The shoulders are one of our bodies' most complex and important joints. They allow us to perform a wide range of movements, from lifting heavy objects to throwing a ball. However, with great mobility comes great risk.
Shoulder injuries can occur from a variety of activities, from sports to everyday tasks. If left untreated, these injuries can cause significant pain and discomfort, affecting our daily lives.
In this article, we'll dive into the five most common shoulder injuries. Whether you're an athlete or simply someone who wants to stay fit and healthy, it's essential to understand these.
1. Rotator Cuff Tear
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that hold your shoulder joint in place. Rotator cuff tears occur when one or more of these tendons are torn or damaged. This injury can be caused by repetitive overhead activities, lifting heavy weights, or sudden trauma. Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include pain in the shoulder, weakness, stiffness, and difficulty raising your arm.
2. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common shoulder injury that occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become pinched or compressed between the bones in the shoulder. This injury is often caused by repetitive overhead activities, such as throwing a ball or swimming. Symptoms of shoulder impingement syndrome include pain in the shoulder, weakness, and difficulty lifting your arm.
3. Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes stiffness and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. This injury can be caused by injury, surgery, or prolonged immobility. Symptoms of a frozen shoulder include pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder.
4. Bursitis
Bursitis is a condition that occurs when the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint, becomes inflamed. This injury can be caused by repetitive overhead activities, lifting heavy weights, or sudden trauma.
Other causes include:
- Infection: If the bursa becomes infected, it can lead to inflammation.
- Arthritis: Arthritis can cause inflammation of the bursa.
- Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis that can cause bursitis.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing bursitis.
Symptoms of bursitis include pain, swelling, and tenderness in the shoulder.
5. Shoulder Dislocation
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone comes out of the shoulder socket. This injury can be caused by trauma, such as a fall or car accident. Symptoms of a shoulder dislocation include severe pain, swelling, and deformity in the shoulder.
Other symptoms of a shoulder dislocation may include:
- Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
- Limited range of motion in the shoulder
- Weakness or instability in the affected arm
- Muscle spasms in the shoulder area
Conclusion
Shoulder injuries can cause significant pain and discomfort, affecting our daily lives and activities. Understanding these injuries' causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for preventing and managing them. If you experience any symptoms mentioned in this article, seek medical attention promptly. Most shoulder injuries can heal successfully with proper treatment, allowing you to return to your daily activities without pain or discomfort.
If you’re suffering from shoulder injuries and you need a physiotherapist in Yukon, visit Whitehorse Physiotherapy. Our experts will help you recover faster through accurate diagnosis and effective intervention. Book an appointment today!
