Shoulder injuries are commonly found in athletes who participate in sports such as swimming, tennis, pitching, and weightlifting. These injuries typically occur due to overuse or repetitive arm movements.
Shoulder injuries can lead to pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, challenges in carrying out everyday tasks, and a feeling of something popping.
Some of the common shoulder injuries include sprains and strains, dislocations, tendinitis, bursitis, rotator cuff injury, fractures, and arthritis.
- Sprains and strains: A sprain occurs when the ligaments, which are the tissues that connect bones in a joint, are stretched or torn. This type of injury is quite common and often happens when someone falls or twists their body suddenly. A strain, on the other hand, involves the stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons, which are the tissues that connect muscles to bones. Strains are frequently seen in individuals who take part in sports and are typically caused by twisting or pulling on the tendons.
- Dislocations: A shoulder dislocation is an injury where the bones in the shoulder joint are forced out of their normal position. This usually happens due to a fall or a direct impact on the joint, especially during sports that involve physical contact.
- Tendinitis: It is an inflammation of a tendon, a tissue that connect muscles to bone. It occur as a result of injury or overuse.
- Bursitis: Bursitis is an inflammation of a fluid-filled sac known as a bursa, which helps protect and cushion your joints. It can develop due to repeated strain, injury, arthritis, gout, or an infection.
- Rotator cuff injury: The rotator cuff is made up of tendons and muscles that help keep the bones of the shoulder joint in place. These muscles enable you to lift and lower your arm. When there is an injury to the rotator cuff, it can lead to a reduced ability to move your arm through its full range of motion.
- Fractures: A fracture is a break in the bone that commonly occurs as a result of injury, such as a fall or a direct blow to the shoulder.
- Arthritis: Arthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of shoulder arthritis, and it involves the gradual breakdown of the cartilage within the joint.
Early treatment is necessary to prevent serious shoulder injuries. The immediate mode of treatment recommended for shoulder injuries is rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). Your doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce the swelling and pain.
Your doctor may recommend a series of exercises to strengthen shoulder muscles and to regain shoulder movement.
