Most people would have a hard time getting through the day without extensive use of their shoulders. And anyone who has experienced chronic shoulder pain knows that the slightest discomfort can derail their daily activities. But getting to the root of your shoulder problem can be challenging. Take a look at some of the most common shoulder conditions today, and the various ways they are treated. 

Rotator Cuff Tear 

More than two million Americans deal with rotator cuff problems every year. One of the most common shoulder injuries is a torn rotator cuff, which refers to a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder joint that keeps the upper arm bone (the humerus) in place in the shoulder socket. It connects the humerus to the shoulder blade, allowing you to lift and rotate your arm. When one or more of the tendons becomes detached from the humerus, it can result in either a partial or complete rotator cuff tear. 

Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include: 

• Difficulty raising your arm 
• Pain when you attempt to raise your arm 
• Clicking sounds or popping sensations when you move your arm 
• Shoulder pain at night or when your arm is at rest 
• Shoulder weakness that makes it difficult to lift items 

An X-ray, MRI or ultrasound may be used in the diagnosis of a rotator cuff tear. There are numerous possible non-surgical treatments, including using a sling to allow your arm to rest, NSAIDs, physical therapy, and possible steroid injections. However, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary for you to fully heal if more conservative treatments haven’t been successful. 

Shoulder Dislocation 

Did you know that the shoulder is your body’s most mobile joint? It’s also the most frequently dislocated joint in the human body. This fact leads to dislocations of the shoulder in countless patients, both young and old, each year. Causes range from sports injuries to a fall or a strong blow to the shoulder. You may have dislocated your shoulder if you’re experiencing: 

1. Bruising or swelling, accompanied by intense pain in the shoulder 
2. Your shoulder joint appears deformed or out of place.  
3. You’re unable to move your shoulder joint. 

If you suspect you have a dislocated shoulder, ice the area and try to keep it from moving. An orthopaedic physician can try using gentle maneuvers to put your shoulder bones back in place. If this doesn’t work, several weeks of immobilization followed by rehab may be recommended. Some patients with weak shoulder joints or ligaments need surgery if they have recurring shoulder dislocations despite attempting treatments like rehabilitation. In addition, shoulder surgery can be a last resort if your nerves or blood vessels have been damaged. 

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome 

Another possible source of shoulder pain occurs when connective tissue or a tendon rubs against the shoulder blade. More than 200,000 cases of shoulder impingement are diagnosed each year. This problem occurs when the top, outer edge of the patient’s shoulder blade (the acromion) is rubbing against or pinching the rotator cuff beneath it.  

Shoulder impingement syndrome is common among swimmers, baseball players and other athletes, in addition to workers such as window washers whose repeated motions cause rubbing of the rotator cuff. Unfortunately, this condition can take several months or longer to heal. If you’re experiencing stiffness and throbbing in the shoulder, this may be the source of your problem. There are numerous possible treatments aimed at reducing the pain and restoring shoulder function: 

• Physical therapy  
• Ice on the area once or twice a day 
• Anti-inflammatory medication  
• Avoidance of activities that require reaching overhead or behind your back 
• Surgery – such as subacromial decompression or arthroscopic shoulder decompression to remove part of the acromion 

Get a Proper Diagnosis from a Hand to Shoulder Clinic Specialist in Illinois 

When it comes to shoulder injuries and conditions, seeing a specialist can help you get the best possible treatment plan, shortening your recovery period. Ice and physical therapy may be all you need to get back to normal. Still, putting off treatment can leave your injury or condition unresolved, and even make it worse. Talk to a shoulder specialist who can run tests and get to the root of the problem sooner rather than later.  

If shoulder discomfort or pain is limiting your daily activities, the specialists at MidAmerica’s Hand to Shoulder Clinic can help. Make an appointment online, or call us at 708-237-7200 to get more information on the best treatment path forward for you.