We sometimes forget how important our shoulders are to our functionality. This is until you get a shoulder injury. When you can’t lift your arm or reach out for something, that’s when you realize how you rely on your shoulders. If this is your current state, you want to get effective immediately. Kristopher Downing, MD, an orthopedic shoulder & elbow surgeon La Jolla at Upper Extremity Specialists of Ortho 1 Medical Group, is experienced in treating shoulder injuries. Together with his team, they provide customized, innovative treatment plans to treat your shoulder injury and ensure you get back to your normal activities. Read on for more information about shoulder injuries.
What Are the Common Shoulder Injuries?
The shoulders are one of the most moveable joints in your body. Its complex network of tendons, bones, and muscles facilitates the wide motion range. This makes shoulders highly vulnerable to injuries. Some common shoulder injuries include; arthritis, impingement, instability, rotator cuff tears, bursitis, tendonitis, and fractures. Your type of shoulder injury mostly depends on the primary cause.
What Causes Shoulder Injuries?
Shoulder injuries can result from many causes. Most of these injuries result from repetitive motions that accelerate the tear and wear on your shoulder. You might also get traumatic or acute shoulder injury while engaging in sports or during a car accident. For instance, baseball, tennis, and weightlifting athletes are often susceptible to shoulder injuries.
What Are the Signs of Shoulder Injuries?
Most shoulder injuries develop slowly. Therefore, you might not notice an issue until you feel shoulder pain or have limited motion range. The common sign is feeling like your shoulder is loose or that the top of your upper arm bone may slide or pop out from its socket. Other symptoms of a shoulder injury include; numbness or tingling sensation, weakness or stiffness in your hands and arms.
If the symptoms persist for more than a few days, you should consult a shoulder and bone specialist. The doctor will start by asking about your symptoms, reviewing your medical history, and doing physical tests to determine the extent of your shoulder injury. He might even suggest that you undertake an X-ray to help in the diagnosis.
What Are the Available Shoulder Injuries Treatments?
Comprehensive shoulder treatments address all shoulder issues, from degenerative conditions to acute injuries. The common treatments include; medications, compression and immobilization, reparative orthopedics, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, capsular reconstruction, bone-preserving shoulder arthroplasty, shoulder instability procedures, and partial and full shoulder replacement.
If the nonsurgical treatment options fail to treat your shoulder injury, your doctor might recommend surgical procedures such as revision shoulder replacement. After treatments, physical therapy is often included to protect your shoulder flexibility and strength.
Do not struggle with a shoulder injury or another painful condition anymore. The Upper Extremity Specialists of Ortho 1 Medical Group specialists provide effective treatments, including physical therapy and shoulder replacement surgery. They are committed to helping you recover safely and quickly and return to your routine activities. Call or book an appointment online with them today.
