Shoulder injuries are fairly common and affect millions of people a year. The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body and this mobility allows us to do things like scratch our own backs, throw things, make pushing movements and lift things over our head. Proper functionality of the shoulder joints is essential in our day to day activities. Can you imagine cleaning the house without being able to move your shoulder? What about driving your car or carrying a bag of groceries? Yes, the shoulders are essential and highly functional, but the flexibility of the shoulder joint comes at a cost. The shoulder joint is unstable, which puts the shoulder at high risk of injury. Below are some of the most common shoulder issues:
Bursitis
Bursitis is the swelling and irritation of a bursa. It is commonly referred to as shoulder bursitis or rotator cuff tendonitis and both phrases refer to inflammation of a certain area of the shoulder (bursitis and tendonitis are different conditions). Bursitis is often caused by a shoulder injury and the tendons and bursa become inflamed. From that point, the inflammation causes thickening of the tendon, which cause the bursa to be pinched even more.
An impingement of the shoulder (Shoulder Impingement Syndrome) occurs when there is excessive rubbing of the shoulder muscles against the acromion. This will usually cause pain when doing activities that require you to reach above your head. The cause of an impingement is often linked to repetitive overhead activities like a football quarterback or any job that requires you to repeatedly lift things over your head.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder occurs when the cartilage that protects the shoulder bones degenerates. This may cause pain and limit the use of your shoulder. Similar to bursitis, arthritis in the shoulder is sometimes caused by an injury, but is mostly the result of aging. A young adult with osteoarthritis is usually the result of injury, and this condition is known as post-traumatic arthritis.
Rotator Cuff
A rotator cuff injury may include any damage to the rotator cuff muscles or tendons and rotator cuff tears are one of the most common injuries to the shoulder. Rotator cuff injuries usually happen as the result of an acute injury like an awkward fall.
Relieve Shoulder Pain
IBJI is the right choice to get your shoulder problems resolved. Our expert physicians see and help thousands of patients every year. Contact an IBJI physician near you for expert shoulder care.
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