Who to see for shoulder pain?
There are a number of injuries and disorders that can affect the shoulder resulting in pain and limited function. If you have a shoulder problem that is causing you pain or preventing you from carrying out your normal day-to-day activities, then it may be time to visit an orthopedic doctor.
The three main bones which make up the shoulder joint are the humerus (upper arm bone), the shoulder blade (scapula), and the clavicle (collarbone). The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that provide stability and allow movement for the shoulder.
Because the humerus fits relatively loosely in the shallow socket within the shoulder joint, it can make the shoulder vulnerable to a number of conditions and injuries leading to pain, weakness, instability, and reduced function. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you would want to see an orthopedist for shoulder pain treatment.
If you have had any of the following symptoms, seek expert medical advice in order to achieve relief from your shoulder pain:
Three of the main reasons why patients visit an orthopedic doctor to treat shoulder pain are the following:
A rotator cuff tear is a common source of shoulder pain and reduced function. The risk of suffering from a torn rotator cuff increases with age, because the aging process can cause the tendons and muscles that comprise the rotator cuff to degenerate and weaken.
Rotator cuff tears can result from overuse injuries or sudden shoulder injuries, such as from constant typing at work, playing tennis, playing golf, or suffering a fall.
Shoulder pain can result from arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis – which is the most common type of arthritis and can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joint. Age, general wear and tear, or a shoulder injury can increase your chance of developing arthritis, because the pain ensues from bone-on-bone rubbing due to a lack of protective cartilage in the shoulder.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) can reduce swelling and inflammation in the shoulder and elbow. They are available over-the-counter without a prescription. The most common are ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. You can take these medications over the course of several days as long as you follow dosing instructions on the package. If the pain does not resolve after taking these for a few days, contact a doctor.
After an initial injury, an ice pack or cold compress can reduce swelling and pain. Wrap the ice pack in a towel and apply it to the affected area for 15 minutes at a time, up to four times a day. If you don’t have an ice pack, you can make your own by putting ice in a sealed plastic bag or using a bag of frozen vegetables.
If your shoulder or elbow hurts when you move it, immobilize it by putting your arm in a sling or wrapping your arm close to your body with an ACE bandage. Immobilizing your arm for too long could put you at risk for other conditions, such as frozen shoulder. If the pain doesn’t get better within a day or two, schedule an appointment to see a doctor or go to the nearest urgent care.
You can also wrap your shoulder or elbow to reduce swelling and pain. Use an ACE bandage or other elastic medical bandage and wrap it snugly around the injured area. Be careful not to wrap it too tight (you should not feel numbness or tingling in your arm or hand).
If your shoulder pain or elbow pain gets worse with certain activities, stop doing the things that are causing you pain.
Orthopedic doctors are specialists who treat shoulder and elbow pain. An orthopedic specialist can examine your shoulder or elbow and order imaging studies like X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds. He or she will identify what kind of pain you are experiencing, as well as what treatments will help.
