At Summit Orthopaedics, we have board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons to treat any shoulder injuries. Patients are evaluated and treated with the utmost compassion and understanding.
Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is really several joints that combine with tendons and muscles to allow a wide range of motion to the arm—from scratching your back to throwing the perfect pitch. Mobility has its price, however, and may lead to increasing problems with instability or impingement of soft tissue, resulting in pain. You may feel pain only when the shoulder is moved, or all of the time. The pain may be temporary and disappear in a short time, or it may continue and require medical diagnosis and treatment.
Most problems in the shoulder involve the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, rather than the bones. Athletes are especially susceptible to shoulder problems. In athletes, shoulder problems can develop slowly through repetitive, intensive training routines,
Some people have a tendency to ignore the pain and “play through” a shoulder injury, which only aggravates the condition, and may possibly cause more problems. People also underestimate the extent of their injury because steady pain, weakness in the arm, or limitation of joint motion become almost second nature to them.
Shoulder Conditions
Rotator Cuff Injury
A rotator cuff injury is a common cause of shoulder pain. Although a rotator cuff injury is frequent among athletes, such an injury can also occur due to trauma and the “wear and tear” of the tendons over time.
A rotator cuff injury can lead to significant shoulder weakness, and treatment is necessary to correct this problem. Our orthopedic surgeons offer both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for a rotator cuff injury.
Shoulder Arthritis
Shoulder arthritis (also known as shoulder osteoarthritis or glenohumeral osteoarthritis) is a degenerative condition that involves changes to the cartilage and other structures of the shoulder joint. The gradual loss of cartilage eventually causes the two shoulder bones to grind against each other, which can cause pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joint. The condition is progressive and can often become debilitating. While the degenerative changes cannot be reversed, there are a variety of treatments used to control pain and slow the progression of the disease.
When you experience a flare-up of shoulder arthritis , the shoulder may become inflamed and painful. Using your arm to lift or push is difficult when the rotation of the shoulder is inhibited. These flare-ups may result from overuse, progressive wear and tear, and even changes in the weather.
If you have severe arthritis or a fracture in your shoulder joint, you may need a shoulder replacement . Shoulder replacement surgery replaces the worn parts of your shoulder joint with artificial parts. It is a complex procedure performed to relieve pain and improve mobility.
FAQ
Will Repetitive Tasks Cause Shoulder Injury?
Yes, certain repetitive movements or tasks can lead to shoulder injuries, including bursitis, rotator cuff tears or strain, or tendinitis. If you develop persistent symptoms, you need to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
When Should See a Doctor for Shoulder Pain?
Acute injuries need immediate medical attention. Injuries that are chronic in nature or wax and wane in pain also need to be evaluated. It is not uncommon for shoulder pain to develop, ease up and then return with certain activities. If left untreated, it may lead to more pain and possibly the need for surgical intervention.
How Can I Prevent Shoulder Injuries?
Shoulder injuries can be prevented by taking the appropriate precautionary measures. You need to take periodic posture breaks so they are not strained. Do not lift anything that exceeds your weight. Furthermore, make sure to properly position yourself before doing any heavy lifting.
Contact Us
At Summit Orthopaedics, we collectively have over 100 years of combined experience dealing with trauma injuries in the Portland area. Let Summit Orthopaedics be your go-to place for quick-care orthopedic injury treatment. Call us at 503-850-9940 to schedule an appointment.
