The shoulder joint is one of the most mobile joints in the body. It allows us to raise our arms, reach overhead, and perform many daily activities. However, this mobility also makes the shoulder joint susceptible to injury and pain.
If you are experiencing pain, you may be wondering if you need to see a shoulder doctor. Here’s when you should:
1. When The Pain Is Severe And Persistent
Joint pain is pretty common, especially among older adults, because the body’s joints experience a lot of wear and tear over the years. It’s also normal for your shoulders to ache after physically-taxing activities. For example, you may feel pain after playing tennis or painting your house.
However, you should see a shoulder doctor if the pain is severe and persistent. This is especially true if the pain prevents you from performing your daily activities or interferes with sleep.
2. When The Pain Comes With Other Symptoms
Concerning shoulder pain may come with other symptoms like:
- Redness and swelling around the shoulder joint
- Shoulder stiffness
- Limited range of motion in the shoulder
- Weakness in the arm or hand
- Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
These symptoms may indicate a more severe problem, like rotator cuff tendinitis or a frozen shoulder. See a shoulder doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms along with shoulder pain.
3. When The Pain Has Not Resolved With Home Treatment
There are many things you can do at home to treat acute shoulder pain, such as:
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Applying an ice pack to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time
- Wearing shoulder support or a sling
- Doing gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises
If you have been doing these things but your pain has not resolved, you should see a shoulder doctor. They can determine the cause of your pain and recommend more effective treatment options.
4. When The Pain Is From An Injury
Seek help if you have injured your shoulder, especially if the pain is severe or you cannot move your arm. A shoulder doctor can determine the extent of the injury and recommend the right course of treatment.
The most common shoulder injuries are:
- Rotator cuff tears, a tear in one or more of the tendons attaching the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone
- Dislocated shoulder, when the ball at the top of the upper arm bone pops out of the socket
- Fractured shoulder, a break in one or more of the bones making up the shoulder joint
- Frozen shoulder, where the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful
If you have injured your shoulder, you should see a shoulder doctor as soon as possible. Early treatment can help prevent further damage and speed up the healing process.
5. When The Pain Is Unexplained
There are many potential causes of shoulder pain, such as acute injury, soreness due to sudden straining, arthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. See a shoulder doctor if you are experiencing pain and don’t know why. Your doctor can conduct tests to determine the cause of your pain and recommend the right course of treatment.
Trusted Shoulder Doctor In Boynton Beach, FL
You can rely on Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches if you need a trusted shoulder doctor in Boynton Beach. Our orthopedic providers are board-certified, fellowship-trained, and excited to give you the care you deserve. Call our office to learn about our services or to schedule a visit with one of our shoulder specialists. You may also use our appointment request form to request an appointment.
We look forward to serving you!
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. For advice about your condition, talk with your physician. Request an appointment with our team.
