15 Jul Is It Normal When My Shoulder Crunches And Pops?
Throughout our lives, it is perfectly natural to suffer from occasional shoulder discomfort. However, if you notice that your shoulder crunches and pops every time you try and move it, you may be suffering from a serious injury, especially if you are an athlete. At the New York Sports Medicine Institute, our award-winning team is well versed in handling shoulder injuries and conditions. To learn more about what may be affecting your shoulder joint, please schedule an appointment via our website.
Common Causes
It is important to remember that constant crunching and popping in and around your shoulder joint is not normal. If you try to continue working through the pain in hopes that the issue will correct itself on its own, it could cause further complications. Doing so will not only prevent healing from taking place, but it can also cause the injury at hand to become even worse. Some examples of the injuries and conditions that you may currently be suffering from include:
- Scapulothoracic bursitis.
- Malunion fractures of the scapula.
- Labral tears.
- Osteochondroma.
- Cavitation.
- Osteoarthritis.
When To Seek Professional Help
As previously stated, infrequent pops that come from the shoulder does not mean that a serious injury has occurred (pre-diagnosis). However, knowing the signs that do point to a serious injury can greatly increase your recovery time. Seeking out treatment with our expert orthopedic sports medicine team right away will limit the damage you put your shoulder through and can get you back to full strength. It will also mitigate the chances of dealing with future complications. When you notice the below symptoms are present, reach out to us immediately:
- Instability of your shoulder joint.
- A constant catching, crunching or popping sensation whenever you move your shoulder.
- Limited range of motion.
- Consistent pain.
- Severe shoulder weakness.
Preventing Shoulder Injuries
At New York Sports Medicine Institute, we understand that preventing a shoulder injury is always the best form of treatment. While many different causes can lead to crunching and popping in your shoulder, you can still take overarching precautionary methods to keep your shoulders strong and healthy. Knowing which ones are most effective will help you steer clear of needing professional intervention. Examples of these methods include:
- Always warm-up before working out or competing in your sport.
- When your shoulder begins to crunch and pop with movement, discontinue physical activity.
- Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.
- Focus on using proper mechanics.
Treatment Options
Since there are numerous injuries and conditions that can lead to the shoulder crunching and popping that you’re currently experiencing, there is no one singular treatment that will correct the issue. Rather, Dr. Roth or Dr. Delaney will first diagnose the cause of your discomfort. Once there is a better understanding of the issue, we can then discuss the most effective treatment methods for optimal long-term results. Methods can range from being non-invasive to surgical procedures, and the team will work diligently to determine which is best for you. Below are just a few of the methods that can be used to get your shoulder back to full strength and functionality:
- Corticosteroid injections.
- Anti-inflammatory medications.
- Physical therapy.
- Reconstructive operations.
- Immobilization and bracing.
New York Sports Medicine Institute
At New York Sports Medicine Institute, we understand how frustrating dealing with a shoulder injury can be for our patients, athletes in particular. If crunching and popping in the joint has become a constant pain in your life, you must seek out medical attention immediately. We have seen many athletes and nonathletes alike succumb to this before, and can offer the treatment that you need for recovery. For more information on what can cause crunching and popping, or to schedule an appointment for treatment, contact us today.