Shoulder injuries can occur due to an existing condition like arthritis or after a traumatic impact from a car accident. Whatever the cause of your pain, you get suitable treatment. You can seek treatment for shoulder injuries La Jolla to restore your range of movement.
Common shoulder problems
The following are the most common shoulder problems:
Impingement. The outer edge of your shoulder rubs against your tendon, causing swelling and tenderness.
Rotator cuff tears. A rotator cuff tear is an injury to your shoulder muscles and tendons that help your shoulder rotate.
Arthritis. Arthritis causes the deterioration of the bones in your shoulder.
Fractures. A shoulder fracture can occur due to a direct blow to your shoulder or from an impact like a car accident.
Symptoms
When you have a shoulder problem, you can experience the following:
- Numbness and tingling sensations in your arms and hands
- Weakness
- Stiffness
Treatment options
Your treatment option will depend on the severity of your condition. Your specialist will offer non-operative treatment options before suggesting surgery. If your situation is not severe, your healthcare provider will recommend rest and physiotherapy.
The physiotherapy exercises will help relax your muscles and increase blood flow, while the resting periods will help you heal and recover.
Immobilization and compression
Your specialist can recommend immobilization and compression methods for minor injuries. If you have suffered a sprain or strain in your shoulders, you might need to limit the movement and reduce swelling. You can get a sling and place your arm in it. Follow your doctor’s instructions if you need further treatment.
Medication and anti-inflammatory injections
If fever accompanies your shoulder injury, your specialist might prescribe medications for pain relief and eliminate the fever. You might benefit from anti-inflammatory injections if you have tenderness or sharp pain in your shoulder.
While medications primarily work to relieve pain, anti-inflammatory injections work to eliminate inflammation and, in the process, reduce pain. The two types of medications can treat rotator cuff tears and osteoarthritis.
Shoulder replacement surgery
Your specialist can recommend shoulder replacement surgery if you have moderate to severe pain, even after conservative treatment. When you have severe shoulder pain, your range of motion is highly limited, so you cannot dress. The replacement surgery will help you regain functionality.
You can either undergo full or partial shoulder replacement surgery. In other instances, your specialist can recommend a bone-preserving shoulder arthroplasty if you don’t have a lot of damaged bones and tissues. The procedure is appropriate for shoulder fractures and osteoarthritis.
Shoulder instability procedures
Shoulder instability is most common in people who make repetitive motions like throwing a ball. Athletes such as tennis and baseball players can suffer from shoulder instability. The condition involves the dislocation of the joint from its sockets.
Shoulder instability can be minor or severe, affecting the treatment you will receive. Some cases call for non-operative procedures, but you might undergo surgery in extreme cases.
If you have shoulder pain limiting your range of movement, visit Upper Extremity Specialists of Ortho 1 Medical Group for treatment. Let qualified and experienced specialists offer extensive evaluation and suitable treatment. Call or book an appointment online and bid shoulder pain goodbye.
