The Most Common Shoulder Injuries We See in San Antonio

Shoulder injuries are some of the most common injuries addressed by sports medicine professionals and orthopedic surgeons. If you're living with an injured shoulder, know that you don't have to suffer through the pain long-term. A shoulder specialist in San Antonio, Texas can diagnose your injury and create a treatment plan to help you regain full mobility.

Learn about The Most Common Shoulder Injuries That Require a Sports Medicine and Shoulder Specialist in San Antonio, Texas.

Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis is a condition that affects many men and women and occurs from the degradation of the smooth joint surfaces that enable the shoulder to move. As the cartilage breaks down and gets thinner over time, the result is inflammation, pain, and swelling, both while moving and at rest. Shoulder arthritis can worsen over time if not treated correctly.

SLAP Tear

SLAP tear stands for superior labrum anterior posterior tear. This condition occurs when the superior labrum joint in the shoulder sustains an injury. A SLAP tear can affect more than just the labrum in the shoulder but can also extend into the biceps tendon. These tears typically occur from repetitive movements over time or a direct fall onto the shoulder. An arthroscopic surgical procedure can repair a SLAP tear.

Shoulder Fracture

A shoulder fracture occurs when one of the bones in the shoulder sustains a break. This type of injury typically results from a car accident or a fall. Some of the most common symptoms of a shoulder fracture include significant pain, inability to lift the arm, bruising, swelling, inflammation, numbness, and tingling that extends into the forearm and hand. Depending on the severity of your shoulder fracture, you may require a surgical or non-surgical treatment plan.

Shoulder Dislocation

Shoulder dislocation is another common injury that affects the shoulder and often occurs while playing a sport that requires elevating the arm overhead. Additionally, shoulder dislocation can result from repetitive use, and this condition can cause instability and pain and requires treatment for full healing.

At the time of injury, an audible popping noise may be heard. The shoulder may also look abnormal post-dislocation, and some of the most common symptoms include inflammation, swelling, joint instability, and numbness or bruising. Shoulder dislocation may be accompanied by torn ligaments or tendons and nerve damage.

Choosing Your Orthopedic Surgeons

If you have sustained an injury that has affected your shoulder and caused you limited mobility and chronic pain, you will need a surgeon you can trust to evaluate your condition and develop a treatment plan.

Depending on your condition, you may benefit from a shoulder arthroscopy procedure to restore mobility or a non-surgical treatment plan. The first step is to schedule a consultation with a specialist who can identify the source of your pain and take steps to help you experience full healing.

Don't white knuckle your way through shoulder pain. If you have sustained an injury and are looking for a specialist to treat your injury, we can help. Contact us today at Ortho San Antonio to learn more about our services and to schedule an initial consultation.