Shoulder Disorders and Injuries
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If your are experiencing shoulder pain or difficulty with movement, it is essential to seek medical attention to determine the cause and receive proper treatment.
The shoulder is a complex joint that is made up of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is designed to be highly mobile, which allows us to do a wide range of activities, such as lifting, reaching, and throwing. However, this mobility also makes the shoulder vulnerable to injuries and disorders. In this article, we will explore some of the most common types of shoulder injuries and disorders that our orthopaedics department at SJMC encounters.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterised by the breakdown of cartilage, the tissue that cushions and protects the ends of bones. As the cartilage wears away, the bones can rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the shoulder.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity
- Decreased range of motion
Osteoarthritis is most commonly seen in people over the age of 50, but it can also occur in younger people as a result of an injury or overuse. Treatment options for osteoarthritis may include medication, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.
Rotator Cuff Tear
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons connecting the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone. Tears can result from sudden injuries, like falling on an outstretched arm, or from repetitive strain, such as throwing a ball repeatedly.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain when lifting or rotating the arm
- Weakness in the arm
- Cracking or popping sounds when moving the arm
Rotator cuff tears can range in severity, and treatment options may include rest, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.
Impingement
Impingement syndrome is a condition that occurs when the tendons or bursae (tiny fluid-filled sacs) in the shoulder become inflamed due to pressure or friction from the surrounding bones. This can cause pain and difficulty moving the arm. Impingement syndrome is often seen in people who do activities that involve repetitive overhead arm movements, such as throwing a ball or painting.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain when lifting the arm above the head
- Weakness in the arm
- A feeling of “catching” or "locking" when moving the arm
Treatment options for impingement syndrome may include physical therapy, medication, and in severe cases, surgery.
Instability
Shoulder instability occurs when the upper arm bone is not properly secured in the shoulder blade. This can lead to the shoulder "dislocating" or popping out of place. Shoulder instability can be caused by a traumatic injury, such as falling onto an outstretched arm, or by overuse, such as participating in sports that involve repetitive overhead arm movements.
Symptoms may include:
- A feeling of the shoulder "giving way" or "slipping out of place."
- Pain when moving the arm
- Weakness in the arm
Treatment options for shoulder instability may include physical therapy, medication, and in severe cases, surgery.
The shoulder is a complex and important joint that is prone to a variety of disorders and injuries. If you are experiencing shoulder pain or difficulty with movement, it is essential to seek medical attention to determine the cause and receive proper treatment. At Subang Jaya Medical Centre, our team of orthopaedic specialists has the expertise and experience to diagnose and treat a range of shoulder disorders and injuries.
Visit our hospital for consultation and to learn more about how we can help you regain mobility and reduce pain.