Shoulder

A rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder injury that involves damage to one or more of the tendons that make up the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, providing stability and allowing for a wide range of motion.

Causes: Rotator cuff tears can be caused by:

• Acute injury: A sudden tear can occur due to a fall, lifting a heavy object, or other trauma.
• Chronic overuse: Repetitive overhead motions, such as those involved in painting, carpentry, or sports like swimming and tennis, can gradually wear down the tendons over time.
• Age-related degeneration: As we age, the tendons in the rotator cuff can weaken and become more prone to tearing.
• Poor blood supply: The tendons in the rotator cuff have a relatively poor blood supply, which can make them slower to heal after injury.

Symptoms:

• Pain: Pain is the most common symptom of a rotator cuff tear. It may be a dull ache deep in the shoulder, or a sharp pain when lifting or reaching overhead. The pain often worsens at night and can disrupt sleep.
• Weakness: Weakness in the shoulder, especially when trying to lift or rotate the arm.
• Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty reaching overhead, behind the back, or out to the side.
• Crepitus: A crackling or popping sensation when moving the shoulder.

Treatment:

Treatment options for rotator cuff tears vary depending on the severity of the tear and the individuals needs

• Non-surgical treatment:
  • Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain.
  • Ice and heat: Applying ice packs to reduce inflammation and heat packs to improve blood flow.
  • Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications to manage pain.
  • Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and improve range of motion.
  • Corticosteroid injections: Injections into the shoulder joint can help reduce inflammation and pain.
• Surgical treatment:
  • Arthroscopic repair: A minimally invasive procedure where small incisions are made and a camera is used to guide the repair of the torn tendon.
  • Open repair: A traditional surgery where a larger incision is made to access and repair the torn tendon.
  • Tendon transfer: In cases where the rotator cuff cannot be repaired, a tendon from another part of the body may be used to replace the damaged tendon.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain, it is important to consult with a doctor or orthopedic specialist to determine the cause and discuss the best treatment options for you.

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It typically develops slowly, worsens over time, and then gradually resolves within one to three years.

Causes:

The exact cause of frozen shoulder is unknown, but it is more likely to occur after keeping a shoulder immobile for a long period, such as after surgery or an arm fracture.

Other factors that may increase the risk include:

• Age and Sex: Frozen shoulder is more common in people between 40 and 60 years old, and women are more likely to develop it than men.
• Systemic Diseases: People with diabetes, thyroid problems, cardiovascular disease, or Parkinsons disease have a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder.
• Immobilization: Prolonged immobility of the shoulder due to injury, surgery, or other medical conditions can increase the risk.

Symptoms:

Frozen shoulder typically progresses through 3 stages:

1. Freezing Stage: Pain gradually increases, making shoulder movement harder. Pain is usually worse at night. This stage can last from 6 weeks to 9 months.
2. Frozen Stage: Pain may decrease, but the shoulder remains stiff, and movement is restricted. This stage can last from 4 to 6 months.
3. Thawing Stage: Range of motion gradually improves, and pain may fade but occasionally recur. This stage can take from 6 months to 2 years.

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and restore movement. Treatment options include:

• Non-surgical Treatments:
  • Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications can help manage pain.
  • Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches can help improve range of motion and flexibility.
  • Corticosteroid Injections: Injections into the shoulder joint can help reduce pain and inflammation.

• Surgical treatment:
  • Manipulation Under Anesthesia: This procedure involves moving the shoulder joint while the patient is under anesthesia to loosen the tight capsule.
  • Shoulder Arthroscopy: This minimally invasive surgery involves removing scar tissue and adhesions from the shoulder joint capsule.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain, its important to consult with a doctor or orthopedic specialist to determine the cause and discuss the best treatment options for you.

Shoulder bursitis is a painful condition that affects the bursae, which are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles around your shoulder joint. When these bursae become inflamed, it leads to bursitis.

Causes:

• Overuse: Repetitive motions like throwing a baseball, painting, or lifting objects overhead can irritate the bursae.
• Injury: A fall or direct blow to the shoulder can cause bursitis.
• Infection: Bacteria can sometimes enter the bursa, causing an infection (septic bursitis).
• Underlying conditions: Certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or diabetes can increase the risk of developing bursitis.

Symptoms:

• Pain: Pain is the most common symptom and often gets worse with movement or pressure on the shoulder. The pain may be sharp or achy, and may radiate down the arm.
• Swelling and tenderness: The affected area may be swollen and tender to the touch.
• Limited Range of Motion: You may have difficulty moving your shoulder, especially raising your arm overhead or reaching behind your back.
• Warmth and redness: The skin over the affected bursa may be warm and red.
• Fever and chills: If the bursitis is caused by an infection, you may experience fever and chills.

Treatment:

• Rest: Avoid activities that make the pain worse.
• Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches can help improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder.
• Corticosteroid injections: Your doctor may inject a corticosteroid medication into the bursa to reduce inflammation.
• Antibiotics: If your bursitis is caused by an infection, you will need antibiotics.

