To alleviate shoulder pain and enhance shoulder function, non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, steroid injections, and other non-invasive treatments can work miracles. Despite this, there are situations when surgery is the only option to heal the damage to the shoulder and restore function.
If you put off shoulder surgery when needed, you may find that your therapy is more challenging in the long run. Your orthopaedic provider will be able to assist you in determining whether or not shoulder surgery is the appropriate treatment option for you, as well as whether the time has come to consider the possibility of shoulder surgery.
Understanding Shoulder Difficulties
In addition to being one of the body’s most extensive and complicated joints, the shoulder is also the most flexible joint. Because of this, it is prone to various problems, ranging from instability to impingement of the soft tissue. The glenohumeral joint and the acromioclavicular joint are the two joints that make up the ball and socket structure of the shoulder. The three bones that make up the shoulder are the humerus, the scapula, and the collarbone.
Shoulder difficulties can present in various ways, including a restricted range of motion, weakness, and stiffness. Most of the time, issues with the shoulder are the root of the pain.
Shoulder pain is typically caused by one or more of the following three factors:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rotator cuff tears
- Rotator cuff injuries
How do I know if I need Shoulder Surgery?
Your shoulder may be begging for assistance if it is experiencing aches, pains, stiffness, numbness, or tingling. All of these symptoms should be taken seriously. You should not disregard the warning signs that your body is giving you; it is trying to get your attention and let you know that it needs assistance. This does not mean that you should rush to see a shoulder specialist every time something goes wrong.
You are Wide Awake Due to the Pain in Your Shoulder.
If you’re having trouble sleeping because of ongoing pain, it’s time to make an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon so they can take a closer look at your condition.
Extended periods of impaired movement.
It is one thing to have stiffness due to aching muscles; however, if you cannot reach, rotate, or enjoy complete mobility capabilities in your arm, you may want to consider getting a professional’s opinion on your shoulder as soon as possible.
You are suffering from persistent pain that is increasing in intensity.
When you have a significant injury to your shoulder, you may notice that the pain is no longer confined to a single location but spreads to other areas in the immediate vicinity. This is a concerning sign, suggesting that you may need orthopaedic surgery shortly.
The discomfort does not go away.
When the event that first caused the pain has long since gone, but the shoulder discomfort is still intense, it may be time to investigate surgical options for relieving it with an expert orthopaedic surgeon.
You are suffering from weakness in your shoulders.
Suppose you have observed that your shoulder feels any combination of shaky, less intense, numb, pinched, or limited movements. In that case, you should schedule an appointment with a surgeon as soon as possible to get their expert opinion on the matter.
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