Shoulder pain and injuries are common among people of all ages. They may occur due to sports, falls, road traffic accidents, repetitive overhead activities, gym workouts, or even gradual wear and tear with age. While some shoulder problems improve with rest and physiotherapy, certain injuries require evaluation and treatment by a specialist.

For patients in Kollam and surrounding areas, an Orthopaedic Sports Surgeon like Dr. Ashwin Roby can provide specialised assessment and treatment for sports-related and complex shoulder conditions.

Understanding the Shoulder

The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the human body. This remarkable range of movement also makes it susceptible to instability, tendon injuries and other problems.

Important structures around the shoulder include:

• Rotator cuff tendons

• Labrum

• Biceps tendon

• Shoulder joint cartilage

• Ligaments

• Acromioclavicular (AC) joint

• Muscles around the shoulder blade

Injury to any of these structures can result in pain, weakness, stiffness or instability.

Common Shoulder Injuries

1. Rotator Cuff Injuries The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that help move and stabilise the shoulder. Rotator cuff injuries may occur following a fall or sports injury, or develop gradually due to repetitive overhead activity and age-related degeneration.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain while lifting the arm

• Night pain

• Difficulty reaching overhead

• Weakness of the shoulder

• Pain while dressing or performing daily activities

Some significant rotator cuff tears may require surgical repair, particularly when associated with weakness, traumatic onset or failure of appropriate non-operative treatment.

2. Shoulder Dislocation and Instability A shoulder dislocation occurs when the head of the upper arm bone comes out of the shoulder socket. Young athletes are particularly prone to recurrent instability after a first dislocation. Repeated dislocations may be associated with injuries to the labrum, ligaments or bone. Depending on the patient's age, activity level, number of dislocations and associated structural damage, treatment may range from physiotherapy to arthroscopic stabilisation or other surgical procedures.

3. Labral Injuries The labrum is a ring of cartilage that deepens the shoulder socket and contributes to shoulder stability.

Labral injuries may occur following:

• Shoulder dislocation

• Contact sports

• Throwing activities

• Repetitive overhead movements

• Sudden traction injuries

Patients may experience clicking, catching, pain or a feeling that the shoulder is slipping out of place.

4. Shoulder Impingement and Biceps Problems Pain related to the rotator cuff, biceps tendon and structures around the shoulder may cause pain during overhead movements. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include activity modification, medication, physiotherapy, injections in selected cases, and occasionally arthroscopic surgery.

5. Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Injuries AC joint injuries are common after falls directly onto the shoulder and are frequently seen in cyclists, athletes and people involved in contact sports. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment can range from immobilisation and rehabilitation to surgical stabilisation.

6. Shoulder Fractures Fractures involving the clavicle, proximal humerus or other structures around the shoulder can significantly affect shoulder function. Some fractures can be treated without surgery, while displaced or unstable fractures may require fixation. An orthopaedic specialist can assess the fracture pattern and determine the most appropriate treatment.

When Should You See an Orthopaedic Sports Surgeon?

Not every shoulder injury requires surgery. However, specialist assessment is advisable when you have:

• Persistent shoulder pain after an injury

• Recurrent shoulder dislocation

• Significant weakness

• Difficulty raising the arm

• Shoulder pain that interferes with sleep

• Clicking or catching associated with pain

• Loss of shoulder movement

• A visible deformity following an injury

• Pain that persists despite physiotherapy and medication

• Difficulty returning to sports or physical activity

Early assessment can help identify injuries that may otherwise become chronic or lead to recurrent instability and loss of function.

How Are Shoulder Injuries Diagnosed?

An Orthopaedic Sports Surgeon will assess the mechanism of injury, symptoms, range of motion, muscle strength and shoulder stability. Depending on the suspected injury, investigations may include:

X-ray: Useful for detecting fractures, dislocations, arthritis and certain bone abnormalities. Ultrasound: Can help assess rotator cuff and other soft-tissue structures. MRI: Provides detailed information about the rotator cuff, labrum, cartilage, ligaments and other soft tissues. CT scan: May be recommended when detailed assessment of bone loss or complex fractures is required.

The appropriate investigation depends on the clinical examination and suspected pathology.

Does Every Shoulder Injury Need Surgery?

No.

Many shoulder conditions can be successfully managed with non-surgical treatment. This may include:

• Activity modification

• Physiotherapy

• Strengthening and mobility exercises

• Medication when appropriate

• Selected injections

• Gradual return to sports

Surgery is considered when there is a structural injury that is unlikely to heal adequately without intervention, significant instability, certain fractures, persistent symptoms despite appropriate conservative treatment, or when the patient's functional requirements make surgical treatment appropriate.

Why Consult an Orthopaedic Sports Surgeon?

An Orthopaedic Sports Surgeon specialises in the evaluation and management of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly those affecting people who wish to return to an active lifestyle or sports.

By consulting a dedicated shoulder specialist, treatment may involve advanced techniques such as:

• Shoulder arthroscopy

• Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

• Arthroscopic Bankart repair

• Stabilisation procedures for recurrent shoulder dislocation

• Labral repair

• Biceps procedures

• AC joint reconstruction

• Fracture fixation

• Rehabilitation and return-to-sport planning

The objective is not simply to relieve pain but to restore shoulder function and help patients safely return to their normal activities and sports.

Shoulder Injury Treatment in Kollam

If you have sustained a shoulder injury while playing sports, exercising at the gym, working, or following a fall or accident, timely specialist evaluation can help determine the exact cause of your symptoms.

For patients in Kollam, Chinnakada and surrounding areas of Kerala, consultation with a leading orthopaedic doctor in Kollam can help in identifying sports-related shoulder injuries and deciding whether physiotherapy, medication, injections or surgery is appropriate.

Don't Ignore Persistent Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is not always a simple muscle strain. Persistent pain, weakness, recurrent dislocation or restricted movement may indicate an underlying structural injury.

A proper clinical assessment can help identify the problem early and establish an appropriate treatment and rehabilitation plan.

If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain or have sustained a shoulder injury, consult an Orthopaedic Sports Surgeon like Dr. Ashwin Roby for an appropriate evaluation.

Dr. K Damodaran Memorial Hospital
Hospital Road, Chinnakada, Kollam, Kerala
Phone: 0474-2751777 | 8129452777
Email: dkdmh65@gmail.com
Website: www.drkdmhospital.com