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THE
shoulder is the most exible
joint in your body. But because it’s so
exible, it tends to be unstable—which
can lead to a variety of problems.
Your shoulder joint is made up of
bones held in place by muscles, ten-
dons and ligaments. Many shoulder
problems are caused by the break-
down of so tissues in the shoulder—
usually because of overuse.
Shoulder problems are more likely
to occur as you get older, according
to James Treadwell, D.O., an ortho-
pedic surgeon at Sentara Southern
Virginia Orthopedics. Dr. Treadwell
specializes in orthopedic care for
upper extremities, such as shoulders,
elbows, wrists and hands.
“Although the shoulder can be
easily injured during sporting activi-
ties and manual labor, the primary
source of shoulder problems is o en
the natural age-related degeneration
of the so tissues,” he says. “Overuse
of the shoulder can lead to more
rapid age-related deterioration.”
Bursitis and tendinitis
TWO JOINT AILMENTS THAT AREN’T SO SWELL
Overusing a joint can trigger two things you don’t want: bursitis and
tendinitis.
With bursitis, bursae—small, uid- lled sacs near the joints—become
swollen and tender. Likewise, in tendinitis, tendons—the tissues that con-
nect muscles to bones—also swell painfully. These common, uncomfort-
able conditions occur most often in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee
and ankle.
People who put excess stress on joints or who do the same kinds of
movements every day—such as athletes, carpenters, gardeners and
data entry workers—are at heightened risk of these ailments. Some
common forms of tendinitis are named after the sports or move-
ments that increase their risk, such as tennis elbow, swimmer’s
shoulder and jumper’s knee.
Treatment typically involves rest, tightly wrapping or elevat-
ing the a ected area, and taking amedicine (such as aspirin or ibu-
profen) to reduce pain and swelling. If these and other steps fail
to ease symptoms after 6 to 12months, surgery to repair damage
and relieve pressure on tendons or bursaemay be advised.
Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Don’t shrug o shoulder pain
Types of shoulder problems
According to the American
Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
(AAOS), most shoulder problems
fall into four major categories:
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Tendon in ammation (bursitis or
tendinitis) or tendon tear.
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Instability.
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Arthritis.
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Fracture.
“Injuries or shoulder problems
o en result from athletic activities,”
says Dr. Treadwell. “But you can
also hurt your shoulder performing
everyday tasks like washing walls,
hanging curtains or gardening.”
Signs of trouble
e AAOS advises you to see a doc-
tor if you have pain and your shoulder:
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Is sti and doesn’t rotate normally.
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Feels like it is loose or could pop
out of place.
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Lacks strength to perform daily
activities.
If you are concerned about
your shoulders, a doctor may be
able to prescribe exercises that can
strengthen your shoulder muscles
and prevent injury.
“In the case of an acute injury
causing intense pain, it’s important
to seek medical care as soon as pos-
sible,” says Dr. Treadwell. “If the pain
is less severe, it may be safe to rest
a few days to see if time will resolve
the problem. If your symptoms per-
sist, then it’s best to see a doctor.”
To schedule an appointment with
an orthopedic specialist at Sentara
Southern Virginia Orthopedics, call
434-572-4074
.
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