What are some common causes of shoulder pain?

Some causes of shoulder pain are obvious. A traumatic injury sustained in a car accident or sudden pain following a collision during sports play are examples. However, many types of shoulder pain are far more challenging to diagnose. 

Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that support your shoulder joint. Small tears in these tissues can worsen over time, increasing pain both during activities and while at rest. Bursitis is another common problem and happens when the lining that protects your bones is swollen or irritated. 

Arthritis is also a common cause of shoulder pain. This degenerative condition can lead to significant inflammation within the joint, causing pain that can worsen over time. 

Inflammation in the capsule of your shoulder ball socket can cause a condition called frozen shoulder. Eventually, you could notice limited mobility in the joint. 

These are just a few of the conditions that can cause shoulder pain. A thorough diagnostic exam is the best way to determine the exact cause of your discomfort. 

What types of conservative treatment can help with shoulder pain? 

Medications can help relieve pain and are a good option for minor shoulder strains. Corticosteroid medications offer anti-inflammatory benefits. There are oral forms of corticosteroids as well as joint injections that deliver the medication directly into the affected joint. 

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are a type of regenerative medicine that can help your body heal a damaged shoulder joint. The solution is made from a concentration of your blood’s platelets and plasma and aids in reducing inflammation. 

Physical therapy works to strengthen the muscles that support your shoulder. You may need corticosteroid injections to ease discomfort as your body responds to physical therapy.  

What are some surgical options to treat shoulder pain?

If surgery is the best option, you’ve come to the right place. The team at Tazewell Orthopaedic & Arthritis Clinic is highly skilled in arthroscopic surgical techniques. This minimally invasive approach can repair damaged shoulder joints with smaller incisions and less tissue disruption than traditional open surgery. 

Full and partial shoulder replacements are available. These procedures can repair extensive joint damage and help you regain normal use of your shoulder.  

Don’t let shoulder pain stand in the way of your normal daily routines. Call the team at Tazewell Orthopaedic & Arthritis Clinic to set up a diagnostic exam, or spend a few moments on the online scheduling page.