Many people suffer from shoulder pain yearly, causing them to experience various problems such as decreased mobility, pain, and an inability to perform basic tasks. The most common problems that cause discomfort are rotator cuff tear, labrum tear, and instability. An Austin shoulder surgeon can review your medical information from your doctor to determine the best treatment for you. Given that Dr. Kevin Kruse is only a 3 hour drive from Austin he has become the premier choice as an Austin shoulder surgery expert that has helped people recover from shoulder pain for many years.
Procedures and Treatments by Austin Shoulder Surgeon Dr. Kevin Kruse
1. Rotator cuff tear
A rotator cuff tear is a common injury that can cause discomfort and decreased range of motion. The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles located in the shoulder. Rotator cuff tears typically result from trauma. However, treating a rotator cuff tear with conservative treatment is usually possible. It will allow you to avoid shoulder surgery unless necessary. You may be given instructions on strengthening exercises, or your surgeon may recommend physical therapy. Surgery will be recommended if the conservative treatment fails to provide relief or if you experience progressive loss of mobility or range of motion of the affected arm.
2. Labral tears
Labral tears cause pain that can be made worse by overhead activity, activity with heavy weights or trauma, or damage from a rotator cuff tear. The labrum is located at the side of your shoulder and serves as a protective cover for the joint between your humerus (upper arm bone) and scapula (shoulder blade). A labral tear occurs when an injury to one of these structures damages the labrum, leading to tissue inflammation from the surrounding area. Dr. Kevin Kruse will identify the type and extent of a labral tear and may recommend rest, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, or cortisone injections. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and swelling so that the damaged tissue has a chance to heal.
3. Shoulder instability
Shoulder instability is caused by an injury involving damage to your joint capsule or ligaments that surround the joint and hold it in place, allowing for normal mobility for various activities including lifting, throwing, or carrying objects. This type of instability is typically caused by trauma or repetitive wear-and-tear injuries incurred during athletic activities such as volleyball, baseball, or swimming. This type of injury can also result from slips, trips, and falls. Once trauma occurs, the affected joint may move out of place due to damage to surrounding tissues or soft tissues like cartilage. Shoulder instability is typically treated with physical therapy or surgery, depending on the severity of your discomfort and loss of range of motion. Shoulder surgeries are an option for those who experience instability and loss of range of motion that does not respond to conservative treatment.
5. Shoulder pain
The cause of pain is commonly caused by arthritis or a degenerative joint disorder. However, other causes of pain can include infection, bursitis, and neuritis. If you are experiencing discomfort that does not resolve with conservative treatment or if you experience a significant loss of mobility or range of motion in your affected arm, you should seek the care of an Austin expert.
6. Frozen shoulder
Frozen shoulder is a painful condition that causes pain in the upper arm and shoulder when the joint moves in certain directions. The cause of a frozen shoulder is usually a degeneration or damage to the rotator cuff muscles that cause inflammation and pain in your shoulder. This condition, also called adhesive capsulitis, can occur due to repetitive motion injuries such as tennis elbow or golf swing. Symptoms include pain that worsens when you lift your arm or make sudden movements, weakness, reduced range of motion, and swelling around your elbow joint.
7. Shoulder replacement surgery
For those with severe pain in their shoulder or at risk of losing the use of the affected arm due to extreme arthritis and damage to surrounding tissues, shoulder replacement surgery may be the best option for you. This type of replacement allows for the natural motion of your shoulder joint and greatly improves your ability to function in your daily routine. In addition, a replacement can also help limit or cure arthritis that may be causing your pain.
8. Shoulder rehabilitation
Suppose you have suffered a shoulder injury, pain, or loss of function that does not resolve with conservative treatment or are experiencing significant loss of range of motion in your affected arm. In that case, you should seek the care of an Austin shoulder expert. Within hours of your injury, Dr. Kevin Kruse will perform an evaluation and may provide immediate relief from pain.
Shoulder injuries can range from mild to severe, and recovery time varies depending on the severity of your injury. these types of injuries do not always require surgery, but if you have pain or loss of range of motion in your affected arm, schedule an appointment with an Austin shoulder surgeon Dr. Kevin Kruse today.