Top 5 Shoulder Injuries and How Orthopedic Doctors Treat Them

Introduction

Shoulder injuries are common among active young adults in India, especially with the popularity of sports and gym culture on the rise. From cricket matches to high-intensity fitness classes, the shoulder joint endures significant strain. When shoulder injuries occur, they can disrupt daily life and sports participation, often requiring medical intervention. Orthopedic doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating these injuries, employing a variety of methods tailored to individual needs.

This blog will cover the top five shoulder injuries affecting Indian young adults and discuss orthopedic treatments for each.

1. Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff tears are common among young adults engaged in activities like weightlifting and cricket, where overhead shoulder use is frequent. These tears may result from a single traumatic event or repetitive stress over time.

Symptoms

  • Persistent pain and weakness.
  • Difficulty lifting or rotating the arm.

Orthopedic Treatment Options

  • Conservative Treatment: Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications are typically the first steps, along with physical therapy.
  • Surgical Repair: In severe cases, arthroscopic surgery is performed to repair the torn tendons. Recovery can take several months, but it’s effective for long-term healing.

2. Shoulder Dislocation

Shoulder dislocations can occur in sports like kabaddi, basketball, or even during falls while trekking. The joint is forced out of the socket, resulting in intense pain and instability.

Symptoms

  • Severe pain and visible deformity.
  • Inability to move the arm.

Orthopedic Treatment Options

  • Closed Reduction: Orthopedic doctors carefully manipulate the shoulder back into position.
  • Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises help restore stability.
  • Surgery: In cases of recurrent dislocations, surgery may be needed to tighten the shoulder’s ligaments and tendons.

3. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Shoulder impingement, or “swimmer’s shoulder,” is common among young adults who engage in repetitive overhead movements, such as swimming, badminton, or tennis. This injury occurs when the shoulder blades press against the tendons and bursa, causing pain.

Symptoms

  • Pain during lifting or overhead movements.
  • Weakness and restricted movement.

Orthopedic Treatment Options

  • Rest and Ice Therapy: Reduces inflammation.
  • Physical Therapy: Includes exercises to improve shoulder posture.
  • Injections: Corticosteroid injections can relieve pain if symptoms persist.

4. Labral Tears

Labral tears affect the cartilage around the shoulder socket, providing stability. Sports involving throwing motions or heavy lifting can cause these tears.

Symptoms

  • A catching or locking sensation in the shoulder.
  • Pain with specific arm movements.

Orthopedic Treatment Options

  • Conservative Treatment: Includes rest and physical therapy.
  • Arthroscopic Surgery: In severe cases, orthopedic doctors may use minimally invasive surgery to repair the tear, restoring stability.

5. Biceps Tendonitis

Biceps tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon connecting the biceps muscle to the shoulder, commonly caused by overuse in activities like weightlifting and cricket.

Symptoms

  • Tenderness near the shoulder joint.
  • Pain that worsens with lifting or pushing.

Orthopedic Treatment Options

  • Activity Modification: Reducing the frequency of activities that aggravate the shoulder.
  • Physical Therapy and Anti-inflammatory Medications: Help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Tenodesis Surgery: For severe cases, the biceps tendon may be surgically reattached to relieve pain.

Conclusion

For Indian young adults passionate about sports and fitness, it’s essential to recognize early signs of shoulder injuries and seek medical intervention. Orthopedic doctors offer a range of treatments, from conservative care to advanced surgical options, tailored to restore shoulder function and reduce pain. By understanding these common injuries and treatment options, young adults can make informed decisions to protect their shoulder health and enjoy an active lifestyle.

References

  • Fongemie, A. E., Buss, D. D., & Rolnick, S. J. (1998). Management of shoulder impingement syndrome and rotator cuff tears. American Family Physician, 57(4), 667-674. https://www.aafp.org
  • Jain, N., Reilly, P., & Rangan, A. (2013). Shoulder instability management: A contemporary review. British Medical Bulletin, 105(1), 117-134. https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/lds033
  • Mall, N. A., Lee, A. S., Chahal, J., Van Thiel, G. S., Romeo, A. A., Verma, N. N., & Bush-Joseph, C. A. (2013). An evidenced-based examination of the epidemiology and outcomes of traumatic rotator cuff tears. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery, 29(6), 1155-1165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2012.10.026
  • Mazzocca, A. D., Arciero, R. A., & Shea, K. P. (2014). Repair of the rotator cuff: A summary of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 96(20), 1736-1741. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.M.00705
  • Shindle, M. K., Voos, J. E., & Williams, R. J. (2011). Athletic injuries of the shoulder: Stability and rotator cuff. Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review, 19(3), 206-211. https://doi.org/10.1097/JSA.0b013e318220bb4b

