From heavy lifting to typing on the computer, our shoulders are constantly at work – it’s no surprise that 18% to 26% of adults experience pain in the upper arm and shoulder. As top Florida Orthopedic Spine Surgeons, our clinic has helped many patients suffering from upper arm and shoulder pain. Here’s a guide to common causes of upper arm and shoulder pain, and how a pain clinic Florida residents trust can help.
What Are Some Common Arm and Shoulder Conditions Florida Orthopedic Spine Surgeons Treat?
Shoulder pain is common across all activity levels and ages, from athletes and desk jockeys. The most common culprit of upper arm shoulder pain is rotator cuff tendonitis, which is often due to a combination of causes like overuse or arthritis exacerbated by an accident. Sometimes, your shoulder pain comes from acute trauma such as a slip and fall, while other times you may experience discomfort in your left shoulder and arm seemingly out of nowhere.
As a Pain Clinic Florida residents rely on, patients who come to us with shoulder pain typically fall under one or more of the following three classifications:
Overuse-related
Repetitive stress on your shoulder joint often comes from sports and work. Whether you’re an ardent tennis player or professional painter, these repetitive motions can cause chronic upper arm shoulder pain injuries such as:
- AC joint injuries
- Bursitis or tendinitis
- Rotator cuff tears
- Shoulder impingement
- SLAP tears (or cartilage tears)
Trauma-related
If you experience sharp pain in the upper arm and shoulder area after a blunt collision or trauma, like a car crash or falling down the stairs, it is typically a sign of the following:
- Dislocations
- Instability
- Separations
- Fractures
Arthritis-related
Acute or age-related arthritis often causes ongoing shoulder and upper arm joint stiffness and pain. Arthritis is a chronic condition that can be managed with lifestyle changes and treatment to lessen pain and regain mobility. Types of arthritis that cause shoulder and upper arm pain include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Post-traumatic arthritis
Age-related degeneration and general wear and tear make older adults more susceptible to injuries, with certain upper arm shoulder pain issues causing instability that leads to further problems. Fortunately, many of these conditions don’t require surgery – only around 25% of patients with this type of joint pain need surgery – and can often be treated with minimally invasive methods.
When Should I Seek Help for Upper Arm and Shoulder Pain?
Most of the time, rest, ice, and NSAIDs like acetaminophen and ibuprofen should take care of the problem. However, if the pain persists or if you’ve been in a recent accident, schedule an evaluation with Dr Barry Schapiro at ACME. He is the best Orthopedic Spine Surgeon for expert diagnosis and treatment. You should immediately see an orthopedic urgent care doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Inability to use the shoulder
- Shoulder joint looks deformed or not like it used to
- Severe pain in one or both shoulders, to the point of not being able to function with tasks
- Sudden swelling
- Stabbing pain in upper arm and shoulder
- Skin becomes discolored
Looking for a Pain Clinic Florida Patients Trust?
Dr. Barry Schapiro is one of the top Florida Orthopedic Spine Surgeons specializing in minimally invasive techniques and innovative arthroscopic procedures to treat upper arm and shoulder pain. If you are suffering from upper arm and shoulder pain, call ACME Spine & Orthopedics to schedule an appointment with Dr. Barry Schapiro at our Florida orthopedic institute today.
FAQs
What causes upper arm and shoulder pain?
Upper arm and shoulder pain typically are caused by a one or a combination of the following factors:
- Overuse injuries
- Arthritis
- Trauma
How can I treat upper arm and shoulder pain?
If rest, ice, and OTC painkillers don’t work, you should consult with an orthopedic specialist who may recommend minimally invasive methods such as pain-relieving injections. In a minority of cases, surgery can help to restore mobility and ease discomfort.
Do I need surgery for upper arm shoulder pain?
Most of the time, pain and mobility can be resolved with noninvasive or minimally invasive treatments, with only 25% of patients requiring surgery as a last resort.
