It can be difficult to tell when an injury is severe enough to warrant visiting a Doctor, especially when the injury occurs alongside the general aches and pains of aging and/or sports practice. We often find that many of our patients at Dayton Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Center have been living with, putting up with and nursing their injuries for long periods of time, before finally seeking professional help. Living with joint or shoulder pain should never be considered a normal part of life.
Most common injuries can be treated with RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation and over the counter medication, such as ibuprofen. Reoccurring, prolonged or severe pain, however, deserves your full attention. This is an indication that something is off in your body. We’ve compiled a list of the five most common shoulder injuries that cause joint pain and when it’s time to see an orthopedic surgeon.
1 – You Find it More Difficult to Perform Everyday Activities
If you are finding it more difficult to do normal, everyday things like brushing your hair, lifting over your head, picking up groceries, etc., It’s time to call an expert. Shoulder pain that limits your lifestyle should be diagnosed by an Orthopedic Surgeon, to correctly identify the exact injury that is causing you so much grief.
2 – Your Symptoms are Worsening
While this may be obvious, some patients (particularly athletes) are tempted to move through the pain until it is unbearable. Do not wait until you reach this point! Schedule an appointment with a shoulder specialist at the first sign that something isn’t right.
3 – Your Range of Motion is Decreasing
If you have been living with a common shoulder injury for a while, you are probably used to babying it from time to time. Rest, Ice, Compression and over-the-counter remedies can help, but if you notice your range of motion get worse, you should make an appointment to come in. There are many non-surgical treatments available at Dayton Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Center that can help you live pain-free.
4 – Your Symptoms are Not Improving, Despite Home Remedies
You’ve done stretching exercises. You’ve iced the joint. You’ve cut back on your activities in favor of more rest. Perhaps you’ve taken over-the-counter pain medication. If none of this has helped ease your pain, it’s time to see a specialist for joint pain relief.
5 – Your Condition is Interfering With Your Quality of Life
Perhaps your shoulder pain is manageable – as in, periods of rest and strengthening exercises make you feel somewhat better. But are you still having difficulty performing around-the-house tasks, such as reaching shelves? Do you want to throw a ball or exercise your arms but fear your injury will get worse? Do you find yourself anticipating pain and recovery when planning a fun activity?
Living with joint pain or limited mobility should not be considered a normal part of life. In fact, if you find yourself living with any of these signs, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible so your condition doesn’t worsen or end up irreparable.
Call Dayton Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Center today at (937) 436-5763 to schedule your assessment with our shoulder injury experts.