Shoulder
Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder
Osteoarthritis is also known as “wear and tear” arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis occurs when the articular cartilage that covers the tops of bones, degenerates or wears down.
Osteoarthritis most often occurs in people age 50 or older but younger individuals that have suffered from trauma to the shoulder or injury may also have osteoarthritis.
Some common symptoms are pain in the shoulder which is aggravated by activity and progressively worsens over time. Also, limited range of motion and a grinding or clicking noise may be heard as you move your shoulder
After discussing your symptoms and medical history, Dr. Elkhechen will examine your shoulder. As with other arthritic conditions, initial treatment of arthritis of the shoulder is nonsurgical. Dr. Elkhechen may consider surgery if your pain causes disability and is not relieved with nonsurgical options.
SHoulder
Biceps Tendonitis
Biceps tendonitis, also called bicipital tendonitis, is inflammation in the main tendon that attaches the top of the biceps muscle to the shoulder. Biceps tendonitis is an inflammation or irritation of the upper biceps tendon. This strong, cord-like structure connects the upper end of the biceps muscle to the bones in the shoulder.
In most cases, damage to the biceps tendon is due to a lifetime of overuse from overhead activities. As we age, our tendons slowly weaken with everyday wear and tear. This wear and tear can be worsened by overuse — repeating the same shoulder motions again and again. Volleyball, swimming, tennis and baseball are some examples of sports that involve repetitive overhead motions. Often athletes participating in these sports suffer with biceps tendonitis.
Pain in the front of the shoulder and weakness are common symptoms of biceps tendonitis. They can often be relieved with rest and medication. In some cases, surgery is necessary to repair the tendon.
If you are suffering from shoulder pain please consult with Dr. Elkhechen. He will provide a thorough evaluation of your shoulder and work carefully to identify any other problems such as rotator cuff tears, osteoarthritis and chronic shoulder instability and treat them with your tendonitis.
Shoulder
Rotator Cuff Tear
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. Together, these muscles and tendons form a “cuff” that aids in holding your arm in place while allowing it to move in different directions.
While your shoulder is one of your most mobile joints, it’s also somewhat weak. A rotator cuff injury can cause a dull ache in the shoulder, which often worsens when you try to sleep on the injured side.
Rotator cuff injuries often happen to people who repeatedly perform overhead motions in their jobs or sports. Examples include painters, carpenters, swimmers, football players and people who play baseball or volleyball. The risk of rotator cuff injury also increases with age.
Many people recover from rotator cuff disease with nonsurgical treatment that includes rest, ice and physical therapy exercises that improve flexibility and strength of the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint.
Shoulder
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder Impingement syndrome is a common shoulder condition in young active adults causing pain in the shoulder. This condition is closely related to shoulder bursitis and rotator cuff tendinitis. These conditions may occur alone or in combination.
Impingement syndrome occurs when there is impingement of tendons in the shoulder from bones of the shoulder. Anyone that participates in repeated overhead activity of the shoulder is at risk for shoulder impingement syndrome.
Symptoms often include difficulty reaching up behind the back, pain when the arms are extended above the head, and weakness of the shoulder.
Treatment for impingement syndrome includes ice, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, and an organized physical therapy program.
Shoulder
SLAP Tear (Superior Labrum from Anterior to Posterior)
SLAP stands for “superior labrum, anterior to posterior.” A SLAP tear is an injury to the labrum of the shoulder, which is the ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint.
A SLAP Tear can be caused by sudden trauma to the shoulder or repetitive shoulder motion. A SLAP Tear is more likely to occur as the result of the labrum wearing down over time.
A sudden slip and fall or motor vehicle accident can cause a SLAP Tear. More commonly, athletes who participate in overhead activities with repetitive motions such as baseball and tennis can suffer with a SLAP tear.
Nonsurgical treatment often includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy.
Dr. Elkhechen will talk with you about your symptoms and when they first began. If you can remember a specific injury or activity that caused your shoulder pain, it can help him doctor diagnose your shoulder problem.