The shoulder is a ball and socket joint that houses three main bones – the humerus, clavicle, and scapula. It is one of the most mobile joints in the body because it moves our shoulder backward, forward, and also allows the arm to move in a circular motion to move up and away from the body. Because of the shoulder’s rotator cuff, it is one of the most versatile joints in the body in terms of motion.
Just like other parts of our bodies, our shoulders are susceptible to pain. Mild pain once in a while may not be something to worry about, but chronic pain is a concern. If you experience shoulder pain that comes and goes frequently or if you start experiencing shoulder pain after an injury, it’s time to see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. Oftentimes, delaying treatment can make symptoms worse and require more intense treatments.
Causes of Shoulder Pain
There are a lot of conditions and injuries that can cause shoulder pain. The most prevalent causes are osteoarthritis and rotator cuff injuries. Let’s take a look at what each of these are below.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis refers to an condition in which the cartilage and bones meeting in joints begin to deteriorate. Cartilage acts as a cushioning material that covers and protects the ends of your bones. Osteoarthritis symptoms can develop in any joint in the body, including the shoulder. It is normal to feel mild pain in the beginning and progressively worse pain as time goes by. Fortunately, there are a lot of treatments to control symptoms of osteoarthritis and slow the progression of damage in the joint. Talk to an orothopedic doctor about which treatments are best for you.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries are concentrated on the four muscles and tendons that make up the rotator cuff. When the bursae, a small sac near the joint, loses its ability to provide lubricating fluid, it can result in friction among the shoulder’s components. It is also common to experience a rotator cuff injury as a result of an accident or bad fall. A specific type of rotator cuff injury is a rotator cuff tear, which commonly occurs due to an accident that causes you to fall on an outstretched arm. It can also develop due to wear and tear, especially when the same movements are repeated frequently. Along with pain, patients with rotator cuff injuries will also experience weakness and difficulty in using the arm to lift objects or even brush their hair. Treatment for rotator cuff injuries depends on the type and severity of the injury.
Shoulder Pain Treatment in Northeast, Ohio
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, it’s time to see an orthopedic doctor who can diagnose your problem and provide effective treatment. If you are in need orthopedic services in Northeast Ohio, call Orthopaedic Associates today. We offer a full-range of orthopedic care services and would love to help you find relief from shoulder pain. We offer customized care through state-of-the-art treatments for all orthopedic needs. Call us at (440) 892-1440 to schedule an appointment today.
