Leading Causes of Shoulder Pain

If you have shoulder pain, you want to know what’s behind it. Here’s a look at some of the top causes of discomfort in this critical joint — and what you can do to find relief.

If grabbing something from a high shelf or getting comfortable when you get into bed is a challenge, you want relief. But finding out how to soothe your shoulder pain often has to start with identifying the root cause of that discomfort.

We can help. As specialists in shoulder pain, Karl Siebuhr, MD, and our team at Reconstructive Orthopaedics of Central Florida can assess your shoulder and diagnose the issue. Then, we tailor a treatment plan to help you get the relief you need, all from our office right here in Ocala, Florida.

So, what might be behind your shoulder pain? Here are some of the leading causes.

Inflammation

Inflammation in the soft tissue of your shoulder can cause discomfort every time you move.

Your bursa — fluid-filled sacs that should cushion your shoulder — can get inflamed, for example, causing stiffness and pinching pain. Or the tendons that should stabilize and support your shoulder can get inflamed, too.

Fortunately, problems like bursitis and tendonitis can often be treated without surgery. Dr. Siebuhr can help you find the right treatment option, like physical therapy, injection-based treatments, and medication.

It’s also worth mentioning another specific type of inflammation that can affect your shoulder: arthritis.

Arthritis

When you have arthritis, you have inflammation in your joint. In your shoulder, specifically, this means inflammation in the cartilage that should provide cushioning.

Several different types of arthritis can affect you. Osteoarthritis develops because of wear-and-tear, for example, while rheumatoid arthritis means you have an autoimmune disorder causing the inflammation.

Dr. Siebuhr can help you find out which type of arthritis affects your shoulder. That way, he can tailor a care plan — from lifestyle modifications and medication to injections and surgery — to help you find relief.

Tears

Your shoulder is a complex ball-and-socket joint. With such a large range of motion, it relies on quite a few critical components to keep it working the way it should.

As a result, a tear in the rotator cuff or labrum that stabilizes your shoulder can create not just pain, but also instability. You might feel a grinding or locking sensation when you try to move your shoulder. Fortunately, in many cases, rest and physical therapy can help your shoulder heal.

These are just a few of the common causes of shoulder pain. To learn more about them and other shoulder problems — and to find out what’s behind your pain — call our office or request your appointment online today.