Understanding Your Options for Rotator Cuff Repair
When you injure your shoulder’s rotator cuff, it can affect everything from lifting your arms to comfortably falling asleep. Discover surgical and nonsurgical means for repairing this crucial area.
5 Common Causes of Shoulder Pain and How to Treat Them
As many as 70% of the world’s population experience shoulder pain during their lives. No wonder it remains one of the main reasons people visit a doctor each year. Learn more about five of the most typical causes.
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Robert A. Mileski, MD, treats shoulder pain and more using the latest surgical and nonsurgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, ultrasound, and physical therapy, at Phoenix Orthopedic Group in Scottsdale, Arizona.
5 common shoulder ailments
Dr. Mileski treats patients for a range of issues, including these common shoulder problems.
1. Dislocated shoulder
Anything from playing sports to reaching beyond your grasp may dislocate your shoulder. If you feel your shoulder slip in and out of its socket, or completely pop out, you know the pain of injuring the labrum tissue supporting your shoulder joint.
2. Shoulder arthritis
Another common condition, shoulder arthritis, often leads to a limited range of motion. Normal aging or injury to one or both of your shoulder joints may lead to a reduction in the area’s protective cartilage, resulting in arthritis.
3. Rotator cuff injury
Your rotator cuff connects your shoulder blade (scapula) to your upper arm bone (humerus). A problem in this area, such as inflamed tendons, may be due to overuse, tears, or sprains, resulting in pain and limited movement.
4. Shoulder fractures
You may crack or break one of three shoulder bones, such as the:
- Upper arm bone top portion (proximal)
- Shoulder blade (scapula)
- Collarbone (clavicle)
This usually results in pain, swelling, and/or bruising.
5. Tendinitis
Repetitive motions, such as swimming, swinging a tennis racket, or hitting a golf ball, can inflame your tendons, causing pain in your shoulder area. You may also find it hard to stretch out your arm or hear clicking when you move it. Even regular household chores, such as cleaning, may become difficult.
Dr. Mileski offers both surgical and nonsurgical treatments depending upon your particular injury and overall health.
How to treat shoulder pain
There are a variety of ways to handle shoulder injuries. Dr. Mileski recommends conservative measures at first, including:
Rest
Our bodies possess amazing healing capabilities when allowed to rest and recuperate. Take time out from sports and avoid heavy lifting and movements that worsen your pain. Temporarily placing your arm in a sling may also assist your recovery.
Ice and heat
Cold helps curtail inflammation and pain. Ice your injured shoulder for brief periods during the first 48 hours after an injury using a cold compress. Even a small bag of frozen peas works fine. Follow with a heating pad once the initial swelling subsides to improve blood flow and relax stiff joints and muscles.
Injections
If you’re still feeling pain or difficulty moving your arm or shoulder area, Dr. Mileski offers injections, including cortisone or platelet-rich plasma from your own blood, to reduce inflammation and boost healing.
When surgery is the answer
If nonsurgical options don’t ease your pain, it may be time to consider surgery for such issues as:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Severe shoulder arthritis
- Frozen shoulder
- Bone spurs
- Shoulder bone fractures
Dr. Mileski may also opt for a surgical solution, such as shoulder replacement, if you suffer major joint damage.
Let us help relieve your pain
If an operation is necessary to relieve your injury and pain, you may benefit from minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures requiring smaller incisions and less downtime than traditional surgery.
Dr. Mileski may also suggest a physical therapist or at-home exercises to help rebuild muscle and reduce your pain.
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or another orthopedic problem, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation online or by phone with Dr. Mileski at Phoenix Orthopedic Group today.
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