Managing Shoulder Pain

Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain

As you go about your daily activities, you probably don’t realize how much of a workout your shoulders get throughout the day. This large, movable joint is one of the most complex joints comprising of the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula), and collarbone (clavicle) that fit into a ball and socket joint. This joint gives you the flexibility and range of motion to pitch a baseball, ride a bike, lift free weights, play a round of golf, and a variety of other activities. As a result, it is quite common to experience shoulder pain, especially if you are active in sports or participate in activities requiring repetitive motion. Many of these activities cause constant pressure that can strain or injure the shoulder joints. Since shoulder pain could also be due to arthritis, injury, or other medical conditions, we recommend scheduling an appointment with 3D Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center when home treatment isn’t providing pain relief.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Experiencing a sudden, crushing pain in your shoulder could be a sign of a heart attack. Call 911 for emergency help if you experience crushing pain or sudden pressure in your shoulder or a crushing chest pain that extends from your chest, arm, neck, and jaw. There may also be shortness of breath, dizziness, and sweating.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis can be a painful and sometimes debilitating degenerative joint disease. It can cause swelling, tenderness, and stiffness in the joint that restricts the range of motion. It affects millions of men, women, and even children from all walks life. One of the most common causes of shoulder pain is osteoarthritis, the wearing down of the cartilage tissue that cushions the joint. It may also be difficult or painful to perform routine tasks limiting the ability to move your neck, arm, or shoulder.

Causes of Arthritis in Shoulders

Some of the many causes of arthritis, include:

Repetitive Motion: Activities that require repetitive motion of the shoulder joint or rotator cuff, heavy lifting, or carrying heavy objects on the shoulder can stress and weaken the joint causing arthritis.

Joint Injury: Pain, redness, and inflammation due to a joint injury in your shoulder, collarbone, or upper arm can lead to osteoarthritis (OA).

Broken Bones: Fracturing the bone in your upper arm, shoulder blade, or collarbone can increase the risk of arthritis.

Viral Infections: Hepatitis (A&B viruses), HIV, Parvovirus B19, and Rubella are some of the viral infections that can also cause arthritis.

Autoimmune Disorder:  An autoimmune disorder that depletes the synovial membrane is due to another type of arthritis known as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

Your age, family history, previous shoulder injuries, and other medical disorders can also cause shoulder pain and arthritis.

Arthritis progression in shoulder
Shoulder Pain

Managing shoulder pain can come in the form of injections, lifestyle changes, physical therapy or surgery.

Signs of Arthritis

Some of the signs of shoulder pain due to arthritis include:

  • Mild to severe pain in the shoulder joint
  • Inflammation, tenderness, and redness
  • Stiff joints that make movement difficult
  • Bone spurs or bumps around the joint
  • Shoulder joint makes grinding, cracking, or popping (crepitus) noise

Dangers and Risk Factors of Shoulder Arthritis

Arthritis is a degenerative disease that worsens over time. The continued stress of your job or physical activities can increase the stress on the joint that can result in more damage to the cartilage and tendons. There is also an increased risk of incurring shoulder-related injuries such as tendonitis, bursitis, a torn rotator cuff, dislocation, or a fracture if you fall or have an accident.  Your shoulder may become increasingly stiff and freeze. If you believe you may have arthritis you should seek medical attention sooner than later. Delaying medical treatment increases the danger of further damage to the joint, cartilage, tendons, and fluids that could lead to a long-term disability. Dr. Dominguez can assess the pain in your shoulder, give you a diagnosis and start you on the path to recovery.

Treatments for Shoulder Pain

3D Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center offers several effective treatments that will relieve shoulder pain, strengthen the joint, and improve range of motion allowing you to resume your daily activities.

Pain Relievers: You may be prescribed a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to relieve pain and inflammation. Medications may also be prescribed along with other treatments such as physical therapy or surgery. If you are taking an over-the-counter NSAID like ibuprofen or naproxen, call our office if pain persists for more than ten days.

Physical Therapy:  You may be prescribed physical therapy treatment to rehabilitate the joint with specific exercises and conditioning that will reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness to improve your range of motion.

