Shoulder pain can affect all age groups. The reasons for the shoulder pain can range from injury, infection, instability, to arthritis. The shoulder is a joint with a vast range of movement. This increased mobility comes with a price of the joint being prone to instability and injuries.
Shoulder pain can occur with movement in a particular direction or with lifting objects in a particular angle. It can also hurt during rest. The area of pain is also an important characteristic that helps in understanding which structure of the shoulder has been affected.
Swelling. Swelling indicates that the shoulder is irritated. This can be due to mechanical causes such as rubbing, inflammation due to wear and tear or injury to the internal structures.
Stiffness. Stiffness can be due to swelling or muscle tightness. If stiffness prevents lifting the arm, it means that something is mechanically blocking the shoulder's free movement.
Instability. Instability occurs due to the labrum or lip of the socket being torn or stretched. This can be either subluxation, where the joint is a bit loose, or frank dislocation, where the joint is out of place and needs to be physically reduced.
Conditions
Bankarts (anterior) labral tear
Kim's (posterior) labral tear
Rotator cuff tear
Cartilage tear
Pectoralis Muscle Tear
Fracture around the shoulder joint (Intra-articular fractures)
Shoulder Impingement
Biceps tendinopathy
Subacromial Bursitis
Loose body
Septic Arthritis
Infective Bursitis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Frozen shoulder
Osteoarthritis
When to see a Doctor ?
Unable to move the shoulder full range
Redness and /or swelling of the shoulder
Persistent pain
Prevention of shoulder pain
Weight management
Maintaining flexibility and elasticity of the muscles
Regular exercises and stretches
Avoid prolonged sitting in same posture
Avoid drooping of the shoulders