Several disorders and injuries can affect the shoulder and result in restricted function and pain. Suppose you are one of those people who has been suffering from shoulder pain for a long time, preventing you from executing daily activities. In that case, it is time to visit the orthopedic specialists today. This shoulder pain in winter increases and causes excruciating pain.
There are primarily 3 bones that make up the shoulder joint. These are the humerus or upper arm bone, scapula or the shoulder blade, and collarbone or clavicle. Besides these, there is a rotator cuff, which is composed of a group of tendons and muscles, allowing movement and offering stability for the shoulder.
Since the humerus fits loosely within the shoulder joint in the shallow socket, it makes the shoulder vulnerable to several injuries and conditions. It also leads to weakness, decreased function, pain, and instability.
Table of Contents
What are the Common Shoulder Pain Causes?
Below are some of the most common reasons why people visit an orthopedician to treat shoulder pain.
- Rotator Cuff Tear
A rotator cuff tear is another cause of shoulder pain. The suffering from rotator cuff tear increases with age as it causes the muscles and tendons comprising the rotator cuff to weaken and degenerate. It results from sudden shoulder and overuse injuries like playing tennis, golf, typing at work, or suffering due to falls.
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
It occurs when the shoulder tendons are irritated, degenerated, or inflamed. It usually happens due to structural abnormalities or repetitive overhead motions in the shoulder.
- Arthritis
Another common reason for shoulder pain in winter is osteoarthritis. It causes joint swelling, stiffness, and pain. General wear and tear, shoulder injury, or age can enhance the chances of arthritis. The pain increases from bone to bone rubbing because of cartilage protection absence in the shoulder.
When to visit an Orthopaedic specialist?
If you are suffering from any one of the following symptoms, you should immediately consult an orthopaedic doctor.
- Continuous pain in the shoulder lasting for more than a week
- Not getting any relief through home remedies like hot or cold therapy or OTC medication
- Uneasiness in sleeping due to discomfort or pain in the affected shoulder
- A clicking, popping, or snapping in the shoulder, specifically throwing or lifting something
- An apparent deformity or abnormality in the upper arm or shoulder
- Pain when reaching something backward, reaching across the body, or raising the arm over the head
- Previous shoulder dislocation
What is a Frozen Shoulder?
The cause for frozen shoulder pain in winter is due to tightening or thickening of the connective tissue and joint capsule holding the shoulder together. It can occur from overuse, minor trauma, severe inflammation, surgery, or illness, keeping you from moving the arm for a longer duration. People who have diabetes are more susceptible to frozen shoulder. The pain because of a frozen shoulder can last for months or weeks. If the pain goes out of hand, then it is a sign to visit your orthopaedic doctor immediately.
FAQ
What does an orthopaedic doctor do for shoulder pain?
Orthopedic specialists often evaluate the shoulder bones with the help of an X-ray. They also view the soft tissues surrounding the joint through MRI. Based on the imaging reports, the orthopedic specialist will begin the conservative treatments.
Summing it up
So, if you are experiencing unbearable shoulder pain in winter, which has been sustained for a long time, then it is time to visit the best orthopedics in town. They will diagnose the shoulder pain causes and suggest the most efficient treatment to give you instant relief. Orthopaedic specialists have all the necessary experience and certifications to treat every orthopedic injury and condition through regenerative medicines and physical therapies.