Shoulder pain is not uncommon. Most of us choose to ignore it hoping it would go away by itself. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t. One of the best orthopedic surgeons in Phoenix, Dr. Adam Farber of Phoenix Shoulder and Knee Clinic, explains the most common reasons your shoulder is hurting. Shoulder pain can occur after a fall or due to repetitive stress. Many people simply wake up in the morning with a complaint of pain in their shoulder.
Here are the most common reasons for shoulder pain.
• Rotator Cuff Tendinosis
• Rotator Cuff Tears
• Labral Tears
• Calcific Tendonitis
• AC Joint (Separations and Arthritis)
• Stress Fractures
Shoulder pain causes could also vary with age.
YOUNG ADULTS
Shoulder pain is commonly caused by an injury such as a fall. Dislocations may occur. Labral tears are also common among very young athletes. The labrum is a cartilage that keeps the shoulder stable. Since the bones are still in the growth stage, stress fractures may occur.
20 – 35 YEAR OLDS
Labral tears are common with those who are under 30 years of age.
If the front or side of your shoulder is sore despite no strenuous activity, it could be due to rotator cuff pathology.
35 – 50 YEAR OLDS
For people in this age group, the rotator cuff problems are common. Rotator cuff tendinosis involves wearing out of the rotator cuff. Later, it may develop partial tears too.
Full thickness rotator cuff tears can occur due to an injury or tendon wearing out.
Calcific tendonitis also causes very severe shoulder pain. It is the deposition of a calcium deposit in the middle of your rotator cuff tendon. The body would try to take the calcium back but it may set off severe pain.
PEOPLE OLDER THAN 50 YEARS OF AGE
Rotator cuff tears are more common than labral tears in this age group. Another big problem in this age is osteoarthritis. Degeneration of bones and cartilage can cause shoulder arthritis. Pain, swelling, inflammation and loss of range of motion are common.
Pain causing shoulder conditions can be treated with various conservative, minimally invasive and surgical treatments. The key to recovery is timely treatment. So do not delay going to an orthopedic doctor hoping that stubborn pain would go away by itself.
Less complex conditions can be treated with medication and physical therapy while more complicated conditions require shoulder surgery. Dr. Farber is an expert in different shoulder treatments, beginning with non-invasive shoulder treatments to minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery as well as open surgery.
Regenerative medicine treatments, such as PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, have also proven effective in treating shoulder conditions.
To consult one of the best orthopedic surgeons in Phoenix AZ, call Phoenix Shoulder and Knee at (480) 219-3342.