How Do I Know if My Shoulder Pain is Serious?

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How Can Our Orthopedic Surgeon in Manhattan Help Your Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain is not uncommon, but it can mean many different things.  Your shoulder is one of the most complex and overused joints in the body.  It is composed of many different bones, muscles, and ligaments, so when people speak of “shoulder pain,” there are various conditions that could be present. While most shoulder pains are minor and can be healed quickly, some shoulder pains indicate underlying conditions, and patients may need an orthopedic surgeon in Manhattan with NYSMI.

Shoulder Pain Symptoms

Since the shoulder is so frequently used in everyday life, there are several reasons that may cause shoulder pain.  Often, pain arises from overuse of the same muscles, such as in playing sports like tennis.  Shoulder injury or pain can also arise from overextension, impact injury, trauma, or underlying conditions such as arthritis. These are some symptoms of shoulder pain that may indicate a more serious problem, and an orthopedic surgeon in Manhattan should be consulted if:

  • You can’t move your shoulder over your head or perform any normal movement
  • Your shoulder feels like it is not in its socket
  • Your shoulder joint doesn’t visibly look right
  • Your shoulder is swelling
  • The arm or hand of the injured shoulder is weak or numb
  • Pain at night that interferes with sleep

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor, who may refer you to a physical therapist or an orthopedic surgeon in Manhattan.

Serious Shoulder Injuries

These symptoms can be a sign of these more serious conditions that require medical attention:

Dislocation: This occurs when the arm joint pops out of the shoulder socket.  Dislocation often causes pain, swelling, and inability to move. Depending on your medical history and the severity of the dislocation, surgery may be needed.

Rotator Cuff Injuries: The rotator cuff keeps the arm bone inside the shoulder socket.  The tendons of the rotator cuff can become inflamed if overused, causing painful tendonitis. Tears of the rotator cuff can be severely painful, and to heal, an orthopedic surgery may be needed.

Frozen Shoulder: This condition is often seen in patients who have not used their shoulder for a considerable period of time, like in recovery from surgery, but the cause is widely unknown.  With frozen shoulder, adhesions build up in the shoulder joint, leaving you with stiffness and  inability to move the shoulder.  Without treatment, frozen shoulder usually heals on its own in about 18 months.  However, if your doctor believes that the shoulder isn’t healing on its own, this is a condition that may require an orthopedic surgery.

Shoulder Bursitis: This is usually characterized by a deep ache or soreness, and a swollen shoulder.  When the bursa becomes inflamed due to overuse of the shoulder, it causes pain that usually makes it hard to move the shoulder much.

Labral Tear: If the labrum (a band of cartilage that keeps the shoulder stable and able to move) tear is minor, strengthening the muscles with physical therapy will help.  However, a complete tear of the labrum will require surgery with an orthopedic surgery.  Be sure to check with a doctor if there is pain when moving the shoulder in an overhead motion across the chest.

Fracture: A fracture near the shoulder, like in the collarbone, may be very painful and make it hard to move the arm or shoulder.  If left untreated for too long, the bones may heal incorrectly which can lead to long-term pain or complications, or the need for surgery. If you hear a pop or have reason to believe that a fall or other injury has caused a fracture, seek medical attention right away.

Treatment for Shoulder Injuries With An Orthopedic Surgeon in Manhattan

It can be difficult to self-diagnose the pain in your shoulder, seeing as there are so many conditions related to shoulder pain.  Seeking the help of a trusted doctor, like the professionals at New York Sports Medicine Institute is crucial to understanding what you are suffering, and how it should be treated. If you believe to be suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, and are seeking an orthopedic surgeon in Manhattan, consider NYSMI.  Our surgeons provide a variety of highly specialized treatments both surgical and noninvasive to properly treat your shoulder injuries.  Visit our website for more information, or schedule an appointment today! 

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