Talk about being attentive to my care! After my fall, Dr. Riley was with me throughout it all. A very patient doctor who will explain everything in full detail (as many times necessary.) Thank you for all you do doctor.
I've always been a very active person. After years of aching shins, I decided to take a leap and go see a local physician. It turned out I was experiencing a stress fracture! I am so glad I went to see Dr. Riley before it got worse. He suggested orthotics and to give it a rest on the sports for a bit. Thanks doc, is now better than ever!
Dr. Riley is the absolute BEST surgeon around! I wouldn't trust anyone else with my care. After exhausting all of the possible options for my knee without surgery. He allowed me to finally come to the conclusion that it is time. I am now a year pain-free!
Since I can remember I've played baseball. Due to pitching for so long, I had to retire my glove for about a year while I recovered from my UCL surgery. Even though the recovery path was long, I'm now back to playing the sport I love. Dr. Riley was nothing short of a miracle worker! I recommend him to everyone, you can't go wrong.
Why am I experiencing shoulder pain?
There are many causes associated with shoulder pain. Pain can arise from the shoulder joint to many of the surrounding ligaments, muscles or tendons. A typical injury which pain worsens with movement or activities is usually from the joint.
There are many conditions and diseases that could affect structures in your abdomen or chest which also can cause shoulder pain, such as gallbladder disease or heart disease. This is considered referred pain, due to the pain arising from another structure to your shoulder. Typically this type of pain doesn’t worsen with movement, such as joint pain.
Shoulder Pain Causes
Shoulder pain is a very common issue. When you experience pain there are many potential causes in this area due to the complex anatomy of the shoulder. Below you will find some possible shoulder pain causes:
Clavicle fracture: A clavicle (collarbone) fracture is the most common shoulder break. These fractures are typically from a result of a fall, sports injury or trauma accident. Children are particularly at high risk of this fracture due to your collarbone not completely hardening until the age of 20.
Scapula fracture: This fracture is rare, although possible. The scapula (shoulder blade) is a very sturdy bone and is located in a rather protected area, therefore it rarely breaks. A scapula fracture is usually the result of a high fall or car accident.
Proximal humerus fracture: This particular fracture is commonly seen more in elderly people. It is known to be one of the most common broken bones in patients over the age of 65. This fracture occurs when the ball of the ball-and-sock shoulder joint is broken.
Rotator cuff injury/tear: A rotator cuff injury or tear often occurs in people who repeatedly perform an overhead motion at their jobs or in sports. At times progression degeneration or wear and tear of the tendon tissue are also the cause. Without treatment, rotator cuff injuries can result in loss of moment or weakness.
Bursitis: Shoulder bursitis is the most common complaint of shoulder pain. When a bursa becomes inflamed it is usually due to injury, infection (not common in shoulder) or a rheumatic condition.
Dislocated shoulder: This injury occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the socket that's apart of yours shoulderblade. Due to the shoulder being the bodies most mobile joint, it makes it likely for dislocations. It is common for a shoulder dislocation to cause tingling or weakness and numbness near the injury.
Shoulder osteoarthritis: As you age, you are at risk of developing osteoarthritis of the shoulder. Although, even at a young age, an injury of the shoulder can also lead to osteoarthritis. Shoulder pain is the most common symptom of shoulder osteoarthritis.
Common Shoulder Pain Treatments
Your physcican will usually first suggest rest, ice, heat or physical therapy to attempt to treat your pain in a conservative way. If it appears your shoulder pain is not subsiding from conservative treatments your surgeon might consider sharing surgical options.
Non-operative Shoulder Treatments
A cortisone injection may help to relieve pain and inflammation in a specific area of your body. This injection typically includes a corticosteroid medication and a local anesthetic.
The trigger point injection (also known as TPI) is used to treat pain in certain areas in the body that contain knots of muscle that form when muscles don’t relax.
Platelet Rich Plasma injections may help damaged tissue when plasma is injected into the damaged tissue to stimulate your body to grow new healthy cells and promote healing.
Surgical Shoulder Procedures
This is the most common shoulder replacement procedure. When performed, your physician will place a metal ball for the ball at the top of your humerus and attaches it to your remaining bone. Once the attachment is complete, the socket then gets covered with a new plastic surface.
The rotator cuff repair surgery is done to repair a torn tendon in the shoulder. Two very small cuts are made to insert the tiny tools and camera. An arthroscope (tiny camera) is then inserted so the surgeon may get a better look at your tear. Next, your physician will insert tiny tools and determine the best possible way to repair the shoulder.
This procedure is conducted with arthroscopy. Which the doctor will insert a tiny camera and tiny tools into a small cut. Once the surgeon has inspected the area he/she will then use small tools to trim the torn part of your labrum and then repair or reattach it.
This injury is a seperation of the shoulder blade from the collarbone. The surgery is conducted to restore the normal alignment at the end of the collarbone with the outer edge of the shoulder blade. The doctor will surgically hold the AC joint in place with metal plates or pins to repair the joint.