The shoulder joint has a broad range of motion as it is the most mobile joint that the body has. It controls the movement of the arm, from up and down, to front and back, and around in a circular motion, as well as being able to move the actual shoulder itself. This also makes it highly prone to injuries due to the amount of movement and mobility it goes through in a day. Rotator cuff tendinitis is the most common cause of shoulder pain, caused by damage or swelling of any of the four tendons that make up the rotator cuff. Shoulder pain can be the result of an injury attained by playing sports, performing manual labour or through repetitive movements of the joint. There are also certain diseases that can cause pain to be felt in the shoulder, such as diseases affecting the liver, heart, gallbladder or the cervical spine. Let the doctors at Ortho OIC have a look at your shoulder to determine the cause of your pain so a proper treatment plan can be put into place. Shoulder pain can also be caused by arthritis, torn cartilage, bone spurs, a pinched nerve in the shoulder or neck, dislocated shoulder, broken arm bone or shoulder and several other conditions.

Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling and tenderness in the various joints of the body. While there are several different types of arthritis, there are two that are the most common – rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. While their causes are very different, they both cause pain and stiffness in the affected joints, which will typically get progressively worse with age. The signs and symptoms of arthritis are usually found in the joints that are affected, with symptoms varying slightly between the types of arthritis. The team at Ortho OIC can properly diagnose an arthritis condition, as well as let you know which type of arthritis you have and what your treatment options are to manage the pain and stiffness. Other arthritis symptoms include redness, swelling and a decreased range of motion in the affected joint. The doctor will perform a physical exam on you to get a sense of the joint condition, as well as to check for redness, swelling and warmth in the joints. They can also send you for additional laboratory tests or imaging tests to confirm an arthritis diagnosis and determine the extent of the damage.

Shoulder pain treatment will vary depending on the severity and the cause of the pain. In some cases, shoulder pain can be treated at home with rest, ice and over-the-counter painkillers. Other instances of shoulder pain may require medical attention and treatment from a doctor who is familiar with shoulder pain. At Ortho OIC we have a team of sports medicine and orthopedic doctors who specialize in injuries such as shoulder pain. We will be able to provide you with a proper diagnosis, pinpointing the cause of your pain, and build a complete treatment plan for you. Each patient experiencing shoulder pain will receive a personalized plan that could include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, a sling and any other recommendations to allow the shoulder time to properly heal, as well as to regain the strength, flexibility and mobility in the joint to avoid injuring it again in the future.

If your shoulder pain is keeping you awake at night and preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep, talk to one of the doctors at Ortho OIC about your options to manage the pain. We will ensure the shoulder is examined to find the root cause of the pain in order to provide you with the right recommendations for easing the pain. While pain medications may be part of the solution, there are other options available that don’t rely on medication to help you get a good night’s sleep. Our specialists may recommend stabilizing the shoulder while you sleep, or changing your sleeping position to avoid sleeping on that side. Sleeping in a semi-reclined position can also help if you are finding that you naturally want to sleep on your injured side. We have a wide variety of tips and tricks that we can offer to you to help you get the rest you need to allow your body to heal and recover.

For more information, call us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Arlington VA, Fairfax VA, Washington DC, Bethesda MD, Falls Church VA, Alexandria VA and surrounding areas.