“Why does my shoulder hurt?”
When I push my elbow straight back the top of my shoulder hurts, if I lift something up to the side straight up my shoulder hurts. When I rotated it in a circle with my elbow pointed straight out it hurts. What could be the cause?
5 Answers
OrthopedistOrthopedist
Good Evening,
There may be issues within the anatomy of the shoulder creating this pain. The shoulder is a wonderful mechanism of bone, cartilage, ligaments and tendons that work together harmoniously. If, however, there is tear or inflammation, pain and instability will develop. I would advise an appointment with your local orthopedic specialist who provides shoulder evaluation.
Best to You,
Dr. James Chappuis, MD
There may be issues within the anatomy of the shoulder creating this pain. The shoulder is a wonderful mechanism of bone, cartilage, ligaments and tendons that work together harmoniously. If, however, there is tear or inflammation, pain and instability will develop. I would advise an appointment with your local orthopedic specialist who provides shoulder evaluation.
Best to You,
Dr. James Chappuis, MD
There can be multiple causes for your shoulder pain. You should be evaluated by a sports physician, physical medicine specialist or orthopedic specialists to evaluate your condition and recommend treatment. I cannot give you a specific diagnosis based on what you have described but the most likely diagnosis would be shoulder tendinitis.
It sounds most likely associated with your AC joint. Early Arthritic changes or tendinitis can occur surrounding this area, causing shoulder pain. It’s usually worse with overhead activity and repetitive use of the arm. It can be treated with stretching, therapy, and injections. Very occasionally if things don’t improve, surgery can be entertained as an option.
This could be a rotator cuff tear, but would need an MRI to determine the true cause.
Common causes of this type of shoulder pain can be bursitis, tendinitis, rotator cuff pathology. Sometimes can be cartilage damage or arthritis or impingement. Better to get checked by your doctor.
Thanks.
Thanks.
