5 Reasons to Urgently See a Shoulder Pain Doctor

Shoulder pain experts are in high demand in the healthcare industry since elbow and shoulder pain are among the most frequent problems. Because the elbow and shoulder joints are among the most often used in the body, injuries and pain in these joints can have a substantial influence on your everyday life.

However, many patients are unsure about which doctor to see for this type of discomfort or when to see a doctor.

Shoulder pain doctors, often known as orthopedic doctors, treat elbow and shoulder discomfort. Your elbow or shoulder could be examined by an orthopedic expert, who may also prescribe imaging procedures such as ultrasounds, MRIs, or X-rays. They will determine the type of pain you are experiencing and which therapies will be most effective.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Here are the three most common reasons why people go to an orthopedic doctor or shoulder pain doctor to treat shoulder pain:

Rotator Cuff Tear

This disease is a prevalent cause of shoulder pain and impaired function. The risk of a rotator cuff torn grows with age because the muscles and tendons that constitute the rotator cuff can weaken and degenerate as we age.

Rotator cuff tears can occur due to a sudden shoulder injury or overuse injuries, such as playing tennis or golf, frequently typing at work, or falling.

Arthritis

Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis that causes joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation, can induce shoulder pain. Because arthritis is caused by bone-on-bone rubbing in the shoulder due to a lack of protective cartilage, aging, normal wear and tear, or a shoulder injury may increase your risk of developing it.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

This painful ailment can be caused by irritated, inflamed, or degenerative tendons in the shoulder. The most prevalent causes of shoulder impingement syndrome are repetitive overhead movements or anatomical irregularities in the shoulder.

When Should You See a Shoulder Pain Doctor?

So, how will you know if you need a shoulder pain specialist? Here are a few examples of when you should see a doctor:

1. A popping sound came from your shoulder

After a violent fall, you may hear a popping sound in your shoulder, accompanied by extreme pain and weakness. This could be a rotator cuff tear or AC joint separation. If you hear a popping sound after falling, see a shoulder pain doctor immediately before the problem develops.

2. Your shoulder becomes weak

A torn or ruptured rotator cuff can induce shoulder weakness. This is typically caused by applying a strong force on the shoulder. Arm weakness is common with large rotator cuff injuries, especially while elevating your arm. If you're experiencing this, it's time to see a shoulder pain doctor.

3. Your shoulder seems unstable

If your shoulder loses stability after injury, it is probably dislocated. In certain cases, a dislocated shoulder may return to its natural position after rising from the floor. Some will not, in which case you should see an orthopedic or shoulder pain doctor.

4. Your shoulder has a bump

You may notice a bump on the top of your shoulder after a fast fall. A lump is always accompanied by excruciating agony, indicating that your AC joint or shoulder has been injured. Although most cases of AC separation do not require surgery, a doctor's evaluation is essential to determine which type of AC separation you have. Once the doctor determines the type of AC separation you have, you'll know if your shoulder injury is serious or if it simply requires time to heal.

5. Your clavicle becomes painful

A rapid fall onto your shoulder shifts the impact to your clavicle (collarbone), which may fracture. You may notice a protrusion above your collarbone and acute discomfort in that location following the injury. It is crucial to have a doctor evaluate the type of fracture you have to undergo the necessary treatment before the damage worsens.

Most shoulder injuries will develop over time if left untreated. If you have any (or all) of the five symptoms above, you should see an orthopedic or shoulder pain specialist immediately.

How Long Have You Been Experiencing Pain?

Our actions may occasionally cause muscular soreness or body aches. Perhaps you upped the intensity of your usual workout. Perhaps you've recently moved some hefty boxes or gone shopping with a heavy bag.

You may have strained the muscles if your shoulder pain developed during the last several days. Regardless, you should wait a few days to see if it goes away on its own. If the pain persists and does not go away after a few days, you should see an orthopedic doctor.

Shoulder pain that lasts may signal an injury or underlying condition that necessitates medical attention.

How Severe is the Pain?

Pain is an important warning sign since it indicates that something is amiss. While aches and pains are normal from time to time, prolonged or severe discomfort suggests that something is significantly wrong and requires medical treatment.

Were You a Part of an Accident or Fall?

If you get shoulder pain after an injury or a fall at work, while participating in sports, driving, or exercising, you should see an orthopedic or shoulder pain doctor as soon as possible.

Shoulder pain after an accident is typically a sign of inner injury. It's conceivable that it's just inflammation, which will go away in a few days. However, failing to address injuries after an accident may aggravate them, demanding more rigorous treatment and a longer recovery period.

If your shoulder pain is the consequence of an injury, you need urgent attention and should see a doctor right away, no matter how small or severe the pain is.