5 Common Shoulder Issues
Though many people believe that the foot or the hand is the most complicated joint in our bodies, you may be shocked to discover it is the shoulder. The shoulder is the most complex joint in the human body, and injuries to your shoulder can debilitate you. It doesn't matter whether you're suffering an age-related issue, you're a weekend warrior, or a professional athlete, shoulder injuries can be debilitating when not diagnosed early and treated appropriately because the healing process is essential to long-term movement and health. When left untreated, shoulder issues may require the expertise of an orthopedic surgeon in Deland.
Because the shoulder is a complex system, it is prone to injury. The human shoulder consists of the following:
- Five groups of bones
- Over 20 muscles
- Four different joints
- And several bands of elastic tissue around shoulder joints that connect bone to bone are called ligaments.
We use our shoulders almost all the time, and they have the greatest range of motion within the human body. Shoulder injuries can impact multiple body areas and interfere significantly with movement. In addition, our shoulders begin to develop wear and tear due to repetitive use as we grow older. Other causes of shoulder injuries include playing sports and being involved in athletic activities. Many different issues can cause shoulder injuries, whether you are playing sports or doing yard work. Common shoulder issues include:
Arthritis
With aging, many of the body's joints begin to show signs of wear and tear, including the smooth cartilage that covers the joints. Movement can cause pain when the cartilage starts to wear away.
Shoulder instability
Younger people tend to experience shoulder instability more often than others, especially during growth spurts or athletic activity. This is because ligaments and muscles are dramatically stretched when we grow, causing the shoulder to become unstable. Instability can also be caused by repetitive motions like tackling or throwing a baseball.
Bursitis
Bursae, the small fluid sacs that cushion bones, muscles, and tendons near our joints, get inflamed and cause a great deal of pain in the shoulder area.
Torn rotator cuff
There are tendons and muscles in the upper arm supporting the shoulder and arm and allowing for an extensive range of motion. One of these groups of muscles and tendons is known as the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff injuries become extremely painful when a strain or tear is involved. In the most severe cases, rotator cuff injuries can prevent you from lifting up your arm.
Tendonitis
The inflammation of connective tissues called tendons is known as tendonitis. Tendonitis causes painful movement of the shoulder.
The human shoulder is a sophisticated joint that can be damaged in many different ways throughout our lives. An orthopedic surgeon in Deland can treat all types of injuries, pains, and aches that occur as we get older. However, minor pain that doesn't resolve with over-the-counter medication and rest may indicate a more significant problem and should never be ignored. When left untreated, what started as minor pain can lead to something much more severe and significantly impact shoulder movement over time.