5/1/2009
What is Causing Your Shoulder Pain?
4/23/2009
Breakthrough News for Runners
4/19/2009
Treatment Options for Lower Back Pain
4/5/2009
Finding the Right Athletic Shoes
7/26/1999
Dr. Newton Announces Beverly Hills Expansions
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| The Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery |
Friday, May 01, 2009 |
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| Dateline: Beverly Hills, CA |
| For Immediate Release |
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| What is Causing Your Shoulder Pain? |
You probably didn’t start thinking about your shoulders too much, until they started hurting. Now that you have an injured shoulder, you can appreciate what a strong and healthy one does for you. Your shoulders are the most strong and versatile joints in your body. Capable of a wide range of motion, your healthy shoulders are used in almost every daily activity. When you have an injured shoulder however, even simple movements can be difficult.
Everyday life can place extraordinary performance demands on the shoulder. Consequently, the shoulders are susceptible to many different types of injuries and problems. According to Dr. Peter Newton, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, the key to treating this or any injury, is to determine it’s cause.
The shoulder is a closely fitted joint. The humerus, (upper arm bone), a fluid filled bursa (fluid filled sac that cushions and prevents friction between moving structures) and the four tendons that make up the rotator cuff all move back and forth through a very tight archway of bone and ligament (the coracoacromial arch).
The muscles and tendons of the healthy rotator cuff glide freely under this archway and work to firmly hold your upper arm in your shoulder socket. A healthy rotator cuff gives your shoulder strength, flexibility, and control. It also assists the other muscles crossing the shoulder joint with all of your shoulder movements.
Pain was probably the first clue that something was wrong. For Dr. Newton’s patients, the most common complaint is pain and weakness when the arm is lifted overhead or twisted. The aching is usually felt at the top and front of the shoulder and down the upper arm. The pain may be present all the time, and seems to be worse at night.
The rotator cuff is vulnerable to tendon damage from various causes:
1) Chronic irritation from overuse and insufficient rest can cause an inflamed and swollen tendon. The tendon may begin to weaken and break down at its attachment site into the humerus, causing tearing of the tendon.
2) In some patients, especially those older than 50, a bone spur has formed under the coracoaromial arch, and causes pinching (impingement) and abrasive tearing of the rotator cuff tendons.
3) Inflammation can sometimes result in a build-up of calcium deposits (calcific tendonitis) within the rotator cuff.
4) Sudden injuries like falling can cause partial or complete tearing of the cuff.
Any of these conditions can make your shoulder weak, tender, and painful. What can you do to stop the pain and get your shoulder back in shape? The first thing is to have your condition evaluated and examined by your orthopedist (a doctor specializing in bone and muscle problems). Your doctor may order X-rays, or other tests to help determine the best treatment.
According to Dr. Newton, your treatment will depend on the nature of your injury, and may involve non-surgical car, surgical care, or both. If your injury is not severe, physical therapy may be all that you need to heal the rotator cuff. If physical therapy is selected, your rehabilitation will consist of an exercise program under the guidance of your doctor or therapist. In addition, medications can help reduce the swelling and pain. Medications such as Advil, Motrin, or Naprosyn are anti-inflammatory. These medications can help for short-term relief, but can have serious side effects, and therefore should only be taken in the recommended doses.
If your rotator cuff is more severely damaged, surgery may be necessary to relieve your pain and restore your shoulder’s function. Dr. Newton treats more of these injuries arthroscopically. This minimally invasive surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, leaves a much smaller scar, is much less painful, and leads to a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery. Rehabilitation will also be a part of your post-operative treatment.
As your rotator cuff heals, your doctor will need to evaluate your progress. If necessary, changes will be made in your treatment plan to improve recovery. Whether your shoulder heals with or without surgery, you now want to keep it that way. From now on, think about how you are moving to avoid straining your rotator cuff, and remember to exercise, it’s one of the best ways to keep your shoulder fit and powerful for the future.
Contact: Peter M. Newton, M.D. |
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