Tag: orthopedic shoulder pain specialist san diego

Why Shoulder Pain Persists

Shoulder pain is caused by instability or impingement in the muscles and tendons of the shoulder, a system that is uniquely prone to injury. The shoulder is a significant load-bearing joint, and consequently it can suffer injuries from a number of root causes.

Tears, arthritic pain, fractures and bursitis all make the short list of common shoulder injuries, along with a wide range of possible tendonitis. Although each of these injuries works in a different way, the net result is unmistakable: reduced mobility and searing pain when the shoulder is in motion or even at rest.

Most shoulder injuries take weeks or months to fully heal, which is why the pain tends to last so long. But if you have shoulder pain and want to achieve lasting relief, rest and therapy are your best bets. If these measures fail to solve the problem, it may be time to speak with a San Diego orthopedic surgeon to learn more today.

Watch for Shoulder Pain in Young Athletes

In my San Diego orthopedic surgery practice, I see a lot of younger patients who come in with shoulder pain and elbow pain. Although a few of these cases are attributable to disease or injury, the majority are due to repetitive strain from pitching, throwing, weightlifting, or some other athletic-related activity.

When soreness grows progressively intense, permanent injury may not be far behind. That’s why I counsel parents and coaches to limit the number of reps and the frequency of hard workouts young people perform whenever possible. There is no substitute for rest and gentle exercise when recovering from chronic pain. As this article explains:

The shoulder joint can also be affected when developing a bursitis. There are other sports that contribute to the shoulder rotator cuff injuries, including swimming, tennis and weightlifting, all of which can cause a shoulder impingement or tendonitis.

Shoulder pain in young athletes can quickly graduate to chronic pain within a few years. To minimize long term damage and extend sports careers for decades to come, I urge you to see an orthopedic shoulder pain specialist in San Diego.