 

More Posts

Maintaining strong and healthy bones is essential for mobility, balance, and overall quality of life. As we age, the risk of bone-related conditions such as osteoporosis increases, making bone health a critical concern. While factors like genetics, physical activity, and nutrition are well-known contributors to bone strength, one often overlooked aspect is weight management. Your body weight—whether too low or too high—can significantly affect your skeletal system. In this article, we explore the impact of weight management on bone health and practical strategies to protect your bones for the long term.  

Understanding Bone Health  

Bones are living tissue that continuously rebuilds and remodels itself throughout life. Peak bone mass is typically achieved in your 20s, after which bone breakdown gradually begins to outpace bone formation. The rate of this decline can be influenced by lifestyle factors, including physical activity, diet, and body weight. Poor bone health can lead to conditions such as osteoporosis, fractures, and reduced mobility.  

How Excess Weight Affects Bones  

Being overweight or obese was once thought to protect against bone loss due to increased bone density from carrying extra body weight. However, recent research shows that excess weight—particularly in the form of visceral fat—may harm bones over time. 

1. Increased Joint Stress 

Extra weight puts mechanical stress on weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine. This can accelerate the breakdown of cartilage and lead to joint disorders like osteoarthritis. Though osteoarthritis primarily affects joints rather than bones, it still contributes to reduced mobility, which can indirectly affect bone strength through decreased activity.  

2. Inflammation and Hormonal Effects 

Fat tissue, especially abdominal fat, produces inflammatory cytokines that may disrupt the balance between bone formation and resorption. Chronic inflammation has been linked to lower bone density and increased fracture risk. Additionally, obesity can alter hormone levels—such as estrogen and leptin—that play important roles in bone remodeling.  

3. Risk of Falls 

Carrying excess weight can impair balance, coordination, and mobility, all of which increase the risk of falls. Falls are one of the leading causes of fractures, especially in older adults. 

How Low Body Weight Affects Bone Health  

Just as being overweight poses risks, being underweight can also be harmful to bones. Low body weight is a well-documented risk factor for osteoporosis and fractures.  

  1. Lower Bone Density 

People with low body mass index (BMI) tend to have lower bone mineral density (BMD), making their bones more fragile and prone to fractures.  

  1. Nutrient Deficiencies 

Underweight individuals may not consume enough calories or nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for bone growth and maintenance.  

  1. Hormonal Imbalance 

Severely low body weight can lead to disruptions in sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone, both of which are crucial for bone health. In women, this can result in amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), which is strongly associated with bone loss. 

Finding the Right Balance 

The key to protecting bone health is maintaining a healthy weight—not too high, and not too low. Here are some ways to support both weight management and bone health: 

1. Balanced Nutrition 
  • Ensure adequate intake of calcium (found in dairy products, leafy greens, fortified foods) and vitamin D (from sunlight, fatty fish, fortified milk). 
  • Include protein to support muscle and bone mass. 
  • Limit processed foods and excess sugar, which can promote inflammation. 
2. Regular Exercise 
  • Weight-bearing exercises (like walking, jogging, or dancing) stimulate bone formation. 
  • Strength training increases muscle mass, supports joints, and improves balance. 
  • Avoid sedentary habits, which can contribute to both weight gain and bone loss. 
3. Monitor Your Weight 
  • Regular check-ups with your physician or orthopedic doctor can help track your weight and assess bone health, especially if you have a history of fractures or risk factors for osteoporosis. 
4. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol 
  • Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are linked to lower bone density and increased fracture risk. 

 

Conclusion 

Weight management is more than just a matter of appearance or cardiovascular health—it plays a vital role in maintaining strong and resilient bones. Both excessive weight and being underweight can negatively affect bone density and increase the risk of injury. By adopting a balanced lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and routine medical check-ups, individuals can support optimal bone health throughout their lives. If you’re concerned about your bone strength or body weight, consulting with an orthopedic doctor or a specialist in bone metabolism can provide personalized strategies to maintain lifelong skeletal health.