Shoulder Pain That Won’t Go Away? Common Injuries and Treatment Options

The trifecta of the most common orthopedic problems includes back, neck, and shoulder pain. And while 50% of patients with shoulder pain experience relief in about six months, sometimes the problem doesn’t go away. 

We at Texas Health Care’s Bone and Joint Clinic know what to look for in persistent shoulder pain and can discuss with you the possible injuries associated with it, as well as your treatment options. Our team understands that shoulder pain is a serious matter and wants you to feel supported as you seek answers.

Common shoulder pain injuries

We all feel pain from time to time, but what are the signs that shoulder discomfort is actually due to an injury? First, try to remember if you’ve experienced a fall or blow to the area recently. Then, ask yourself how often you strain your shoulder for everyday tasks. Both acute and long-term effects can lead to steady shoulder pain.

Finally, ask yourself if your pain is also associated with stiffness, weakness, and a reduced range of motion. All of these are additional signs that your issue is likely an injury rather than a condition. 

Because shoulder pain is such a common problem, it helps to recognize the most common injuries associated with it. Starting with these, we can zero in on the likely culprits. Below are some of the most prevalent shoulder injuries. 

Sprains and strains 

Whether you’re playing sports or overextending your arm while reaching into a high cupboard, it’s easy to sprain or strain your shoulder. The former is a ligament problem, while the latter affects muscles or tendons. Both can develop over time or all at once, leading to lasting pain, especially if it isn’t allowed to properly heal. 

Repetitive stress 

Repetitive stress injuries happen because of a continued movement or action leading to overuse or overextension. Often, repetitive stress issues in the shoulders are work-related, but they can also be the result of at-home activities and even sports or exercise routines. 

Buristis

Bursitis is a particularly common cause of shoulder pain, occurring when the tendons in the rotator cuff are pressed upward under the shoulder bone, causing inflammation. Anything from a fall to repetitive motions to gout can lead to this type of injury.

Arthritis 

When you think of arthritis, the shoulder probably isn’t the first affected body part that comes to your mind, but this joint is as susceptible as any other. Osteoarthritis is a common condition that occurs with age, where small tears in the cartilage lead to stiffness and pain. 

Fracture

Last but not least, persistent shoulder pain could be the result of a fracture or dislocation. In some cases, patients don’t realize they’ve actually affected the bone, which means the injury may not heal properly or at all. This can cause long-term, consistent pain that won’t go away with rest.

Treating shoulder injuries 

If you notice your shoulder has been hurting for more than a few weeks, even with rest and gentle care, you may be dealing with an undiagnosed injury. We can help you figure out which, if any, of these common problems it could be, as well as how to treat your shoulder for a safe, healthy recovery. 

You probably know the old acronym RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) for an acute injury. It still works wonders and is usually where most providers will start if you’ve experienced a recent trauma or have just started feeling pain. But if you’ve been uncomfortable for weeks, it’s probably time to consider other options. 

Physical therapy can work wonders, especially for the shoulder, but sometimes patients are in too much pain to begin. Instead, a combination of treatments like corticosteroid injections, PRP, and other medications can help reduce pain and inflammation enough for physical therapy to become useful. 

If conservative treatments don’t work, minimally invasive surgery focuses on affecting as little of the surrounding area as possible and allowing you to recover quickly and safely. Only in extreme cases where nothing else provides relief will we suggest our final option: total shoulder replacement.

Do you think you may have a shoulder injury?

If you do, there’s no time like the present to ask for help. Our clinics in Fort Worth, Southlake, and Weatherford, Texas, offer safe, effective treatment beginning with the most conservative options for your recovery. 

Everyone deserves to live pain-free. To make an appointment, call or visit us online today.