Shoulder Pain Specialist

What causes shoulder pain?

Your shoulder is made up of several bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and injury to any one of these body parts can lead to pain. While there are a number of different reasons you may be experiencing shoulder pain, bursitis, tendinitis, instability, and arthritis are the most common causes of shoulder pain.

Bursitis

Bursitis is an inflammation of your bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac found in your shoulder joint that helps limit friction when you move your shoulder. Bursitis often occurs with rotator cuff tendinitis.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is an inflammation of your tendon, which is a fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone. Tendinitis occurs from general wear and tear.

Instability

Instability of your shoulder is when your shoulder is out of normal position or dislocated. This can occur from an injury that pushes the shoulder out of place.

Arthritis

Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joint, which can occur in any joint, including your shoulder. While there are many different types of arthritis, the most common is osteoarthritis, which results from the wearing down of the cartilage that cushions your joint.

How do I know what caused my shoulder pain?

The expert orthopedists at Peninsula Orthopedic Associates can help determine the exact cause of your shoulder pain so you get the best treatment to relieve your discomfort. In order for them to reach a diagnosis, it’s important that you provide a thorough medical history, including any possible injury that may have preceded your shoulder pain, to help pinpoint the cause.

Your orthopedist then conducts a thorough physical examination of your shoulder, looking for physical deformities, swelling, or muscle weakness. They also test your range of motion.

Diagnostic tests may also be recommended, including:

• X-rays or arthrogram
• CT scan
• Electrical studies such as EMG
• MRI

An arthroscopy may also be necessary to formulate a diagnosis. This is a surgical procedure that uses a lighted telescope to inspect your shoulder from the inside for the cause of your pain. A. Shabi Khan, MD, is the arthroscopic surgeon at Peninsula Orthopedic Associates, and if he identifies tissue damage during the procedure, he may be able to repair it.

How is shoulder pain treated?

In most cases, time and conservative treatments are the best cures for shoulder pain. Your orthopedist at Peninsula Orthopedic Associates may recommend:

• Physical therapy
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Injections

Ninety percent of patients with shoulder pain respond well to conservative measures. However, some conditions, such as recurring shoulder dislocation or some rotator cuff tears, may require surgery.

For diagnosis and treatment of your shoulder pain, call Peninsula Orthopedic Associates or schedule an appointment using the online booking button.