Feeling shoulder pain after that tackle in practice? Or maybe you spent all weekend repainting your kitchen that farmhouse gray and are feeling a little stiff? Or perhaps you’ve got pain in your shoulder and have no idea why? General shoulder pain is common, and the top causes include shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tears, osteoarthritis, frozen shoulder, tendinitis, and fracture. If you have persistent shoulder irritation or pain, then you should consult your doctor before worsening a possible injury and to start your treatment. Your doctor at ORTHOKnox is prepared to diagnose and help treat your shoulder pain at the Knoxville and Athens locations. Check out more details on the top causes of shoulder pain below!
- Impingement
The tissue between the bones in your shoulder can become pinched with overuse, such as swinging a tennis racket overhead repeatedly, which can lead to shoulder impingement. This common shoulder injury can be treated with physical therapy, rest, and sometimes surgery.
- Rotator Cuff Tears
Difficulty with overhead arm movements along with shoulder pain is typically an indication for a rotator cuff tear. These tears can be due to overuse, a fall, or a collision. ORTHOKnox offers conservative treatment, involving physical therapy, and surgical treatment for rotator cuff tears. See our blog on rotator cuff tears for more information!
- Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the well-known wear and tear of a joint. Osteoarthritis can cause stiffness and pain in the shoulder and can worsen over time. It is more common in the older population but can also be a result of a sport or work injury.
- Frozen Shoulder
Also known as adhesive capsulitis, inflammation in the lining of the ball and socket joint can cause frozen shoulder. Increasing stiffness and pain from frozen shoulder can usually be treated with rest, ice, and physical therapy.
- Tendon Inflammation
The tendons in the rotator cuff can become irritated and sometimes damaged, due to overuse or age-related degenerative changes. Tendonitis can generally be treated with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Fracture
Fractures that cause shoulder pain can occur in the shoulder blade, collarbone, or the upper arm bone. These fractures can cause severe pain and swelling in the shoulder and are usually the result of a motor vehicle collision, a heavy fall, or contact in sports.
Diagnosing Shoulder Pain
Your doctor at ORTHOKnox is prepared to diagnose your shoulder pain and create a treatment plan. Your doctor or physical therapist will check your range of motion and shoulder strength. Your doctor may order tests, including an X-ray, MRI, or CT, if you present with tender areas, swelling, or weakness in the shoulder.
Treating Shoulder Pain
The most common treatments for shoulder pain generally involve rest and physical therapy. Your physical therapist at ORTHOKnox will work with you to restore your range of motion and strengthen your shoulder muscles.
In some cases, such as severe rotator cuff tears, surgery may be necessary. At ORTHOKnox, the surgeons may perform arthroscopy, which requires a smaller incision and usually has a quicker recovery time.
Consult Your Doctor
If you begin to feel pain in your shoulders, then you should consult your doctor before causing or worsening an injury. We are here for you at ORTHOKnox if you or a loved one feel shoulder pain or have questions about shoulder movements or soreness. For more information about how the board-certified surgeons, orthopaedic team, or physical therapists at ORTHOKnox can treat you, call (865) 251-3030, or fill out our easy-to-use online appointment request form. We look forward to hearing from you!