Painful Shoulder

A persistent shoulder pain can be due to many reasons. Here are some common causes of shoulder pain:

• Weak Rotator Cuff Muscles: Sometimes the pain in shoulder can be due to overuse or strain on a weak shoulder musculature.
• Rotator Cuff Tendinosis / Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder can cause pain, often referred to as tendinitis. This can result from overuse or repetitive movements.
• Rotator Cuff Injuries: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Injuries to the rotator cuff, such as tears or inflammation, can lead to pain and limited shoulder movement.
• Bursitis: Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles in the shoulder. Inflammation of these sacs, known as bursitis, can lead to pain and discomfort.
• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Frozen shoulder is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, often accompanied by a gradual loss of mobility.
• Arthritis: Various types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the shoulder joint and cause pain.
• Fractures or Dislocations: A shoulder fracture or dislocation can result in severe pain and require medical attention.
• Nerve Compression: Conditions like pinched nerves or cervical radiculopathy can cause referred pain in the shoulder area.
• Tendon Tears: Apart from rotator cuff tears, other tendons in the shoulder, such as the biceps tendon, can also tear and cause pain.
• Heart or Lung Issues: Sometimes, pain in the shoulder area may be referred from issues in the heart or lungs, although this is less common.
• Overuse or Strain: Everyday activities or sports that involve repetitive shoulder movements can lead to overuse injuries and pain.

To determine the cause of your persistent painful shoulder condition and to receive appropriate treatment, it's essential to consult us or a Shoulder specialist. We might recommend certain X-rays / scans or blood tests for finding out the cause. After zeroing in on a diagnosis we might recommend you physical therapy, medications, rest, ice, heat, or, in some cases, surgery, depending on the underlying issue.

In the meantime, you can try to rest the shoulder, apply ice, and avoid activities that worsen the pain, but consult us or any healthcare professional for a proper assessment.