Sports Injuries

One minute you were leaping for the ball, and the next you were doubled over, your shoulder feeling like it was on fire. Or it may have happened when you were hitting a long drive, reaching high for a serve, spiking a volleyball or finishing your 20th length in the pool.

Now you can't sleep at night. You may have trouble with even simple activities such as getting dressed or combing your hair. If your job involved overhead activities like painting or stocking shelves, you may be on disability.

You're asking yourself: Do I have to live with this pain? What can I do?

You don't need to live with the pain of shoulder problems. Much can be done to reduce your pain, return your shoulder mobility and get you back to the activities you love.

 Is surgery my only option? 

Your doctor probably will suggest surgery only when your symptoms don't improve with conservative treatment. The majority of shoulder conditions may have treatment options that include pain medications and physical therapy. When surgery is believed to be the best choice, a form of minimally invasive surgery called arthroscopic surgery may be appropriate for you.

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 What are typical sports injuries? 

Your shoulder is at risk in many sports. The most frequent problems are with the tendons (tendinitis), rotator cuff (torn rotator cuff) and the shoulder joint (dislocation).

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 Tendinitis and shoulder impingement 

Tendinitis is perhaps the most common shoulder problem. The common names of shoulder tendinitis — pitcher's shoulder, swimmer's shoulder, tennis shoulder — are an indication of the sports involved.

Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon (def.). When it happens in the shoulder, the rotator cuff (def.) or the biceps (def.) tendon are inflamed, usually as the result of being pinched. This squeezing or pinching of the rotator cuff is called shoulder "impingement."

animation View an animation of impingement syndrome.

If you have pain and stiffness, call your doctor.

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 Torn rotator cuff 

Your rotator cuff may tear when you fall on an outstretched hand or collide with something. Rotator cuff tendinitis and tears are common in overhead sports such as baseball, tennis, volleyball and swimming and also can occur in weight lifting or football.

animation View an animation of a torn rotator cuff.

If you have pain and stiffness, call your doctor.

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 Shoulder dislocation 

A dislocated shoulder happens when a strong force or extreme shoulder rotation pulls the "ball" of the upper arm bone right out of your socket. If the dislocation is partial, it's called a subluxation. Falling on an outstretched hand, or a blow to the shoulder can cause dislocation.

animation View an animation of shoulder dislocation.

Call your doctor immmediately.

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 Don't ignore the signals 

Pain is the body's way of getting our attention and letting us know something is wrong. Yet some individuals have a tendency to "play through shoulder injuries" and ignore pain, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Pain, weakness and lack of mobility can become second nature.

This not only can worsen the condition, but can cause additional problems long term. According to the AAOS, those suffering from shoulder pain should ask themselves:

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, contact your doctor or locate an orthopaedic specialist.

Orthopaedic experts say many shoulder patients are seen later than recommended. Individuals who have pain that's more than just a little bruise, ache or a muscle strain should seek early evaluation, the experts counsel.

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