Shoulder

At Heartland Orthopedic Specialists, our specialty-trained shoulder doctors are the experts in assessing, diagnosing, and treating shoulder injuries and conditions.

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, comprised of a system of muscles and ligaments connecting the clavicle (collar bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and humerus (upper arm bone).

It is the most versatile joint with the widest range of motion in the human body, and its complex structure allows for a tremendous amount of flexibility. However, this wide range of motion also introduces an increased vulnerability to injury.

Typically, shoulder pain can be identified as the result of one of four root causes: instability, arthritis, inflammation, or fractures.

Shoulder instability occurs when the shoulder joint becomes dislocated (the head of the humerus is forced out of the socket). Whether the result of a sudden injury or from overuse, each time the shoulder is dislocated the ligaments are stretched, making the shoulder increasingly more susceptible to repeat episodes.

Shoulder arthritis is the result of wear-and-tear of the cartilage within the shoulder joint. When the layer of cartilage within the shoulder joint wears away, the bones being to rub against one another, causing inflammation and discomfort.

Shoulder inflammation, often regarded as shoulder bursitis, can be considered an overuse injury. Inflammation of the shoulder is characterized by swelling of the bursa between the rotator cuff and the top of the scapula. Overuse (excessive or repetitive motions) of the shoulder is generally the cause of shoulder inflammation.

Shoulder fractures are the result of traumatic incidents, such as an automobile accident or other traumatic blow to the joint. Most commonly affecting the clavicle, scapula, and upper humerus, shoulder fractures often do not require surgery.

It may be time to seek treatment with a shoulder specialist if you are experiencing the following symptoms of a shoulder condition or injury:

• Shoulder pain and stiffness
• Limited range of motion
• Inability to reach overhead without pain
• Shoulder pain that disrupts sleep or keeps you awake at night
• A popping or grinding sensation when using the afflicted shoulder

Shoulder pain can disrupt your lifestyle and significantly reduce your quality of life. So whether you’re suffering from a recent injury, such as a rotator cuff tear, or from chronic pain, such as shoulder arthritis, our shoulder doctors at Heartland Orthopedic Specialists understand the urgency behind your desire for pain relief.