Body aches can have a detrimental impact on your life as they may prevent you from taking part in daily activities or simply moving about. Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from overuse and strain to trauma and injury. This ailment is also incredibly common and affects people of all ages and backgrounds. While most shoulder pain is mild and can be treated with rest and pain medications, some shoulder pain can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
This article will provide you with some signs to look out for if you’re experiencing persistent shoulder pain, which may indicate it is time to seek medical attention.
Limited Range of Motion
Restricted movement or inability to move your arm freely is a significant indicator of severe shoulder pain. If your pain is accompanied by stiffness or limited mobility in your shoulder joint, it may be a sign of a tear in one of the tendons or ligaments surrounding the rotator cuff, rotator cuff impingement, or frozen shoulder. These conditions can be caused by overuse, repetitive movements, or injury, and require medical treatment, such as physical therapy or surgery, depending on the severity of the injury.
Intense Pain that Persists
Pain may occur as a result of an awkward sleeping position or minor injuries. In such cases, feeling pain is normal and often no reason for concern. However, acute and intense pain that persists for days and weeks is a warning sign of a more serious shoulder injury. If your pain is severe and unresponsive to simple remedies like rest or icing, you may have a more significant issue that needs medical care. If you feel that the pain in your shoulder is unbearable, it is recommended you visit www.kevinkrusemd.com, or contact a local doctor, to get it checked out by professionals. It’s vital to see a doctor if the pain is so severe that it keeps you awake at night or affects your daily activities.
Weakness and Numbness in the Arm
Shoulder pain accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm may be a sign of nerve damage or impingement. Nerves in the neck, shoulder, or arm can become compressed or pinched, causing a sharp or shooting pain that radiates down your arm. Conditions that cause nerve impingement include a herniated disc in the neck or a pinched nerve in the shoulder. If left untreated, nerve damage can worsen and cause muscle weakness and loss of arm function.
Pain After a Fall or Trauma
If you experience shoulder pain after a fall or accident, it is essential to seek medical care. Trauma to the shoulder, especially if it’s sudden or severe, can cause a range of injuries, from a dislocated shoulder to a broken bone. Delaying treatment can lead to complications like chronic pain, arthritis, or permanent damage to your shoulder joint.
Difficulty Sleeping
Shoulder pain that affects your sleep and leaves you exhausted is a sign of a serious issue that needs medical attention. Nighttime shoulder pain can be caused by various conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, impingement, and arthritis. In some cases, the cause may be something as tricky as a pinched nerve or referred pain from a nearby organ like the gallbladder. It’s crucial to see a doctor if your shoulder pain is keeping you up at night.
Loss of Strength in the Shoulder or Arm
A sudden loss of muscle strength in your shoulder or arm can be a sign of a more severe medical condition. Conditions that affect the nerves or muscles in your shoulder, arm, or neck can cause weakness, such as rotator cuff tears, nerve impingement, or even a heart attack. If you experience a sudden loss of muscle strength in your shoulder or arm, seek medical attention immediately.
Swelling or Redness
Swelling or redness around your shoulder joint is an indication of inflammation or infection. Inflammation in your shoulder joint can be caused by various conditions, including bursitis, tendonitis, arthritis, and impingement. A shoulder joint infection can lead to serious complications if left untreated, such as sepsis, joint stiffness, or loss of function. If you experience swelling or redness around your shoulder, seek medical care immediately, rather than attempting to treat it yourself.
Shoulder pain is common, but it’s essential to be aware of the signs that your pain is serious and requires medical attention. If you experience shoulder pain accompanied by the limited range of motion, intense pain that persists, weakness and numbness in your arm, pain after a fall or trauma, difficulty sleeping, loss of strength in the shoulder or arm, or swelling or redness, seek medical attention immediately. Remember, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and ensure a full recovery.
