The shoulder is one of the most versatile joints in the body, offering an incredible range of motion. Unfortunately, this mobility also makes it prone to injuries. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply living an active lifestyle, understanding common shoulder injuries can help you recognize when it’s time to seek expert care.
Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and allow you to lift and rotate your arm. Tears in the rotator cuff—either from acute trauma or gradual wear—are among the most common shoulder injuries.
- Symptoms: Persistent shoulder pain, weakness, difficulty lifting or rotating the arm, and discomfort when lying on the affected side.
- When to Seek Care: If rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers don’t improve symptoms within a few weeks or if you experience severe pain or significant weakness, consult a shoulder specialist.
Shoulder Dislocations
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) pops out of the socket. This can occur from a fall, sports injury, or sudden force. Shoulder dislocations can be anterior (the most common), posterior, or multidirectional.
- Symptoms: Intense pain, visible deformity, swelling, and an inability to move the
shoulder. - When to Seek Care: Always seek immediate medical attention for a dislocation. After initial treatment, follow-up care with a specialist is crucial to assess for ligament or cartilage damage and to prevent recurrent dislocations. Physician-directed care after the dislocation is crucial to optimize recovery of range of motion, function, and strength with or without the need for surgical intervention.
Shoulder Fractures
Fractures in the shoulder typically involve the clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder blade), or humerus. These injuries often result from falls, car accidents, or high-impact sports.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the arm. You may also notice a visible deformity.
- When to Seek Care: Fractures require immediate medical evaluation. Depending on the severity, treatment may involve immobilization, physical therapy, or surgery.
Other Common Shoulder Conditions
- Frozen Shoulder: Stiffness and pain caused by thickened and inflamed shoulder capsule tissue.
- Shoulder Impingement: Pain from the compression of tendons or bursa in the shoulder joint.
- Labral Tears: Damage to the cartilage ring (labrum) that helps stabilize the shoulder socket.
When to See a Specialist
If you experience any of the following, it’s time to consult a fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeon:
- Persistent pain that interferes with daily activities
- Weakness or difficulty moving the shoulder
- Recurrent shoulder instability or dislocations
- Sudden injury followed by deformity, swelling, or inability to use the shoulder
The Importance of Expert Care
Delaying treatment for shoulder injuries can lead to chronic pain, decreased mobility, and further damage. As a fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeon, I specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of shoulder conditions. Whether you need conservative care or advanced surgical solutions, my goal is to restore your shoulder function and get you back to doing what you love.
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or an injury, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan to help you recover and regain confidence in your shoulder. To make an appointment in Dallas or Frisco, please call (214) 720-9338 to request an appointment or consultation with my team at Carrell Clinic.
Patient Education Videos
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