other, resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Shoulder osteoarthritis often develops over time due to the wear and tear of the joints. However, it can also occur due to an injury. Most The majority, but not all patients who have osteoarthritis are:
- Over the age of 50
- Female
- Have a family history of osteoarthritis
- Obese
Your provider may recommend surgery to repair or replace the severely damaged joint. This can help relieve pain and restore function.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is inflammatory arthritis that can affect multiple joints in the body. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues around joints. It can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Rheumatoid arthritis often requires lifelong treatment. Your provider may recommend surgery to repair or replace damaged joints to help relieve pain and restore function.
When To See A Doctor For Shoulder Pain
You should seek medical help if your shoulder pain:
- Comes with a fever
- Is severe
- Does not improve with rest or over-the-counter medications
- Limits your range of motion severely
- Comes with weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arm or hand
If you have a shoulder condition that may require surgery, your provider will discuss your treatment options with you. They will help you decide if surgery is the best option for you, and if so, which specific procedure is best for your condition and situation.
Shoulder Pain Treatment In Johnson County, KS
Most cases of shoulder pain can resolve with nonsurgical methods like rest, ice, and physical therapy. However, surgery may be necessary for some shoulder conditions, like rotator cuff tears, instability, and arthritis. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, contact your provider to discuss your treatment options.
Do you need treatment for shoulder pain in Kansas City? Look no further than Midwest Orthopaedics. Our board-certified and highly experienced providers are excited to give you the best care. You may call our friendly staff at (913) 362-8317 to learn about our services for shoulder pain in Kansas City. You may also use our convenient appointment request form to book a consultation with the best orthopedic surgeon near you.
We look forward to serving you!
