Submitted by: Scott S

The shoulder is a joint in an area of the body surrounded by tendon, muscle and bursa that all contribute to shoulder function. According to California orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Dr. Ralph Venuto, “There are several factors that may cause shoulder pain, including tendonitis, bursitis, instability, and arthritis. I see a number of California arthritis patients whose condition has developed following trauma to the shoulder joint. Several treatment options are available depending on the cause of the shoulder pain.”

– Tendonitis/Bursitis

Chronic, recurring shoulder tendonitis is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. A tendon is basically a cord connecting the muscle to the bone. The tendons within the shoulder that may be commonly affected include the bicep tendon and rotator cuff tendons. Tendonitis may occur over a period of time due to wearing down of the tendon, and in some cases, it may also be acute due to excessive activities. For shoulder pain, a doctor may prescribe painkillers and corticosteroid injections to bring down the inflammation. Other treatments may include application of ice packs on the affected areas and physiotherapy. But when these non-surgical treatments prove to be ineffective, surgery may eventually be required.

– Fracture

A fracture basically refers to broken bones, which may be caused by fall from height, sports injury, or motor vehicle accident. Fractures involving the shoulder may include upper arm bone (humerus), collarbone (clavicle), or shoulder blade (scapula). To diagnose a fracture, a qualified California sports medicine specialist will look for any form of sudden swelling, bruising, and intense pain through X-rays and other diagnostic tests.

– Bursitis

Bursitis refers to inflammation of bursa, which is fluid-filled, small sacs located within the joints in the body. Bursa primarily helps in reducing the friction between bones and gliding muscles. Bursitis often tends to affect bursa located between the rotator cuff and a part of the shoulder blade called the acromion. This condition often occurs together with rotator cuff tendonitis. A normal treatment regimen includes anti-inflammatory and pain medication along with rest, ice and compression.

Tendonitis, bursitis, fracture and arthritis each incorporate similar treatment regimens prescribed to help reduce pain and inflammation. But if patients are not responding to these treatments, there are other non-surgical options that may help. One option is PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Therapy, a technology that Dr. Venuto offers patients in his Newport Beach orthopedic practice. PRP can help accelerate tissue healing, reduce inflammation and speed recovery without surgery.

– Arthritis

Arthritis is another potential cause of shoulder pain. According to California arthritis specialist Dr. Venuto, arthritis of the shoulder is often linked to the aging process and tends to develop slowly, causing pain to become worse over time. In severe cases, surgical intervention, including replacement of the shoulder joint, may be needed. Other treatment options include therapy, moist heat, applying ice compresses, and medication. A minimally invasive treatment option is PRP Therapy (Platelet Rich Plasma). Exercise and weight control can also play a key role in helping to relieve pain and discomfort associated with arthritis.

– Instability

Instability or dislocation is one of the factors causing acute shoulder pain, which occurs when the head area of the upper arm bone is forced out of shoulder socket. This can occur due to overuse or sudden injury. The dislocation may be partial or complete, and such repeated episodes can increase the possibility of joint arthritis.

– Other Causes

Other causes of shoulder pain include recurrent dislocation, labral tears and rotator cuff tears, all of which can also be treated with PRP for those wanting to postpone surgery, but may eventually require surgical repair. Most of the causes of shoulder pain warrant the same treatment protocols, and additionally each can be treated with PRP as an alternative to immediate surgery.

For all shoulder related pain or shoulder problems, sports medicine specialists conduct a thorough physical examination and are able to diagnose any abnormalities with the help of tests, thus allowing for determination of an appropriate course of treatment.

About the Author: Dr. Ralph Venuto is an Orange County Orthopedic Physician practicing in Newport Beach, California. A sports medicine surgeon, Dr. Venuto is board-certified in orthopedic surgery and focuses on the treatment of knee and shoulder disorders. For more information, log on to:

drvenuto.com

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