Factors Contributing to the Development of Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is a complex joint that facilitates most of the movements you make throughout the day, such as reaching, lifting, and carrying. Persistent shoulder pain can make these movements difficult and even impossible. Shoulder pain can arise from a variety of causes, such as overuse, injury, or underlying medical conditions. Regardless of the cause, Dr. Timothy Kavanaugh can develop a personalized treatment plan including physical therapy to restore optimal mobility in your shoulder. You can also visit this website to learn more such as symptoms and treatment for shoulder pain or frozen shoulder. The following conditions can trigger shoulder pain:

Joint dislocation

Joint dislocation can occur due to trauma, injury, or certain medical conditions, such as connective tissue disorders or neurological conditions, which can weaken the ligaments and tendons that hold your shoulder joint in place. You may experience debilitating, swelling, stiffness, and a decreased range of motion in your shoulder. In some cases, nerve damage or blood vessel injury can also occur as a result of the dislocation.

Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder causes a gradual onset of symptoms, with pain and limited range of motion becoming progressively worse over time. The condition is often due to inflammation and tightening of the shoulder capsule, a fibrous tissue that surrounds your shoulder. As the capsule becomes inflamed and thickened, it restricts movement in your shoulder, leading to pain and stiffness. The exact cause of frozen shoulder is still a mystery, although it is more prevalent in people over the age of 40 and those with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid problems.

Broken arm

When a bone is broken, it can cause inflammation, swelling, and pain in your shoulder. After an injury, your body releases certain chemicals that promote the healing process but can also cause pain and stiffness. Additionally, when your arm is immobilized in a cast or splint to allow the bone to heal, the surrounding joints can become stiff and sore. This lack of movement and muscle use can cause your shoulder joint to become weaker and more prone to pain, even after the bone has healed.

Bursitis

Bursitis is a painful condition that occurs when the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs located around the shoulder, become inflamed. These sacs are responsible for reducing friction between tendons, bones, and muscles. When they become inflamed, they can cause severe pain, stiffness, and swelling in your shoulder. It often occurs due to overuse or repetitive motions, injury, infection, or underlying medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

Arthritis

Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the shoulder joint, and can be a common cause of shoulder pain. In addition to pain and stiffness, it can cause swelling, tenderness, and a grinding sensation when moving your shoulder joint. The pain associated with arthritis can be intermittent or constant and may worsen with certain activities such as lifting objects or reaching overhead. Your treatment plan may depend on the type and severity of arthritis, and your overall health and lifestyle. If you experience persistent shoulder pain or limited range of motion early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage to the joint.

If you experience persistent shoulder pain, call Dr. Kavanaugh or book your spot online for a personalized treatment plan.