Shoulder pain can be very disruptive to your daily activities. This article will discuss the reasons why you may be experiencing pain in your shoulder, as well as common shoulder conditions, including bursitis, tendinitis, instability, and fractures. We will also talk about some of the treatment options for these conditions, empowering you to make informed decisions about your shoulder health.
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to contact Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville. Our experienced orthopedic team in Zanesville, Ohio, specializes in diagnosing and treating various shoulder conditions. We provide personalized care to help you regain mobility and live pain-free.
The main shoulder joint is the glenohumeral joint. It is a ball and socket joint where the humerus and glenoid (part of the shoulder blade) join. The bones are kept in place by muscles and tendons, which is commonly referred to as the rotator cuff. This joint allows the arm to move in a wide range of motion.
Another joint of the shoulder is called the acromioclavicular joint. It is where your clavicle meets your acromion (part of your shoulder blade).
Shoulder pain can come from various sources. Structures that cause shoulder pain can include the tendons, muscles, or bones.
Shoulder pain is often caused by a condition called rotator cuff tendinitis. It is when the rotator cuff tendons get trapped under the bony part of the shoulder. The friction causes inflammation and damage. Some of the other common conditions are listed in the next section of this article.
In some rarer cases, shoulder pain can be caused by nerve-related problems, infections, or tumors. The source of shoulder pain can sometimes come from other areas of the body, which is known as “referred pain.”
Some common shoulder conditions and shoulder problems may include the following:
The AC joint is where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. An AC joint injury, also known as shoulder separation, is usually caused by a fall directly onto the shoulder.
The most common form of arthritis that affects the shoulder is osteoarthritis. It is caused by wear and tear of the shoulder joint.
Bone spurs can grow in the shoulder as a result of osteoarthritis. These bony growths make shoulder movement painful.
The bursa is a fluid-filled sac that protects your shoulder joint and helps it move smoothly. Repetitive overuse can cause inflammation and swelling of the bursa.
Fractures can occur in any of the shoulder bones. They can be caused by falls, sports injuries, or motor vehicle accidents.
During recovery from some shoulder injuries, the muscles, tendons, and ligaments inside the shoulder can become stiff. Movement can be difficult and painful.
The glenoid labrum is a thick fibrous tissue that helps deepen your shoulder socket. Acute trauma or repetitive use can cause the labrum to tear, resulting in glenoid chondral defects.
Impingement syndrome is a condition that occurs when the rotator cuff tendons get pinched by the outer edge of your shoulder blade. This can cause more specific conditions, such as bursitis and rotator cuff tendinitis.
Shoulder dislocation (shoulder dysplasia) is when the head of the humerus comes out of the socket. A dislocated shoulder can be partial or complete. Dislocated shoulders can lead to chronic instability.
Damage to the nerves in the shoulder can cause pain and abnormal shoulder movement.
Rotator cuff tears can be partial or complete. They can be caused by sudden injury or repetitive strain.
At Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, we can provide several procedures to treat shoulder pain. These shoulder procedures include the following:
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a surgical procedure that can be used to address problems such as a rotator cuff tear. Through minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, surgeons repair the torn rotator cuff tendons, aiming to restore strength and function to the shoulder, alleviate pain, and improve range of motion.
Labral tears or SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) lesions occur in the cartilage rim surrounding the shoulder socket, often caused by trauma or repetitive overuse. Arthroscopic labral repair involves reattaching or trimming the torn labrum. The procedure is used to stabilize the shoulder joint, reduce pain, and improve shoulder function, particularly in overhead activities.
Shoulder instability and capsular tightening is a procedure that addresses shoulder instability, where the humeral head dislocates or subluxates from its normal position in the socket. Surgeons may tighten the shoulder capsule or ligaments to enhance joint stability, reducing the risk of dislocation or subluxation and restoring shoulder function.
Shoulder replacement involves replacing the worn arthritic cartilage from the ball and socket joint of the shoulder. Specialized implants are used in place of the native ball and socket to reduce pain and improve motion. Reverse shoulder replacement, where the ball and socket are “reversed”, is used to treat long-standing rotator cuff tears in addition to arthritis.
Subacromial decompression aims to alleviate symptoms of impingement syndrome, where the rotator cuff tendons are compressed and irritated as they pass through the subacromial space. Surgeons remove or reshape structures, such as bone spurs or inflamed tissue, in the subacromial space to reduce compression and friction, thus relieving pain and restoring shoulder mobility.
Clavicle fracture repair involves stabilizing a broken collarbone, which commonly occurs due to falls, sports injuries, or trauma. Surgeons may use techniques like open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) to realign and secure the fractured bone fragments, promoting proper healing and restoring shoulder function.
Closed reduction is a non-surgical technique for repositioning a dislocated shoulder. It involves gentle manipulation or traction to guide the humeral head back into its socket. Sedation or anesthesia may be used to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. Following successful realignment, immobilization with a sling is often prescribed to facilitate healing, with subsequent rehabilitation to restore shoulder function.
Are you ready to take the first step toward relieving your shoulder pain? Schedule an appointment with Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville today! Our friendly staff is here to assist you and guide you through the process of finding the right treatment for your shoulder condition. Contact our office in Zanesville, OH, now!
Medically reviewed by Jordan R. Bonier, DO, MS
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