Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
1. Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Tendinitis:
- Inflammation of the tendons.
- Bursitis:
- Inflammation of the bursae that cushion the shoulder.
- Tears:
- Partial or complete tears of the rotator cuff tendons.
2. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis):
- Stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, often worsening over time.
3. Shoulder Impingement
- Occurs when the shoulder blade exerts pressure on the rotator cuff tendons
4. Arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis:
- Wear and tear of cartilage in the shoulder joint.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis:
- An autoimmune condition causing inflammation of the joint lining.
5. Shoulder Dislocation:
- When the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder blade socket.
6. Labral Tear:
- Tear of the ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket.
7. Fractures:
- Breaks in the collarbone, upper arm bone, or shoulder blade.
8. Referred Pain:
- Pain that originates from other areas like the neck or back but is felt in the shoulder.
Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness in the shoulder.
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion.
- Swelling or bruising.
- Weakness in the shoulder or arm.
- Clicking or popping sounds when moving the shoulder.
- Difficulty performing daily activities.
Diagnosis
- Physical Examination: :
- A doctor will assess the shoulder for pain, swelling, range of motion, and weakness.
- X-rays: :
- To check for fractures or arthritis
- MRI or CT Scan:
- For detailed images of soft tissues like tendons, ligaments, and cartilage
- Arthritis::
- Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause elbow pain due to joint inflammation.
- Ultrasound:
- To evaluate the condition of the tendons and muscles.
- Arthroscopy:
- A minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and sometimes treat shoulder joint issues.
Treatment Options
Self-Care and Home Remedies
- Rest:
- Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
- Ice and Heat Therapy:
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and heat packs to alleviate stiffness.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers:
- Medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises:
- Gentle exercises to maintain flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder.
Medical Treatments:
- Physical Therapy:
- Tailored exercises and techniques to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve flexibility.
- Medications:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, or medications for underlying conditions like arthritis.
- Assistive Devices:
- Using slings or braces to support the shoulder and reduce pressure.
- Surgery:
- Required for severe cases, such as rotator cuff repair, shoulder arthroscopy, or shoulder replacement.
Physical Therapy
- Exercises:
- Specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the elbow.
- Manual Therapy::
- Techniques to improve joint function and reduce pain.
Lifestyle Changes
- Maintain a Healthy Weight:
- Reduces stress on the shoulder joints.
- Regular Exercise:
- Low-impact activities like swimming or cycling to keep the shoulder joints flexible and strong.
- Proper Posture::
- Maintain good posture to avoid unnecessary strain on the shoulders.
- Avoid Overuse:
- Modify activities to avoid repetitive stress on the shoulders.
When to Seek Medical Help
- Severe pain or swelling that doesn’t improve with self-care.
- Inability to move the shoulder or bear weight on it.
- Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, and fever
- Sudden onset of intense pain or swelling.
You can usually do things to ease shoulder pain yourself. See a GP if it does not start feeling better after 2 weeks
Consulting with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan is essential for effectively managing shoulder pain.