Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain may be due to an acute injury like a fracture or dislocation or could be the result of long-term overuse. Whatever the cause of your shoulder pain, Kellie K. Middleton, MD, in Lawrenceville, Georgia, can help. Dr. Middleton specializes in challenging shoulder conditions, including the causes of thrower’s shoulder. Call the office or request an appointment online today.

What causes shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain may arise from an acute injury, overuse, or wear-and-tear. Conditions that are common causes of shoulder pain include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Fractures
• Dislocations
• Bursitis
• Labral tears
• Tendinitis
• Rotator cuff tears
• Cuff tear arthropathy (degenerative arthritis)
• Shoulder impingement
• Chronic shoulder instability

To find the source of your shoulder pain, Dr. Middleton performs a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and discusses your symptoms.

You may also need an X-ray or other diagnostic tests to confirm what’s wrong. In some cases, Dr. Middleton might need to perform arthroscopy, using an instrument with a tiny camera to look inside the shoulder joint.

What treatments can help with shoulder pain?

Most patients with shoulder pain benefit from conservative treatments such as:

• Rest and activity modification
• Hot or cold therapies
• Physical therapy
• Medication
• Use of a sling or other supportive device

If your shoulder pain persists, you might require one or two steroid injections into the joint. Steroids have potent anti-inflammatory properties that offer long-lasting relief but aren’t suitable for long-term use. Dr. Middleton also offers growth-promoting platelet-rich plasma (PRP), ReNu® stem cell injections, and lubricating hyaluronic acid.

Would I need surgery for my shoulder pain?

If conservative approaches aren’t working after several months, or the cause of your shoulder pain is unlikely to improve using nonsurgical methods, Dr. Middleton can discuss your surgical options. Depending on your shoulder pain’s cause, you might require:

Rotator cuff repair

The muscles and tendons making up your rotator cuff hold the shoulder joint in place and let you move it freely. Tendon tears that don’t heal might require surgical repair and, in some cases, tendon transfer.

Total shoulder replacement

If the ball and socket parts of your shoulder joint are severely damaged or deteriorated beyond repair due to osteoarthritis, it might be best to remove them. Dr. Middleton then replaces them with artificial components.

Reverse shoulder replacement

If you require a shoulder replacement due to shoulder instability, simply replacing the joint may not stop your shoulder from dislocating again. In these cases, Dr. Middleton fits the replacement socket at the top of your humerus and the replacement ball in your shoulder blade.

You might also require surgery to remove bone spurs and make other repairs, for example, subacromial decompression, acromioclavicular (AC) joint resection, and shoulder labral repair. Where possible, Dr. Middleton uses minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to reduce pain and promote earlier recovery.

If you’re suffering from shoulder pain, get the treatment you need by calling the office of Kellie K. Middleton, MD, or book an appointment online today.