Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is an issue that many people of all ages can experience. There are many factors that may contribute to shoulder pain, including injuries or degenerative conditions. Simply understanding the most common causes of shoulder pain will allow you to address it and prevent it from getting worse. This blog will outline the main reasons for shoulder pain, and if you are experiencing the same, we will recommend the best orthopaedic clinic in Gachibowli. 

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

1. Injuries to the Rotator Cuff

The term "rotator cuff" refers to a group of four muscles and their tendons that keep the shoulder stable, giving you the ability to raise and rotate your arm. Injury to the rotator cuff is one of the main causes of shoulder pain; this can include tendinitis, tears, or swelling of the tendons (which are often from repetitive use or wear and tear). Activities involving repeated movement of the arm, such as throwing or lifting, can strain the rotator cuff and cause pain. 

2. Arthritis

Arthritis of the shoulder joint, especially osteoarthritis, is where the cartilage (the cushion between bones) is worn away; as a result, the bones rub against each other, and you feel pain and stiffness and may not be able to move your shoulder fully. Rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease) may also produce shoulder pain and inflammation. Arthritis usually worsens over time but can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes.

3. Bursitis

Bursae are small, fluid-filled pillows that reduce friction between the bones and soft tissues in the shoulder. When the bursa becomes inflamed, usually from overuse or injury, bursitis is the result. Inflammation causes swelling and pain with movement of the shoulder, particularly with lifting or overhead activities. 

4. Tendinitis and Tendon Tears

Tendinitis is inflammation of the shoulder tendons, usually caused by overuse or injury. Sports or repetitive activities, such as painting, can lead to tendinitis developing over time. If the tendinitis is not treated, it can lead to the tearing of the tendons, which leads to continued pain and weakness in the shoulder. Full-thickness tears may require surgery to repair.

5. Dislocations and Injuries

A sudden injury, fall, or trauma can result in a shoulder dislocation, meaning that the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder joint. Dislocated shoulders are often very painful, swollen, and unstable. A fracture or broken bone in the collarbone or upper arm may create painful symptoms in the shoulder region as well. ​

6. Frozen Shoulder 

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder, which can create a loss of motion in the shoulder. The exact cause is not always known, but it appears to be related to inflammation and thickening of the shoulder capsule. 

Are you experiencing shoulder pain? Visit the best orthopaedic clinic in Hyderabad at Jade Clinics. The clinic helps you provide relief from shoulder pain and specialises in treating many other orthopaedic conditions too. For more details, visit Jade Clinics now.