Many things can cause shoulder pain. You could have hurt it in a fall or an accident, or you could have overdone a task like painting. Shoulder pain can be caused by a disorder such as arthritis. It can even be caused by problems in other regions of your body, which is known as referred pain.

What Are the Symptoms of a Shoulder Injury?

The ball-and-socket joint in the shoulder allows for a wide range of motion but at the sacrifice of stability. The shoulder joint is the most often displaced in the body. Furthermore, repeated tension from the way you utilize your shoulders at work or in sports can cause tears and other ailments.

To determine if you have a shoulder injury, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is your arm able to move properly, or is your shoulder too stiff or painful?
  • Do you have the sensation that your shoulder is about to burst out of its socket?
  • Is your shoulder strong enough for normal activities?

Some shoulder injuries can be treated at home for a few days with rest and ice. If required, wrap it and elevate it over the heart to keep it in place. However, some injuries require medical attention. Here are some warning signals that you should see a doctor right away:

  • Your shoulder joint appears to be malformed.
  • You are unable to utilize your shoulder at all.
  • The agony is excruciating.
  • The shoulder has abruptly swollen.
  • Your arm or hand is numb or feeble.

Common shoulder injuries:

Dislocation. If you pull your shoulder back too far or rotate it too far, the top of your arm may pop out of its socket. You will experience shoulder soreness and weakness. Swelling, numbness, and bruising are also possible.

Separation. This ailment affects the joint between your collarbone and shoulder blade. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is what it's called. A fall or a violent impact destroys the ligaments that hold the body together. A hump on top of your shoulder will result if your collarbone is pushed out of place.

Fracture. If you fall or take a heavy hit, a bone might shatter or crack. The clavicle (collarbone) and humerus (arm bone closest to your shoulder) are the most commonly broken bones. You'll be in a lot of discomfort, and it can bruise. Your shoulder may drop and you may be unable to elevate your arm if your collarbone is fractured.

Cartilage tear. You can harm the cartilage (the rubbery padding that surrounds the rim of your shoulder joint) by doing so. It can happen after repeatedly doing the same motion. It can also be injured during a fall or whenever your shoulder absorbs a lot of stress. With this sort of injury, you may have pain when reaching over your head, and your shoulder may appear weak. It could also feel like catching, locking, or grinding.

Rotator cuff tear. The rotator cuff is a set of muscles and tendons in your shoulder that hold your arm in place and allow you to lift your arm overhead. It can be harmed by overuse or a fall. It also begins to exhibit signs of wear and tear as you age. Your shoulder may hurt at night and when you try to lift objects. When you move it, you may hear a crackling sound.

Frozen shoulder. This disorder restricts the amount of movement your joint can make. Adhesions (abnormal bands of tissue) form in the joint and prevent your shoulder from moving freely. Your shoulder may "freeze" because discomfort or surgery has caused you to utilize it less, allowing adhesions to form.

Impingement. This occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become constricted in the shoulder bones. It might result in swelling and pain. This can be triggered by often raising your arms above your head.

Bursitis. If you do the same motions over and over, the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions your joint) might become enlarged and irritable. However, it can also be caused by a fall or another type of injury. When you move your shoulder, you may feel the most pain if you have bursitis.