Injuries to the shoulder are common due to its complexity. The most common shoulder problems include rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, AC joint separation, SLAP tears, biceps tendonitis, and shoulder dislocation.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

This attachment between the shoulder blade and the upper arm bone is known as the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff muscles and tendons help lift the arm. The rotator cuff tendons also hold the shoulder joint in place.

A rotator cuff injury can occur when these muscles and tendons are damaged. Rotator cuff injuries range from mild to severe. Mild injuries may cause pain and stiffness. Severe injuries may cause the shoulder to dislocate.

Rotator cuff injuries can be caused by a fall, a direct blow to the shoulder, or repetitive motions of the arm.

Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement occurs when the shoulder joint cannot move freely. This can be due to a number of reasons, including the presence of bone spurs or other growths, inflammation of the tendons or bursa, or a previous injury.

Symptoms of shoulder impingement include pain when reaching overhead or behind the back, weakness in the arm, and a decrease in range of motion.

Frozen Shoulder

An adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, is one of the most common shoulder problems. This condition is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder, and can make it difficult to move the arm.

Injuries and overuse may cause frozen shoulder, which is believed to be caused by a combination of factors. Women are more likely to suffer from this condition, and it usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 60.

Symptoms of frozen shoulder typically develop gradually, and may include pain and stiffness in the shoulder, difficulty moving the arm, and reduced range of motion. The condition is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and a physical examination.

AC Joint Separation

One of the most common shoulder injuries is a separation of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. This joint is where the clavicle (collarbone) meets the acromion (part of the shoulder blade). If the ligaments holding the bones together are stretched or torn, a separation occurs.

The most common cause of an AC joint separation is a fall onto the shoulder. This can happen during a sporting event, or simply from a slip and fall. Separations are classified according to the severity of the injury, with Grade I being the least severe and Grade III being the most severe.

Pain and tenderness at the site of an AC joint separation, swelling, and bruising are symptoms of an AC joint separation. The shoulder may look "out of place" or droop down. Grade I and II separations can usually be treated with ice, rest, and pain medication. Grade III separations may require surgery to repair the ligaments.

SLAP Tears

A SLAP tear is a tear of the supraspinatus tendon, which is one of the four tendons that make up the rotator cuff. Muscles and tendons form the rotator cuff, which stabilizes the shoulder joint.

SLAP tears can be caused by a variety of different things, including falling on an outstretched hand, lifting something heavy, or repetitive overhead motions. Symptoms of a SLAP tear include pain and tenderness around the shoulder, weakness in the arm, and a popping or snapping sensation when moving the arm.

Conclusion

A shoulder injury is most commonly caused by torn rotator cuffs, impingement or instability of the shoulder joint. These problems can be caused by injury, overuse, or age-related wear and tear. Treatment options for shoulder problems will depend on the specific issue, but may include physical therapy, surgery, or corticosteroid injections.Nandan Hospitals is a leading provider of shoulder treatment in Vijayawada.