Shoulder pain may occur due to various causes. A person might injure it in an accident of a fall, or they could have overdone a task such as painting.
At times, shoulder pain arises from a condition such as arthritis. It can even result from issues in other areas of the body, which is known as referred pain.
The patient can treat some shoulder injuries at home for a few days with ice and rest. They can bandage it to hold it in place if required, and raise it above the heart. However, certain injuries necessitate professional help.
Some signs that the patient needs to consult a doctor immediately are as follows:
- The shoulder joint appears deformed.
- The patient cannot use their shoulder at all.
- They experience intense pain.
- There is sudden shoulder inflammation.
- The hand or arm is numb or weak.
Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, provides treatments for the knee and shoulder to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.
Common Shoulder Injuries
Dislocation
In case the shoulder is pulled back too hard or rotated too far, the top of the arm might pop out of its socket. They will experience weakness and pain in the shoulder. They may also have inflammation, bruising, and numbness.
Separation
This injury impacts the joint where the shoulder blade and collar bone attach. It is known as the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. A hard blow or fall tears the ligaments holding it together. In case the collarbone gets pushed out of place, the patient will have a bump on top of their shoulder.
Fracture
A fall or hard hit can cause a bone to crack or break. The most commonly occurring breaks are to the collarbone (clavicle) and the arm bone closest to the shoulder (humerus). The patient will experience significant pain, and it may bruise. In case the collarbone is broken, the shoulder can sag, and the patient may not be able to lift their arm.
Cartilage Tear
The cartilage (rubbery padding) that surrounds the rim of the shoulder joint can sustain an injury. It can occur after performing the same motion repeatedly. The patient may also hurt it in a fall, or anytime that the shoulder absorbs significant force.
Rotator Cuff Tear
The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder that hold the arm in place and enables a person to lift their arm overhead. They can damage it in a fall or due to overuse.
What are the Treatments?
For the treatment of separations, dislocations, and fractures, the doctor can help get the shoulder back in the correct position and the use a sling to hold it in place while it heals.
For many other problems, the doctor may recommend rest, ice or heat and a drug such as aspirin or ibuprofen to mitigate the inflammation and pain.
If the shoulder does not improve after these initial steps, the doctor may try injecting a corticosteroid (an anti-inflammatory drug) right into the joint to relieve pain and inflammation.
At times, rotator cuff tears, cartilage tears, and frozen shoulder do not improve with rest and drugs. The doctor may recommend surgery. The treatment plan for any shoulder problem will include exercises to help stretch and strengthen the joint and to enhance the range of motion.
Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV for orthopedic surgery and other procedures.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board-certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. Contact the office today click here.
Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada.