What are the Most Common Orthopaedic Shoulder Conditions?
Whether you’re trying to excel in your sport or simply get household tasks done without pain, a shoulder condition or injury can have a severe impact on your day-to-day life. Countless orthopaedic shoulder conditions and injuries cause pain, discomfort, and stiffness, making life more difficult for patients of all ages. At OrthoGeorgia, our shoulder specialists have years of experience working with patients facing all manner of shoulder issues. Some of the common shoulder conditions we diagnose and treat in Central GA include biceps tendon tears, biceps tendonitis, glenoid labrum tears, SLAP tears, rotator cuff tears, and tendinitis. Getting an accurate diagnosis is key to the creation of a personalized treatment plan that targets the specific causes and triggers of your pain. Learn more about these four common shoulder conditions and how we handle them at OrthoGeorgia below.
What are the Symptoms of an Orthopaedic Shoulder Condition?
Different shoulder conditions and injuries often have overlapping symptoms. However, you should be aware of exactly what to look out for. When you come to see us with shoulder pain, we’ll take time to understand your full range of symptoms so we can reach a prompt and accurate diagnosis.
Biceps Tendon Tear Symptoms
A biceps tendon tear occurs when the tendon that connects the biceps muscle to the bones of the shoulder and elbow is damaged, leading to tearing. The biceps tendon attaches in two places around the shoulder, with a tear normally involving just one of those connections. Symptoms of a biceps tendon tear at the shoulder include sudden, severe arm pain, a popping sound or sensation, bicep cramping, bruising, and pain/tenderness in the shoulder and elbow.
Biceps Tendonitis Symptoms
Tendonitis occurs when a tendon becomes inflamed, swollen, or irritated. This condition can affect any tendon of the body, including the upper biceps tendon of the shoulder. Biceps tendonitis is typically considered a “wear and tear” or overuse injury, and often occurs alongside other orthopaedic shoulder conditions. Symptoms include pain or tenderness at the front of the shoulder, pain that increases with overhead motion, achiness in the upper arm, and occasional snapping or popping of the shoulder.
Glenoid Labrum Tear Symptoms
Tears of the shoulder labrum (also called the glenoid labrum) can occur due to sudden trauma or years of overuse. Athletes who regularly perform repetitive shoulder movement (such as throwing athletes or weightlifters) are especially susceptible to labrum tears. This type of injury can also occur due to a fall on an outstretched arm, a direct blow to the shoulder, or a violent overhead reach. Symptoms of a tear of the shoulder labrum include shoulder pain, instability, popping, and grinding, along with loss of strength and reduced range of motion.
SLAP Tear Symptoms
A SLAP (“superior labrum from anterior to posterior”) tear is a type of glenoid labrum tear that occurs at the upper part of the shoulder socket and may also involve the biceps tendon. SLAP tears are very common among overhead athletes and can vary in severity. Individuals with a SLAP tear often experience pain and issues with range of motion in the shoulder. They may have difficulty performing normal shoulder movements and experience clicking, popping, or grinding in the joint when moving.
How are Shoulder Conditions Diagnosed?
No matter what type of shoulder injury you’ve experienced, your appointment at OrthoGeorgia will begin with a physical exam and a discussion of your symptoms. Your orthopaedic shoulder specialist will ask you when your symptoms began and whether or not they can be traced back to a specific event. They will check your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and stability and ask what makes your pain better or worse. The results of your physical exam will determine if imaging tests are needed. Soft tissues like the biceps tendon cannot be shown on X-rays, but this type of imaging test can be used to rule out other shoulder problems. MRI scans can show soft tissues in greater detail, including both partial and complete tears.
Treatment for Common Shoulder Conditions in Central GA
All of the conditions listed above can be treated with similar methods. Your specific treatment plan will depend primarily on your unique injury and your recovery goals. At OrthoGeorgia, your shoulder specialist will create a treatment plan that is tailored to you and ensure that you feel confident and comfortable with your care.
Nonsurgical Shoulder Treatment at OrthoGeorgia
Treatment for biceps tendon tears, biceps tendonitis, and shoulder labrum tears normally begins with nonsurgical treatment techniques. Your doctor will most likely recommend the use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen to control pain and swelling throughout your recovery. Anti-inflammatory medicines can also be administered directly into the tendon with the use of steroid injections. You should avoid activities or movements that worsen your pain. The use of a sling may also help. Those with an orthopaedic shoulder condition or injury can benefit from a comprehensive physical therapy plan as well. Your physical therapist at OrthoGeorgia will teach you various stretching and strengthening exercises to support range of motion and flexibility in the shoulder. Patients have access to comprehensive PT care in Central GA at our offices in Macon, Warner Robins, and Kathleen, where we use state of the art equipment and the latest techniques to provide the highest quality of care.
Surgical Treatment for Shoulder Tears and Biceps Tendonitis
Arthroscopic surgery is used to treat a wide variety of orthopaedic issues, including common shoulder conditions and injuries. This technique requires only very small incisions, through which a small camera and surgical instruments are inserted. The surgeon guides the instruments using the camera. The exact surgical treatment for your injury will depend on the damage that is present. Surgical methods for the common shoulder conditions discussed here include:
Biceps tendon tear: Biceps tendon tears can be addressed by attaching the torn tendon back to the shoulder via the arm bone. Surgery for this injury is usually only needed for patients with significant shoulder pain that has not responded to nonsurgical treatment.
Biceps tendonitis: In some cases, the biceps tendon can be repaired at its attachment to the shoulder socket. In others, the damaged and painful portion of the tendon is removed and the remaining tendon is reattached to the arm bone.
Glenoid labrum tear: Glenoid labrum tears that do not involve the biceps tendon can be addressed by removing the torn flap. If the biceps tendon is damaged and unstable, your surgeon will repair the tendon as needed.
SLAP tear: Depending on the specifics of your injury, SLAP tear surgery may involve either removing the torn part of the labrum or reattaching it with sutures. In some cases, the release of the attached tendon is enough to relieve painful shoulder symptoms.
Other Shoulder Conditions We Treat at OrthoGeorgia
At OrthoGeorgia, we are proud to help patients of all ages overcome shoulder pain and get back to doing what they love. Whether your recovery involves conservative treatment methods or a surgical procedure, we will ensure that you feel confident in your care plan and that all of your questions are answered. Along with the common shoulder conditions listed above, our shoulder specialties in Central GA include:
Macon
