Shoulder injuries are prevalent due to the joint's wide range of motion and complexity. Whether caused by sports, repetitive strain, or accidents, these injuries can significantly affect daily life. In this article, we explore common shoulder injuries, their causes, symptoms, and available treatments, including shoulder surgery.
1. Rotator Cuff Tears
What is it? This is a tear in the tendons of the rotator cuff, which helps stabilize the shoulder.
Causes: Overuse, repetitive motions, aging, or acute trauma like lifting something heavy suddenly.
Symptoms: Pain when lifting or lowering the arm, weakness in the shoulder, and difficulty with overhead movements.
Treatment:
- Non-Surgical: Rest, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and steroid injections.
- Surgical: Arthroscopic surgery to repair the torn tendons for severe or persistent tears.
2. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
What is it? This refers to stiffness and pain in the shoulder arising from thickened and inflamed joint capsule tissue.
Causes: Prolonged immobility (e.g., post-surgery or injury), diabetes, or thyroid disorders.
Symptoms: Gradual onset of pain, limited range of motion, and stiffness that worsens over time.
Treatment:
- Non-Surgical: Physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid injections.
- Surgical: Manipulation under anaesthesia or arthroscopic release in severe cases.
3. SLAP Tears (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior Tear)
What is it? A SLAP tear is an injury to the labrum, the ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket, affecting its superior part.
Cause: Often caused by repetitive overhead activities, acute trauma (such as falling onto an outstretched arm), or lifting heavy objects.
Symptoms: Shoulder pain during overhead motions, a clicking or popping sensation, reduced strength, and limited range of motion.
Treatment:
- Non-Surgical: Non-surgical options include rest, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Surgical: If symptoms persist, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary to repair the torn labrum.
4. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
What is it? This refers to the compression of rotator cuff tendons between the bones of the shoulder.
Causes: Repetitive overhead activities, poor posture, or age-related degenerative changes.
Symptoms: Pain during overhead movements, difficulty reaching behind the back, and tenderness in the shoulder.
Treatment:
- Non-Surgical: Activity modification, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Surgical: Subacromial decompression to create space for tendons.
5. Shoulder Dislocation
What is it? The upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket, either partially or completely.
Causes: Falls, sports injuries, or traumatic impacts.
Symptoms: Visible deformity, swelling, intense pain, and inability to move the arm.
Treatment:
- Non-Surgical: Reduction (manually repositioning the joint) and immobilization.
- Surgical: Ligament repair or stabilization surgery for recurrent dislocations.
6. Shoulder Arthritis
What is it? Degenerative condition affecting the cartilage in the shoulder joint.
Causes: Aging, prior injuries, or autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms: Joint stiffness, pain during movement, and swelling.
Treatment:
- Non-Surgical: Physiotherapy, pain relief medications, and corticosteroid injections.
- Surgical: Shoulder replacement surgery for severe cases.
7. Biceps Tendonitis
What is it? Inflammation of the tendon connecting the biceps muscle to the shoulder.
Causes: Overuse, repetitive overhead motions, or degeneration from aging.
Symptoms: Pain in the front of the shoulder, weakness, and difficulty rotating the arm.
Treatment:
- Non-Surgical: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physiotherapy.
- Surgical: Tenodesis or tenotomy to repair or release the tendon if conservative methods fail.
8. Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Injury
What is it? Damage to the joint between the collarbone and shoulder blade.
Causes: Falls, direct trauma, or high-impact sports.
Symptoms: Pain at the top of the shoulder, swelling, and difficulty lifting the arm.
Treatment:
- Non-Surgical: Ice, rest, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Surgical: Reconstruction or fixation of the joint in severe cases.
9. Shoulder Fractures
What is it? Breaks in the bones of the shoulder, such as the clavicle, scapula, or humerus.
Causes: High-impact trauma, such as falls or car accidents.
Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, bruising, and deformity.
Treatment:
- Non-Surgical: Immobilization with a sling, rest, and pain management.
- Surgical: Fixation with plates, screws, or pins for complex fractures.
Conclusion
Shoulder injuries can range from mild discomfort to severe conditions requiring surgical intervention, making early diagnosis all the more important. If you suspect you've developed a shoulder injury, do not hesitate to consult an experienced orthopaedic and shoulder specialist who can help determine the most appropriate care for your condition.
