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What causes a shoulder dislocation? | What is a rotator cuff injury? | What is tendinitis? | What is a bursa? | Can I have arthritis pain in my shoulder? | What is The Throw Cord Program?
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Shoulder

What causes a shoulder dislocation?

Shoulder dislocation injuries are common because the shoulder is not as stable as other joints. When the humerus (head of the upper arm bone) slips out of the socket, this is known as shoulder dislocation.

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The most common reason for shoulder dislocation is a fall or sports injury. In most cases the humerus is located in front of the shoulder blade after dislocation.

Symptoms of shoulder dislocation include pain, weakness, reduced mobility in arm, swelling and numbness.

This condition can be treated non-surgically in most cases. A process known as closed reduction is used to place the humerus back into the shoulder socket. In serious injuries, in which ligaments, tendons or nerves may be damaged, surgery may be required.

What is a rotator cuff injury?

The group of muscles and tendons that cover the head of the humerus and hold the shoulder socket in place is known as the rotator cuff. Direct damage to the rotator cuff from a fall or repetitive motion is the most common cause of injury. Shoulder imbalance or impingement may be an additional reason for injury.

Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include, pain that may worsen when lifting the arm. In some cases a grinding noise or popping may be noticed when the arm is moved. With severe injuries, movement of the shoulder may not be possible. Pain associated with a rotator cuff injury will be dependent upon the severity.

A minor or partial tear can be treated with non-surgical care such as rest, physical therapy and in some cases steroid injections or other medications. Surgical intervention may be necessary for more serious tears that are not relieved with non-surgical methods.

What is tendinitis?

A tendon is a cord which connects muscle to bone or other tissue. Similar to the wearing process on the sole of a shoe which eventually splits from overuse, most tendinitis is a result of the wearing process that takes place over a period of years. Typically, tendinitis is one of several types:

• Acute tendinitis following some overuse problem such as excessive ball throwing and other sports- or work-related activities.

• Chronic tendinitis which can be attributed to degenerative disease or repetitive wear and tear due to age.

• The splitting and tearing of tendons which may result from acute injury or degenerative changes in the tendons due to advancing age. Rotator cuff injuries are among the most common of these disorders. The rotator cuff is composed of muscles and their tendons which provides shoulder motion and stability.

What is a bursa?

In some cases, excessive use of the shoulder leads to inflammation and swelling of a bursa, a condition called bursitis. Bursas are often described as fluid-filled sacs located around the joints which lessen the friction caused by movement of the shoulder. Bursitis usually occurs in association with rotator cuff tendinitis. Sometimes the many tissues in the shoulder become inflamed and painful, which in turn may limit the use of the shoulder. The joint may stiffen as a result, a condition known as a "frozen shoulder." The good news is that with appropriate care, this condition will usually resolve itself.

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Can I have arthritis pain in my shoulder?

Shoulder pain may also result from arthritis. There are many types of arthritis, but generally it involves wear and tear changes with inflammation of the joint, causing swelling, pain and stiffness. Arthritis may be attributed to sports or work injuries.

People will often avoid shoulder movements in an attempt to lessen the pain arising from these conditions. Unfortunately, this can lead to a tightening or stiffening of the soft tissue parts of the joint, resulting in a painful restriction of motion.

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Shoulder injuries at Orthopedic Institute in Sioux Falls

Our physicians specialize in the treatment of all sports-related injuries to the shoulder including rotator cuff and overuse injuries. The staff of the Sports Medicine Center provide a comprehensive shoulder treatment program for those athletes requiring surgery and return-to-sport, as well as those athletes trying to improve their overall shoulder function. The Throw Cord Program is a program offered at the Sports Medicine Center designed to rehabilitate the athlete with a shoulder injury and improve the function of a healthy shoulder.
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