Prevention:

• Warm up before activities and cool down afterwards.
• Use proper form when lifting objects.
• Avoid repetitive overhead activities.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain, its important to consult with a doctor or orthopedic specialist to determine the cause and discuss the best treatment options for you.

Shoulder dislocation, also known as glenohumeral dislocation, is a common injury where the upper arm bone (humerus) pops out of the shoulder socket (glenoid).

Causes:

• Trauma: A fall onto an outstretched arm, a direct blow to the shoulder, or a sudden twisting motion can dislocate the shoulder.
• Sports injuries: Contact sports like football and hockey, as well as sports that involve falling, such as gymnastics and skiing, can cause shoulder dislocations.
• Loose shoulder joints: Some people have naturally loose joints, making them more prone to dislocations.
• Previous dislocations: If you have dislocated your shoulder before, you are more likely to dislocate it again.

Symptoms:

• Severe pain: Shoulder dislocations are usually very painful.
• Deformity: The shoulder may look visibly out of place.
• Swelling and bruising: The area around the shoulder may be swollen and bruised.
• Numbness or tingling: You may experience numbness or tingling in your arm, hand, or fingers.
• Limited range of motion: You may not be able to move your arm normally.

Treatment:

• Closed reduction: This is a procedure where a doctor manipulates the arm bone back into the socket. It is usually done under sedation or anesthesia.
• Immobilization: After the shoulder is put back in place, it is usually immobilized with a sling for several weeks to allow the ligaments to heal.
• Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications may be used to manage pain.
• Physical therapy: Once the shoulder has healed, physical therapy can help to restore strength and range of motion.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged ligaments or tendons

Important note::

If you suspect you have a dislocated shoulder, its important to seek medical attention immediately. Do not attempt to put the shoulder back in place yourself, as this could cause further damage.

A shoulder fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the shoulder joint, including the humerus (upper arm bone), clavicle (collarbone), and scapula (shoulder blade).

Causes:

• Trauma: A fall onto an outstretched arm, a direct blow to the shoulder, or a violent twisting motion are common causes of shoulder fractures. These types of injuries can occur during sports activities, accidents, or falls.
• Osteoporosis: People with diabetes, thyroid problems, cardiovascular disease, or Parkinsons disease have a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder.

Symptoms:

• Pain: Severe pain is the most common symptom and may be constant or worsen with movement.
• Swelling: The shoulder may be swollen and bruised.
• Deformity: The shoulder may appear out of place or have an unusual bump or dent.
• Limited range of motion: It may be difficult or painful to move the shoulder.
• Grating sensation: You may hear or feel a grinding or crackling sound when moving the shoulder.
• Numbness or tingling: Nerves may be injured, causing numbness or tingling in the arm or hand.

Treatment:

Treatment for a shoulder fracture depends on the severity and location of the break. Options include:

• Non-surgical Treatments:
  • Immobilization: A sling or shoulder immobilizer is used to keep the shoulder still and allow it to heal.
  • Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications can help manage pain.
  • Physical therapy: Once the bone has healed, physical therapy exercises can help restore strength and range of motion.

• Surgical treatment:
  • Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): This surgery involves realigning the broken bones and securing them with plates, screws, or rods.
  • Shoulder replacement: : In severe cases with extensive damage to the joint, shoulder replacement surgery may be necessary.

If you suspect a shoulder fracture, its crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better outcomes and faster recovery.

Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common condition where the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles become compressed or trapped as they pass between the top of the upper arm bone (humerus) and the acromion (the bony tip of the shoulder blade).

Causes:

• Repetitive overhead activities: Activities like painting, lifting, swimming, or playing tennis can lead to overuse of the shoulder muscles and tendons, causing irritation and inflammation.
• Poor posture: Slouching or hunching forward can narrow the space between the humerus and acromion, increasing the risk of impingement.
• Weak or imbalanced shoulder muscles: Weakness in the rotator cuff muscles or an imbalance between the shoulder muscles can lead to improper movement of the humerus, contributing to impingement.
• Bone spurs or abnormal shape of the acromion: Bone spurs or a hooked acromion can further narrow the space and increase pressure on the tendons.

Symptoms:

• Pain: Pain is the most common symptom and is usually felt on the top and outer side of the shoulder. It may worsen with overhead activities or when lying on the affected shoulder.
• Weakness: Weakness in the shoulder muscles, especially when trying to lift or rotate the arm.
• Stiffness: The shoulder may feel stiff and have limited range of motion.
• Painful arc: Pain may be felt during a specific range of motion when lifting the arm, usually between 60 and 120 degrees.

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and restore movement.

• Treatment options include:
  • Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain is essential.
  • Ice and heat: Applying ice packs to reduce inflammation and heat packs to improve blood flow.
  • Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and inflammation.
  • Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles and improve shoulder mechanics are crucial.
  • Corticosteroid injections: Injections into the shoulder joint can help reduce inflammation and pain.

In severe cases or when conservative treatments fail, surgery may be considered to create more space for the rotator cuff tendons by removing bone spurs or part of the acromion.