Shoulder Pain
Andreas Leonidou
Orthopaedic Surgeon
56 Kifisias Ave. & Delfon St.,
Marousi, 15125
- Symptoms
- Conservative Treatment
- Surgical Treatment
- Cost
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Shoulder pain is a very common condition that significantly affects people’s work and daily life. Shoulder pain can last for a long period of time, negatively affect movement, and is one of the common reasons for seeking orthopaedic advice. But what are the main causes of shoulder pain?
Shoulder Pain: Causes
The shoulder is the most mobile and complex joint in the entire body. Due to its complex anatomy, there are many possible causes of pain, including:
- Inflammation (Tendinitis or frozen shoulder)
- Tendon tear
- Instability
- Arthritis
- Pain referred from the neck
More specifically, conditions that may cause shoulder pain include:
- Shoulder tendinitis: is a condition caused by inflammation of the tendons and is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain.
- Frozen shoulder: is a common condition that causes severe pain and leads to stiffness of the joint. The causes are usually unknown, but it may be associated with other conditions (e.g. diabetes) or an injury.
- Calcific shoulder tendinitis: describes a condition in which calcium deposits accumulate in the shoulder tendons. This results in local inflammation of the tendons.
- Shoulder tendon tear: is a tear of the rotator cuff – the tendons that move the shoulder.
- Shoulder dislocation: is the displacement of the humeral head from the articular surface of the glenoid, resulting directly in a tear of the labrum and the stabilising ligaments.
- Osteoarthritis: is a degenerative condition in which there is wear of the articular surfaces of the shoulder joint. It usually occurs in older individuals or sometimes as a result of an injury.
- Superior labral tear (SLAP lesion): is a tear affecting the superior part of the shoulder labrum and limits the functionality of the joint.
How Is the Cause of Shoulder Pain Diagnosed?
The initial stage of diagnosis involves taking the patient’s medical history and performing a clinical examination by a specialised Orthopaedic Surgeon. The doctor will assess the range of motion and perform specific clinical tests for each possible condition. Subsequently, the doctor will perform an ultrasound scan of the area and additional imaging examinations such as an X-ray or MRI scan may also be performed.
X-ray: can show whether there are injuries to the bones that form the shoulder joint and can also reveal the presence of arthritis or calcifications.
MRI scan: provides detailed imaging of the tendons, ligaments, and muscles surrounding the shoulder joint.
What Are the Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain?
Immediate diagnosis and treatment are necessary, as shoulder problems may worsen over time. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of shoulder pain. In most cases, the first stage of treatment is conservative treatment and includes:
Ice therapy
Physiotherapy
Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Rest
Injection of biological therapies
In cases where conservative treatment fails and shoulder pain persists, surgical treatment is recommended. Surgical management is performed with shoulder arthroscopy, which offers a definitive solution with excellent functional outcomes. In cases of advanced arthritis, open surgery with minimally invasive shoulder arthroplasty may be required.
Underestimating the problem and failing to address it correctly and in a timely manner may lead to chronic shoulder stiffness. Contact specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon Andreas Leonidou for a comprehensive diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.
Book your appointment for immediate diagnosis, specialist care, and targeted treatment in just one visit.