When to See an Orthopedic Specialist for Shoulder Pain
From a minor ache after a strenuous workout to a debilitating sharp pain, shoulder discomfort can significantly impact daily life, limiting simple movements like reaching for a cup or even sleeping comfortably. While many cases of shoulder pain resolve on their own with a bit of rest and self-care, others signal deeper, more serious issues that require expert attention. Knowing when to seek help from an orthopedic specialist in Los Angeles can be the difference between a quick recovery and prolonged suffering, or even long-term damage.
Read on to discover the common causes of shoulder pain, signs that you need an orthopedic consultation, and what a shoulder pain doctor in Los Angeles can do to help you find relief and restore function.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Rotator cuff injuries (tears, strains)
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint, providing stability and enabling movement. Tears or strains in these tendons are very common, often resulting from repetitive overhead motions, sudden injury, or age-related degeneration.
Bursitis or tendinitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions bones, tendons, and muscles near the joints. Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon. Both can cause pain, especially with movement, and are often due to overuse or repetitive motions.
Frozen shoulder
This condition causes stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, gradually worsening over time. The shoulder capsule thickens and tightens, severely restricting movement. It often develops after an injury or surgery where the arm has been immobilized.
Arthritis
Like other joints, the shoulder can be affected by arthritis. Osteoarthritis, a “wear and tear” type, involves the breakdown of cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joint lining. Both lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Shoulder impingement syndrome
This occurs when the top of the shoulder blade (acromion) rubs against the rotator cuff tendons and bursa, causing pain when raising the arm overhead.
Labral tears or instability
The labrum is a rim of cartilage that deepens the shoulder socket, helping to stabilize the joint. Tears in the labrum can lead to instability, pain, and a sensation of the shoulder “slipping out” of place.
Fractures or dislocations from trauma
Direct trauma, such as a fall or impact, can cause fractures in the collarbone, upper arm bone, or shoulder blade. A dislocation occurs when the head of the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket, causing severe pain and immediate loss of movement.
Also Read: Top Most Common Myths About Shoulder Replacement And the Truth Behind Them
Signs It’s Time to See an Orthopedic Specialist
While minor aches might resolve on their own, there are clear signs you need an orthopedic consultation for shoulder pain.
Recognizing these indicators can help you determine whether your shoulder pain needs orthopedic care and when to seek professional help from a shoulder pain doctor in Los Angeles:
1. Pain that lasts more than a few days or worsens with use
If your shoulder pain persists for more than a week, or if it intensifies with activities that typically involve shoulder movement, it’s a strong signal that you should consult an orthopedic specialist.
2. Limited range of motion
Difficulty or inability to move your arm through its full range of motion, such as raising it above your head, reaching behind your back, or across your body, indicates a significant problem within the joint or surrounding tissues. This can be a sign of conditions like frozen shoulder or a severe rotator cuff tear.
3. Shoulder instability, popping, or clicking sounds
A feeling that your shoulder is loose, about to pop out, or actually dislocating is a clear sign of instability. Repetitive popping, grinding, or clicking sounds with movement, especially if accompanied by pain, can indicate issues with cartilage, ligaments, or tendons.
4. Night pain that disrupts sleep
Many shoulder conditions worsen when lying down, particularly on the affected side, leading to disturbed sleep. If shoulder pain consistently wakes you up or prevents you from resting comfortably, it’s time for an evaluation.
5. Weakness in the arm or inability to carry objects
If you notice a significant decrease in strength in your arm, making it difficult to lift or carry even light objects, it could point to nerve damage, a severe tendon injury, or a muscle tear.
6. History of injury or overuse with lingering discomfort
If you’ve had a recent fall, accident, or have been engaging in repetitive activities (e.g., sports, work) that led to shoulder pain, and the discomfort isn’t resolving, it warrants attention. Lingering pain post-injury can indicate improper healing or more extensive damage than initially perceived.
7. Swelling, bruising, or obvious deformity
Any visible changes to the shoulder, such as swelling, unexplained bruising, or a noticeable deformity (e.g., a “bump” where there wasn’t one before), are red flags that require immediate medical attention from an orthopedic specialist.
Also Read: Top 8 Questions to Ask Before Your Joint Replacement Surgery
What an Orthopedic Specialist Can Do
An orthopedic specialist for shoulder pain is a medical doctor who specializes in the musculoskeletal system—bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Here’s how they can help:
First, the specialist will conduct a thorough physical examination, evaluating your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, stability, and identifying any areas of tenderness or swelling. They will ask you to perform various movements to pinpoint the source of your pain and functional limitations.
To get a clearer picture of what’s happening inside your shoulder, the orthopedic specialist may order imaging tests, including X-rays, MRI, and ultrasound.
Based on the examination and diagnostic tests, the orthopedic specialist can provide a precise diagnosis. This is vital not only for effective treatment but also for ruling out more serious underlying conditions.
Once a diagnosis is made, the specialist will develop a customized treatment plan. This plan is designed to alleviate your pain, restore function, and prevent future issues. Treatment may include:
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
- Arthroscopic or open surgery (if needed)
- Pain management and mobility strategies
When to Seek Immediate Care
If you experience any of the following, seek urgent care or go to an emergency room:
- Sudden, severe shoulder pain after trauma (e.g., fall, car accident)
- Suspected dislocation or fracture
- Visible swelling or deformity
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of arm movement
Do You Need an Orthopedic Specialist for Shoulder Pain in Los Angeles?
Don’t ignore lingering or worsening shoulder pain. While it’s tempting to hope the discomfort will simply disappear, delaying care can lead to chronic issues, increased joint damage, and a more complicated recovery process down the line.
If your shoulder pain limits your daily activities, disrupts your sleep, or affects your performance in sports or at work, it’s time to get evaluated.
Contact a qualified shoulder pain doctor in Los Angeles today for a comprehensive assessment and a personalized plan to get you back to feeling your best.
Request an appointment today at Urgent Orthopaedic Care at our facilities conveniently located in North Hollywood and Los Angeles.
