Your shoulders allow you to lift, throw, stretch, and perform many other movements. When an injury or disease affects the structures within your shoulder joint, you might lose some of your range of motion and experience shoulder pain. At Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine in Metairie, Louisiana, Luis Espinoza, MD, and their team explore your shoulder to find the cause of pain before creating your treatment plan to restore your mobility and ease your pain. Book your consultation for shoulder pain treatment by phone or online at Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine today.

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What is shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain occurs when you have an injury in the joint connecting your arm to your torso. Even though your shoulders are ball and socket joints with wide ranges of motion, they include tendons, ligaments, muscles, bone, and cartilage that can all suffer damage.

Your shoulder can move because of the rotator cuff, which includes four tendons. Tendons connect muscle to bone. If any of the tendons in your rotator cuff are injured, you might have trouble moving your shoulder or lifting your arm over your head. Shoulder injuries leading to shoulder pain can happen with sports or exercise or with overuse in the workplace.

Shoulder pain can also stem from certain diseases, and you’re more likely to experience shoulder pain as you age.

What causes shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain has many possible causes, and your provider at Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine can help you explore the possibilities with a physical exam and imaging procedures, like an X-ray.

The most common cause of shoulder pain is rotator cuff tendinitis, which occurs when any of the four tendons in your rotator cuff become swollen. The bones in the region can also pinch these tendons, causing a painful condition called impingement syndrome. Other possible shoulder pain causes are:

  • Arthritis
  • Cartilage tears
  • Bone spurs
  • Pinched nerves
  • Shoulder joint dislocations
  • Heart attack

Not all shoulder pain is severe or prolonged enough to warrant a doctor’s visit. You should book an appointment at Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine if your shoulder pain lasts for a few weeks without relief, if it comes with a fever, or if you can’t move your shoulder.

If shoulder pain appears suddenly and comes with tightness in your chest, dizziness, or trouble breathing, you should call 911 right away, as these are signs of a possible heart attack.

What are my treatment options for shoulder pain?

The team at Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine helps you through a personalized treatment plan for your shoulder pain until you can enjoy a comfortable and full range of motion again. They prioritize conservative treatments to help you avoid surgery if it isn’t necessary. However, surgery is available if other treatments aren’t effective for your pain.

Your treatment plan might include:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
  • Corticosteroids
  • Immobilization devices (slings, shoulder immobilizers)
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Arthroscopic surgery

The team at Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine shows you home exercises to strengthen your shoulder and improve its flexibility. By practicing these exercises, you can prevent future shoulder injuries and pain after treatment.

If your shoulder pain persists beyond ice, over-the-counter pain relievers, and rest at home, call Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine or book an appointment online today.