The shoulder is a combination of muscles and tendons that allow movement of the arms. If you experience shoulder pain in Ramsey, you should seek the help of a doctor as soon as possible. Shoulder injuries make it difficult to perform regular activities that require you to move your arms.
Do You Have a Shoulder Injury?
Experiencing shoulder pain does not always mean that you have an injury. If you aren’t sure that you have a shoulder injury, ask these questions:
- Is your shoulder getting too weak for you to perform normal activities?
- Is your shoulder too stiff for you to move your arm?
- Does your shoulder feel like it could pop from its socket?
You need to see a doctor if you can no longer use your shoulder or your shoulder joint seems to be deformed. You may also need to see a doctor if your shoulder is swollen or you have intense pain.
If the pain is mild, you can treat shoulder injuries at home. Use a pack of ice on the shoulder a few times a day until the pain goes away.
Signs That You Should See a Doctor
1. If You Have a Dislocation
If your shoulder is dislocated, it may appear to be pulled too far back. It may appear to have rotated farther than normal. Your arm may even pop out of its socket. If your shoulder is located, it may be bruised, numb, or weak.
2. Cartilage Tear
Your cartilage may be torn after many repeated motions, after a fall, or if you exert too much pressure on your shoulder. If you have a cartilage tear, the pain may seem to be reaching over your head. Your shoulder will be weak and you may be unable to use your arms.
3. Separation
The injury affects the joint connecting your shoulder blade and collarbone. The joint may be separated if you sustain a blow or hard fall. The most common sign of separation is having a bump on your shoulder.
4. Rotator Cuff Tear
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles in the shoulder that keep the arm in place. They make it possible to move and lift your arm. Overuse, falls, or impact may cause a rotator cuff tear. You should see a doctor if your shoulder hurts or you have trouble lifting things.
5. Fractured Bones
Bones are delicate. They can crack or break if you fall. The clavicle and humerus are the most likely bones to crack. Fractured bones can cause excruciating pain and may impair movement. They require immediate medical attention.
6. Impingement
Impingement happens when your acromion exerts pressure on the underlying soft tissues when you lift your arm. It can lead to tendonitis or bursitis and impair movement.
Shoulder injuries could mean injuries to the shoulder ligaments, tendons, or muscles. Usually, the pain occurs from overuse, repeated motions, falls, or lifting heavy objects. The pain may also be an indication that you have underlying health problems.
