Symptoms
Shoulder pain can occur with movement in 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 which 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 is not allowing to lift the arm up, it means that something is mechanically blocking the free movements of the shoulder.
Instability. Instability occurs due to the labrum or lip of the socket being torn or stretches. This can be either in the form of subluxation where the joint is a bit loose or frank dislocation, where the joint is out of place and needs to be physically reduced back into place.
Conditions
Injuries
- Bankarts (anterior) labral tear
- SLAP tear
- Kims (posterior) labral tear
- Rotator cuff tear
- Cartilage tear
- Pectoralis Muscle Tear
- Fracture around the shoulder joint (Intra-articular fractures)
Wear & Tear
- Shoulder Impingement
- Biceps tendinopathy
- Subacromial Bursitis
- Loose body
Infection
- Septic Arthritis
- Infective Bursitis
Inflammation
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Frozen shoulder
Arthritis
- 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
