While certain limited injuries in the shoulder can sometimes be treated effectively without medical attention, there are also others where seeing a shoulder doctor is quite important. How do you know the difference? There are a few telltale signs to keep an eye out for.
At The Orthopaedic Center, we’re proud to offer the best shoulder doctor and elbow doctor services available across Tulsa, Jenks and nearby areas. We’re here to assist patients with any kind of shoulder injury and treatment need. Here are some of the key indicators that your shoulder pain should be examined by one of our shoulder doctors, plus what we may recommend for treatment depending on the nature of the issue.
Persistent Pain
If you’ve been dealing with persistent shoulder pain for longer than a few weeks that cannot be relieved by rest or over-the-counter pain medication, it’s time to see a shoulder doctor. This could be a sign of an underlying issue that needs medical attention.
Some common causes of persistent shoulder pain include rotator cuff tears, bursitis, tendonitis, and arthritis. It’s important to have these conditions properly diagnosed and treated in order to prevent further damage and alleviate discomfort.
Limited Range of Motion
If you find yourself unable to perform certain movements with your arm or experience difficulty raising your arm above your head, this could indicate a problem with your shoulder joint. Limited range of motion can be caused by various conditions such as frozen shoulder, impingement syndrome, or a labral tear.
Luckily, a shoulder doctor will be able to determine the specific cause and provide appropriate treatment to improve your range of motion and restore functionality. Treatment can include physical therapy, medication, or in severe cases, surgery.
Trouble Sleeping Due to Shoulder Pain
If your shoulder pain is preventing you from getting a good night’s rest, it may be time to consult a shoulder doctor. While occasional discomfort in the shoulder area can happen, persistent pain that disrupts your sleep could be a sign of an underlying condition.
A shoulder doctor will conduct a thorough examination and run diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your pain. Some common causes of shoulder pain that can lead to trouble sleeping include rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, tendonitis, or arthritis.
Once the cause is identified, your doctor will work with you on developing a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and helps alleviate your shoulder pain. This may involve physical therapy exercises to improve mobility and strength, medication to reduce inflammation and pain, or in some cases, surgery.
Snapping, Clicking or Popping Sound During Activity
Have you noticed that shoulder pain is also accompanied by a snapping, clicking or popping sound during certain activities? This could be a sign of a condition known as shoulder instability. Shoulder instability occurs when the upper arm bone (humerus) comes out of its socket in the shoulder joint.
This can happen due to injury or overuse, and it commonly affects athletes who engage in repetitive overhead motions such as throwing or swimming. If left untreated, shoulder instability can lead to frequent dislocations and further damage to the joint.
If you experience this type of snapping, clicking or popping sensation in your shoulder, it’s important to seek medical attention. Your doctor may recommend strengthening exercises to help stabilize the joint and prevent further dislocation episodes.
Intense Pain When Reaching
There are a few specific kinds of reaching that may cause shoulder pain that should be examined by a shoulder doctor, including:
- Reaching backward: If you experience intense pain when reaching behind your body, it could be a sign of rotator cuff injury or impingement. Your doctor can provide proper diagnosis and treatment options.
- Reaching overhead: Pain when reaching overhead may indicate shoulder instability or biceps tendinitis. It’s important to have this type of pain evaluated by a medical professional.
- Reaching across your body: Pain when reaching across your body can be a sign of a rotator cuff tear or shoulder impingement. Your doctor can determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Obvious Abnormality or Deformity
And finally, if your shoulder injury involves any obvious abnormality or deformity, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. This could include a visible dislocation, protruding bone, or visibly uneven shoulders.
In these cases, it’s important not to try to reposition the joint yourself and instead seek professional help. Trying to manipulate an injured shoulder can cause further damage and delay proper treatment.
At The Orthopaedic Center, we’re here to offer the best shoulder doctor services in Tulsa, Jenks and nearby areas. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get your shoulder injury evaluated by our expert team. We offer personalized treatment plans to help you recover and get back to your normal activities as soon as possible.