Shoulder Problem Specialist

What causes shoulder problems?

Your shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body and capable of a wide variety of versatile movement. Unfortunately, this flexibility leaves it vulnerable to injuries from activities such as manual labor, sports, and repetitive actions.

The majority of shoulder problems develop in response to tissue degeneration and instability, especially after age 60.

What are common shoulder problems?

Dr. Leathers diagnoses and treats a wide range of shoulder problems including arthritis, fractures, rotator cuff tears, bicep tendinitis, and labral tears.

Arthritis

Arthritis in your shoulder is typically due to wear and tear on your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. The most common symptoms of shoulder arthritis are reduced range of motion and joint pain.

Fracture

A fracture or broken bone in your shoulder typically involves the collarbone, top of your upper arm bone, or shoulder blade. General symptoms of shoulder fractures include pain and swelling, bruising, and the inability to move your shoulder. You might also experience a grinding sensation upon movement and a visible deformity in the area.

Rotator cuff tear

Your rotator cuff keeps your arm in your shoulder socket. If you experience a rotator cuff tear, at least one of your rotator cuff tendons is partially or entirely separated from your arm bone, causing pain and weakness during movement.

Bicep tendinitis

Pain or weakness in the front of your shoulder is usually a sign of bicep tendinitis. Your biceps tendons are strong cords of tissue that connect your bicep muscle to your shoulder bones. When bicep tendinitis occurs, these tendons are irritated or inflamed.

Labral tear

When you experience a labral tear, a piece of the rubbery tissue attached to your shoulder socket tears. This tissue, known as fibrocartilage, helps keep the ball of your shoulder joint in place.

How is shoulder pain diagnosed and treated?

To diagnose your shoulder pain, Dr. Leathers performs a physical examination that includes your medical history. While he looks for swelling and tenderness at the site, he also evaluates your range of motion and the stability of your shoulder joint.

Depending on your examination, Dr. Leathers might request imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs to make an accurate diagnosis.

Dr. Leathers offers treatment recommendations for shoulder problems based on their cause. These strategies typically include nonsurgical treatments such as therapeutic injections, physical therapy, or medications. In some cases, Dr. Leathers recommends surgery.

Call Michael P. Leathers, MD, or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about diagnosing and treating shoulder pain.