Cortisone Shots:  Many patients have found immediate joint pain relief with cortisone shots. A corticosteroid injection lubricates the shoulder joint reducing friction, stiffness, and pain. The therapy is repeated approximately every 3 to 6 months. We also offer the Synvisc-One® (hyaluronic acid) injection that can provide shoulder pain relief for up to six months.

Joint Replacement Surgery:  When there is more extensive joint damage or other treatment options are not effective, shoulder joint replacement surgery may be recommended. The damaged joint is replaced with an artificial implant to eliminate pain and restore range of motion. Dr. Dominguez specializes in shoulder surgery. Call to set up a consultation today.

Other Causes of Joint Pain

You will need a complete medical evaluation and imaging to properly diagnose the specific condition, but other causes of joint pain include:

  • Lack of exercise
  • Bone Spurs
  • Dislocation
  • Bursitis
  • Tendonitis
  • Poor posture
  • Torn rotator cuff

Common Injuries

  • Knee Injuries
  • Meniscal tears
  • Cartilage Repair
  • Shoulder Dislocations
  • Shoulder Impingement
  • SLAP Tears
  • Labral Tears
  • Rotator Cuff Repair
  • Elbow Injuries
  • Ankle Injuries
  • Ankle Sprains/Fractures
  • Achilles Tendon Repairs
  • Hip Injuries/Labral Injuries
  • Trauma/Fractures
  • Wrist Fractures
  • Patella Fractures
  • Clavicle Fractures
  • Pediatric Fractures
  • Total Joint Replacement
  • Arthritis
  • PRP

Shoulder

There are a number of causes for shoulder pain. The shoulder is one of the most flexible joints and therefore is prone to injury. Shoulder pain occurs when soft tissues (Muscle, tendon, labrum & Ligaments) are injured or overused. The shoulder is prone to instability and even to dislocations which may require extensive rehabilitation or surgery. As well, years of use along with other medical conditions can cause stiffness, bursitis, rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, or even arthritis. At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Dr. David Dominguez is fellowship trained in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery with specific expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of athletic, degenerative and traumatic shoulder problems. Should you need surgery Dr. Dominguez is skilled in the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques geared to expedite your recovery.

Hip

As weight bearing joints your hips are highly susceptible to arthritis and surgery, including sports injuries and work related injuries. Characterized by joint deterioation and movement limitation, hip injuries and conditions can be especially painful and debilitating. Non-Surgical treatment of hip problems may include physical therapy and injections. At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Dr. David Dominguez, fellowship trained in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery with specific expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of athletic, degenerative and traumatic hip problems. Should you need surgery, Dr. Dominguez is skilled in the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques geared to expedite your recovery.

Ankle

Ankle injuries like fractures and sprains are common sports related injuries. An Ankle fracture is the break of one or more of the bones in the ankle. If treated appropriately either by casting or with surgery, one can anticipate a full recovery. Ankle Sprains are when the foot rolls, turns or twists, beyond its normal abilities. Ankle sprains typically occur when the foot lands in an odd position and with great force, causing stretched ligaments and sometimes tears. At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Dr. David Dominguez is fellowship trained in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery with specific expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of athletic and traumatic ankle problems. Should you need surgery, Dr. Dominguez is in the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques geared to expedite your recovery.

Trauma/Fracture

A fracture is a medical condition in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone. Inappropriate treatment or neglect of fracture care could lead to permanent deformity and disability. Dr. David Dominguez has specific training and experience treating complex fractures. Prior to completing his sports medicine fellowship, he worked as an orthopaedic traumatologist at Holmes Regional Medical Center. We treat both adult and pediatric patients who have sustained injuries sustained during auto accidents, sports related, life threatening falls etc. At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Dr. David Dominguez, fellowship trained in Sports Medicine, have specific, expertise diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of athletic and traumatic injuries. We have state of the art casting, splinting, and bracing available. Should you need surgery, Dr. Dominguez is skilled in the most advanced minimally invasive surgical procedures to maximize your recovery.

If your are experiencing pain relating to these common injuries above,
please contact 3D Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center to schedule an appointment today.

Links to Helpful Articles from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)