Common Types of Shoulder Injuries and Their Symptoms

Common Types of Shoulder Injuries and Their Symptoms

Common Types of Shoulder Injuries and Their Symptoms

Some shoulder issues are common, such as pains, aches, and minor soreness. This occurs normally over the course of time, and from everyday use. These issues can also be caused by overuse or sudden injury. If you are experiencing some problems with your shoulder, you should seek treatment from an orthopedic surgeon in Lake Mary. There are many signs to take into consideration, and these injuries could be caused by many things. These are a few of the most common shoulder injuries and the symptoms to look for.

Sudden Injury (Acute)

The most common cause of shoulder pain is most obviously injury. Acute injuries can occur from falls, direct blows, twisting wrong, or shoulder bending. The pain can become sudden, and it can be intense. This can also lead to swelling and bruising after the injury. Not to mention, you could experience numbness, weakness, cold, or tingly sensations in your shoulder. This happens when there are pinched or damages blood vessels, and can affect the hand, arm, and shoulder. Here are some common sudden injuries:

  • Bruising- This occurs when blood vessels rupture or tear under the skin. Many things can cause this to happen. Bruises often change the coloration of the impacted area.
  • Ligament Injuries (sprains)- The ropy, tough fibers the connect the bones are called ligaments. They stabilize the joints in your shoulder.
  • Tendon Injury- damage to the tough fibers that connect bone to muscle.
  • Nerve Damage
  • Pulled Muscles
  • Torn Rotator Cuff- Damage to one or more of the 4 tendons that cover the shoulder.
  • Dislocated Shoulder- Bones being pushed or pulled out of their normal position in the body.
  • Fractured Shoulder- Damage caused by twisting, direct blows, or falling on it.
  • Separation of the Shoulder- This occurs when the collarbone's (clavicle) outer end separates from the acromion of the should blade. This is caused by torn ligaments.

Injuries Caused by Overuse

Sometimes, specific injuries are not the cause of pain. In fact, just using your shoulder on a day to day basis can cause injuries that will result in many signs. The symptoms will often appear gradually, worsening over time during everyday activities. Overuse is when there is more stress on a joint or on tissue than there should be. Here are some common overuse injuries:

  • Bursitis- This occurs when the sac of lubricating fluids, which cushions the joint area, becomes inflamed.
  • Impingement Syndrome- If tendons begin to scrape or rub against a part of the shoulder blade which is known as the acromion, this is called impingement syndrome. This is when there are abrasions or inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons.

If you are concerned that you have suffered a shoulder injury, or you are dealing with chronic shoulder pain, you should seek professional treatment from an orthopedic surgeon in Lake Mary. Contact Florida Bone and Joint to make an appointment with us today.