Shoulder Injuries

Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center -  - Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Surgery

Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center

Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Surgery & Foot and Ankle Surgery located in Shenandoah, Sugarland, and Humble, TX

Shoulder injuries are common and may occur from a fall, car accident, or excessive use during physical activities. Early care for shoulder injuries may prevent the need for shoulder surgery. At Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center in Shenandoah, Sugarland, and Humble, Texas, the team specializes in diagnosing and treating shoulder injuries. Call the office or book an appointment online today.

Shoulder Injuries Q & A

What are the most common shoulder injuries?

Most shoulder injuries affect the soft tissue making up your shoulder joints, such as the ligaments, tendons, or muscles. Athletes are at greater risk of developing shoulder injuries because these damages develop slowly from repetitive, excessive use.

Common shoulder injuries include:

Instability

If your shoulder joint moves out of its normal position — dislocation — you have shoulder instability. This injury stretches the ligaments and tendons that hold your shoulder joint in place, increasing your risk of recurrence.

Impingement

Impingement occurs when your muscles rub against the top portion of your shoulder blade, causing inflammation and pain. You may be at risk of developing this type of shoulder injury if you engage in activities that require repetitive overhead arm motion.

Rotator cuff injuries

Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that hold the bones of your shoulder joint together. Rotator cuff injuries are common and may include tendon tears or muscle strains. 

Bursitis and tendonitis

Bursitis and tendonitis are inflammatory conditions that develop from repetitive movements. Bursitis affects the bursa sacs, and tendonitis affects the tendons.

Clavicle fracture

Though not as common as soft tissue shoulder injuries, the team at Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center provides treatment for clavicle fractures.

What are the symptoms of shoulder injuries?

Pain in the shoulder is the most common symptom of a shoulder injury. Other symptoms may include:

  • Joint stiffness
  • Inability to move your arm in all directions
  • Muscle weakness
  • Concerns your shoulder can “pop out of joint”
  • Obvious deformity or displacement

If you have symptoms of a shoulder injury, schedule a consultation at Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center.

How are shoulder injuries treated?

Treatment for your shoulder injury depends on the type and severity. The Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center team customizes your treatment plan based on your diagnosis. 

Most shoulder injuries improve with medical treatments, such as:

  • Immobilization of the shoulder
  • Activity modification
  • Basic shoulder strengthening exercises
  • Physical therapy
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

If your shoulder injury fails to improve with conservative care, the team may talk to you about shoulder surgery. When patients need shoulder surgery, they use minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to limit tissue damage and recovery time.

Shoulder injuries are common and require medical attention. For expert care from an experienced team, call Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center or book an appointment online today.