Most of us have experienced shoulder point at some point in our lives. For the lucky ones, resting and using ice packs can provide relief. For some of us, this just isn’t enough. So what is causing this shoulder pain, and how can we make the pain go away?
If you have shoulder pain, then you can go to the ORTHOKnox orthopaedic clinics in Knoxville, Tennessee, or Athens, Tennessee, to discuss your treatment options. ORTHOKnox has a skilled team to perform surgery if needed and a group of on-site physical therapists that can work with you to provide shoulder pain relief.
What are the top causes of shoulder pain?
- Rotator cuff tendinitis: Tendons in the rotator cuff become damaged or irritated over time due to degeneration or excessive use.
- Impingement: The tendons in the rotator cuff can get pinched by the bones of the shoulder. It is commonly caused by lifting arms over the head often.
- Arthritis: Wearing down of the cartilage can allow your bones to rub against each other, which can be extremely painful.
- Rotator cuff tear: Overuse or degeneration can also wear down your tendon and cause a tear.
- Overuse: Repetitive motions can cause wear in your shoulder that results in pain and sometimes more severe injuries.
- Frozen shoulder: Inflammation in the lining of the capsule of the ball and socket joint creates discomfort.
- Dislocation: The arm pops out of the socket if the shoulder rotates or is pulled too far.
What can I do to stop shoulder pain?
- Get a diagnosis
Your doctor can do a physical examination to determine the cause of your shoulder pain and put you on track to get pain relief the quickest. They may perform an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to help diagnose your shoulder pain.
- Physical therapy
Working with a physical therapist can help to strengthen your shoulder muscles and increase your range of motion and flexibility. This can help prevent injury and relieve shoulder pain.
- Anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections
Sometimes your shoulder needs some assistance in relieving pain. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories can help reduce pain, or you may need medication or steroid injections prescribed by your doctor.
- Rest
Giving your shoulder a break and using ice can relieve shoulder pain. Also, pausing activities that could be worsening an injury, such as tennis, golf, housework, and honey-dos (like painting), can prevent overuse and give your shoulder time to recover.
- Surgery
If your shoulder pain cannot be resolved with conservative measures, you may require surgery such as arthroscopy.
How do I get treatment for my shoulder pain?
With its on-site physical therapists, board-certified surgeon, and Urgent Orthopaedic Care that is available without an appointment, ORTHOKnox has got you covered. For more information about how ORTHOKnox can treat your shoulder pain, call (865) 251-3030, or fill out our easy-to-use online appointment request form. We look forward to hearing from you!