Shoulder Pain Experts in san antonio

What is shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain is a common complaint among patients, and can range from mild discomfort to severe agony. Typically, it occurs when there is a problem with the structures surrounding the shoulder joint. Due to the complex arrangement of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, it is susceptible to a variety of injuries and conditions.

What are the common causes and conditions of shoulder pain?

Many people suffer from shoulder pain every day. The first step to finding relief is to understand the common causes of shoulder pain, whether they are related to an injury or a chronic condition.

The most common causes of shoulder pain include:

  • Rotator Cuff Injuries: Tears or inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons.

  • Arthritis: Degeneration of the shoulder joint's cartilage.

  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) in the shoulder.

  • Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder.

  • Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A condition causing stiffness and reduced mobility.

  • Fractures: Broken bones in the shoulder area.

  • Nerve Compression: Pressure on nerves in the shoulder region.

The most common symptoms of shoulder pain include:

  • Pain: Dull or sharp pain in the shoulder joint or surrounding areas.

  • Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty in moving the shoulder, lifting objects, or reaching overhead.

  • Stiffness: Feeling of tightness or immobility in the shoulder joint.

  • Weakness: Decreased strength in the affected shoulder.

  • Swelling: Swelling or inflammation in the shoulder area.

  • Clicking or Popping: Audible sounds during shoulder movement.

  • Numbness or Tingling: Sensations in the arm or hand due to nerve involvement.

Shoulder pain can significantly impact your daily life, making simple tasks challenging and affecting your overall quality of life. A patient experiencing persistent or worsening shoulder pain should seek medical attention as soon as possible in order to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Our experienced orthopedic team specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of shoulder conditions in San Antonio, texas.

Shoulder doctor in San Antonio, Texas

What are my treatment options for shoulder pain?

An important step to a pain-free and active life is exploring your options for shoulder pain. We offer a range of solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you're looking for non-surgical alternatives, considering shoulder replacement surgery, or want to know more about the recovery process, we're here to provide the guidance and expertise you need.

The most common treatment options for shoulder pain include:

  1. Rest and Activity Modification: Mild shoulder pain can be treated by resting the affected shoulder and avoiding activities that aggravate the pain.

  2. Injections: An injection into the shoulder joint can provide significant pain relief for conditions like bursitis or arthritis. These injections have anti-inflammatory properties.

  3. Medications: Pain and inflammation can be reduced with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). While some cases may require prescription medications.

  4. Surgery: In the event that conservative treatments do not relieve the symptoms, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options include arthroscopy (minimally invasive surgery) to repair damaged tissues or shoulder replacement for severe joint damage.

The appropriate treatment for shoulder pain depends on the specific diagnosis and the patient's individual circumstances. It's essential to consult with a shoulder specialist to determine the most suitable course of action based on your condition.

What are the Advantages of a Shoulder Replacement?

Shoulder Replacement Surgeon in San Antonio

There are a range of compelling benefits to shoulder replacement surgery, such as significant pain relief and improved mobility. This procedure can restore shoulder functionality, reduce inflammation, and stabilize the joint, enhancing overall quality of life. It is common for patients to experience long-term results such as better sleep, increased independence, and the ability to live an active and healthy lifestyle.

meet our shoulder replacement specialist, Dr. Srinivasan

Dr. Srinivasan is an expert orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder replacements in San Antonio, Texas. With extensive experience and a patient-centered approach, he identifies those who can benefit from shoulder joint reconstruction, offering personalized treatment plans, thorough consultations, and compassionate care. Dr. Srinivasan's commitment to improving the quality of life for his patients makes him an exceptional choice for shoulder replacement surgery in San Antonio, Texas.

why come to The Hand and Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio for your shoulder pain?

When you visit us at The Hand and Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio, you will find a fine-tuned team ready to take care of you. Your physicians have over 100 years of collective experience and represent multiple generations and training backgrounds. In addition to your surgeons, you may meet one of our hand surgery fellows. Each fellow is a fully trained orthopaedic or plastic surgeon who has completed 5 to 7 years of surgical training after graduation from medical school and has chosen to spend an additional year in training to study hand surgery. In addition to the physicians, you will meet various staff members. From the front desk staff and Medical Assistants (MA’s) to the x-ray and cast technicians, each is committed to taking care of you.

Other Shoulder Related Issues we can help with

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Did you know we offer in-house therapy?

Hand therapy is a merging of occupational and physical therapy theory and practice that combines comprehensive knowledge of the structure of the upper limb with function and activity. Using specialized skills in assessment, planning and treatment, hand therapists provide therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limb in order to enhance an individual’s ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life situations.