Shoulder Pain — Common Causes and When to See an Orthopedic Surgeon

The Shoulder — The Most Mobile Joint, The Most Vulnerable

The shoulder allows for a wide range of motion, but its stability is provided by muscles and tendons, not solid bone structures. This makes it prone to various conditions.

Common Causes

Rotator cuff tendinopathy / tear — the most frequent cause in adults. → Read about rotator cuff tears

Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) — progressive stiffness. → Read about adhesive capsulitis

Subacromial impingement syndrome — pain when lifting the arm to the side.

Glenohumeral osteoarthritis — advanced stages may require arthroplasty. → Shoulder replacement

Shoulder instability — the sensation of the shoulder "popping out of place."

Calcifications (calcific tendinitis) — calcium deposits, causing episodic acute pain.

How Is Shoulder Pain Evaluated?

Clinical examination, X-ray, ultrasound (for a quick evaluation of tendons), and MRI (when a rotator cuff or labral tear is suspected).

When to See an Orthopedist?

• Persistent pain for over 2-3 weeks
• You cannot lift your arm above your head
• Night pain
• Progressive stiffness
• Sudden pain with inability to move
• Weakness when lifting the arm

→ Schedule a consultation