Understanding Shoulder joint disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Shoulder joint disorders

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

The shoulder joint is a complex structure that allows for a wide range of motion. Shoulder joint disorders can arise from various causes, including trauma, overuse, age-related degeneration, or underlying medical conditions. Common shoulder joint disorders include rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement syndrome, shoulder instability, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), and osteoarthritis.

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Signs & symptoms

The symptoms of shoulder joint disorders can vary depending on the specific condition, but they may include: - Pain in the shoulder joint or surrounding areas. - Limited range of motion. - Weakness or difficulty in performing shoulder movements. - Swelling or inflammation. - Instability or feeling of the shoulder "giving way." - Stiffness or difficulty in moving the shoulder. - Clicking or popping sensations.

Diagnosis

To diagnose a shoulder joint disorder, a healthcare professional will typically perform a comprehensive evaluation, which may include: - Medical history assessment. - Physical examination of the shoulder joint. - Imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), or ultrasound. - Arthroscopy (a minimally invasive procedure using a small camera to visualize the inside of the joint) in some cases.

Treatment

Treatment options for shoulder joint disorders depend on the specific condition and its severity. Common treatment approaches include: - Conservative measures: Rest, ice, physical therapy, and exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles. - Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation management. - Corticosteroid injections: Administered directly into the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation and pain. - Surgical interventions: May be required for severe cases or when conservative treatments fail. Surgical options include arthroscopic procedures, rotator cuff repair, shoulder replacement, or stabilization surgeries.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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