Shoulder problems can be caused by injury, overuse, or medical conditions like arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Mild strains can be treated at home, while more serious problems may require medical attention, physical therapy, or surgery. Rest, ice, and supportive bandages can help with recovery.
Human shoulders are made up of joints, tendons, muscles, ligaments, and cartilage, all of which are vital for proper function. When shoulder problems occur in one or more of these component parts, the results are often painful and debilitating. Shoulder problems can arise from a number of different causes, although most people suffer from injury or overuse. Some diseases and medical conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis and heart attacks can also cause significant shoulder problems. Mild strains or pains can usually be treated at home with rest, ice packs, and shoulder wraps, although more serious problems should be reported to a doctor. Doctors can prescribe medications, design physical therapy and exercise routines, and recommend surgery to correct major problems.
Most shoulder problems are caused by blows to the back, neck or shoulder, trying to move or pick up heavy objects, or strenuous physical activity. An injury to the shoulder or the area around it can lead to bruising, inflammation and swelling in mild cases and nerve, muscle and tendon damage in severe cases. Bruised bones and muscles can be quite painful and result in limited range of motion. Bones can also be dislocated from their joints, causing immediate and intense pain and requiring emergency medical attention.
Doctors usually recommend that people with injury-induced shoulder pain get plenty of rest, periodically apply ice packs, and wrap their shoulders in supportive bandages. More serious injuries, including broken bones and torn ligaments and tendons, usually require physical rehabilitation therapy or surgery to reattach the tissue. Doctors often recommend that recovering patients stretch fully before activities to reduce the chance of future injury.
Overuse can cause significant shoulder problems, such as strains, sprains, bursitis and tendonitis. Bursitis is a condition in which the small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joints become inflamed from overexertion and activity, resulting in pain, limited motion, and swelling. Tendinitis is a similar condition that causes inflammation in overstretched tendons. Doctors usually suggest rest and over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications to manage the symptoms of tendonitis and bursitis.
Some diseases affect the bones, muscles and joints of the shoulder, especially arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Arthritis causes cartilage and bone tissue to wear down over time, causing joint instability and greatly increasing the risk of debilitating injuries. Multiple sclerosis affects neural functioning and voluntary muscle movements, which can lead to problems with shoulder control. Doctors usually try to treat the underlying causes of disease-related shoulder problems by prescribing medications and arranging regular physical therapy sessions to regain strength and movement.
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