The shoulder is a complex joint, and it experiences a huge amount of use in our daily lives. Because of this, shoulder injuries are very commonplace and can cause great inconvenience and discomfort. If you live in the Denton, Texas, area and are suffering with chronic shoulder pain or a recent shoulder injury, look no further than Orthopedic Specialists of North Texas. 

Under the leadership of Dr. Lyn Ward, we offer a range of orthopedic and sports medicine treatments, as well as diagnostic imaging services. We are dedicated to providing the highest possible standard to all of our patients, and we’d love to help you resolve your shoulder injuries for good. Keep reading to learn a more about what causes shoulder pain and how we can help you at Orthopedic Specialists of North Texas.

Orthopedic Specialists in Denton, TX

The shoulder is a complex structure that includes three separate joints. Because of its unique structure, it gives a huge range of motion, but it’s also susceptible to many types of injuries. If you’re looking for a shoulder doctor in Denton, Texas, Orthopedic Specialists of North Texas is here to help. We can treat a wide range of shoulder conditions, including:

• Arthritis of the shoulder.
• Biceps tendon tear at the shoulder.
• Burners and stingers.
• Chronic shoulder instability.
• Clavicle fracture (broken collarbone).
• Fracture of the shoulder blade (scapula).
• Frozen shoulder.
• Radial head fractures.
• Rotator cuff tears.
• Shoulder diseases and syndromes.
• Shoulder replacements.
• Shoulder dislocation.
• Shoulder fractures and injury.
• Shoulder impingement/rotator cuff tendonitis.
• Shoulder joint tear (glenoid labrum tear).
• Shoulder pain.
• Shoulder separation.
• Shoulder impingement.
• SLAP tears.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

Your shoulder joint is the junction of three bones: the humerus, clavicle, and scapula. These form a ball and socket joint that provides a greater range of motion than any other joint in the body. The shoulder’s incredible range of motion is due to a set of four tendons called the rotator cuff. There are a wide range of injuries and chronic conditions that can cause damage to the rotator cuff and associated tissues, leading to shoulder pain. Here are some of the most common causes of pain in the shoulder:

Tendinitis

This is an inflammation of the tendons that make up the rotator cuff. This condition is called impingement syndrome by some physicians. Tendinitis of the rotator cuff can arise from a wide range of causes, including athletic activities that strain the shoulder, bad sleeping posture, or maintaining the shoulder in the same position for a long period. This condition usually develops gradually over time.

Dislocation

As we mentioned above, the shoulder is a complex joint made up of three different bones and multiple tendons and muscles. Dislocation occurs when one of the bones in the shoulder is forced out of place, usually by a sudden, forceful impact. Signs of a shoulder dislocation include visible deformation of the shoulder, swelling, and serious pain. Most dislocations are due to sports injuries or accidents.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a common ailment that affects many joints throughout the body, including the shoulders. It’s caused by inflammation within the joints, and there are several primary types, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Common symptoms of these conditions include a limited range of motion, swelling in the joints, pain, clicking or popping sensations, and muscle weakness. Arthritis generally develops gradually over time and is more common in older individuals.

Bursitis

Your body contains over 150 different bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the areas between your bones, muscles, tendons, and skin. In some cases, bursae can become inflamed because of pressure or friction, causing a condition called bursitis. The shoulder is one of the most common areas for this type of inflammation to occur.

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a shoulder condition caused by stiff or thickened tissue in the shoulder joint. This condition generally develops over time and gradually becomes more painful as the shoulder stiffens and its ability to move decreases. This condition can be caused by extended periods of inactivity or chronic joint inflammation. It’s more common in individuals over the age of 40.

Fractures and Tears

Like other parts of the body, the shoulder is subject to bone fractures and muscle and tendon tears. These are usually the result of impact or strain caused by sports injuries or accidents. Fractures usually occur in the humerus and clavicle, while tears can occur in the rotator cuff and shoulder cartilage. Signs of these conditions include reduced range of motion, extreme pain, and bruising.

Quick Treatment Is Vital

If you’re experiencing persistent pain that doesn’t subside, it’s important to get professional medical help as soon as possible. If you’ve gotten a shoulder injury, you’re unable to move your shoulder, or you see bruising or swelling, seek care in an emergency room. Getting quick treatment can improve your chances of a quick recovery and ensure that you regain your full range of motion. If you wait too long, your condition may worsen, making it harder and more expensive to treat.

Shoulder Care at Orthopedic Specialists of North Texas

If you are suffering with shoulder pain in the Denton, Texas, area, let Orthopedic Specialists of North Texas assist you. We have a staff of highly trained specialists who can diagnose your condition and get you the help you need in a timely manner. We also offer telehealth services that make it easy to pursue treatment from the comfort of your own home. 

That’s a brief overview of the shoulder treatments we offer at Orthopedic Specialists of North Texas. If you’ve suffered a shoulder-related injury, or if you have chronic pain in the area, let Dr. Ward in Denton, Texas, and his experienced staff get you the treatment and relief you need. If you or a loved one is suffering from another musculoskeletal condition or sports injury, we can help you with that as well. Our surgeons specialize in treating many parts of the body, including ankles and feet, wrists, hands, elbows, hips, and knees.

At Orthopedic Specialists of North Texas, we offer a range of services to make treatment as easy as possible. When you’re ready for a consultation, you can proceed to our patient portal and create an account or give us a call.