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Orthopedic Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injury can be extremely painful, and can sneak up on you if you do not know the warning signs or the severity of your situation. Knowing the indicators of an injury, and how quickly you need to see a doctor, can save you months, or even years, of therapy. No one wants expensive, painful shoulder surgery, but surgery delayed could be worse.

  1. Warning

    • If you are experiencing excess pain, stiffness or inability to exercise a full range of motion from your shoulder, there is a possibility that you may have a shoulder injury. Do not wait too long to see an orthopedic specialist, as waiting on a shoulder surgery or a rehabilitation program can exacerbate an issue.

    Instability

    • Instability is a category of shoulder injury. This is when the shoulder joint has been forced or moved out of its ordinary position. Range of motion is usually affected with this kind of episode. Pain while raising the arm is a common indicator.

    Inpingement

    • Worn down cartilage and ligaments in the shoulder from rubbing the shoulder muscles against the shoulder blade results in what is called an impingement. This is a common sports injury, and often caused by the application of force in a repeated motion.

    Rotator Cuff Injury

    • The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder. This is the set of muscles that allows freedom of movement in a near 360-degree motion. A common shoulder injury occurs when the rotator cuff muscles become separated. Shoulder function is severely hampered during this injury.

    Dislocation

    • Dislocation occurs when you have experienced a fall or sharp blow on your shoulder. If you have felt your shoulder pop, or have heard a loud noise with intense pain following in your shoulder, you should have your shoulder examined immediately. Dislocation is a severe injury, one that could have long-range effects if not dealt with promptly. Someone suffering a dislocated shoulder will certainly feel the urgency in the injury, at least until the shoulder is popped back in.

    Fracture

    • Fracture can be serious as well. If you have tenderness in your collarbone or the outer edge of your shoulder, or have noticed intense swelling, you possibly have a fracture. If you believe your collarbone is fractured, go directly to the emergency room, as this must be dealt with immediately. If you think it is your upper arm, find a sling and put your arm in it to restrict excess motion until you can see your physician.

    Separated

    • Separation of the shoulder is slightly different from dislocation, as the shoulder has started coming away from the muscle. If there is tenderness or swelling, and lifting your other arm with the injured arm helps alleviate pain, you may have separation. Sling your arm to restrict movement, then go see your physician.

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