You don’t have to be an athlete to suffer from a shoulder problem. In fact, shoulder injuries are very common in older, less active adults.
Common shoulder injuries in older patients include rotator cuff tendinitis, rotator cuff tears and arthritis. These are usually a result of overuse of the shoulder muscles or a direct fall onto the shoulder, but they can appear gradually over time due to wear and tear.
Symptoms of Common Shoulder Issues
The most common symptoms of shoulder injuries include muscle weakness, loss of muscle mass, joint stiffness, tenderness of the shoulder, and pain when moving the shoulder. Some patients may also experience a snapping or cracking sensation when moving the joint. A loss of motion is often the first sign a person with a shoulder problem becomes aware of.
If you are experiencing any, or a combination, of these symptoms, you should visit a sports medicine specialist to determine the next steps.
Causes of Common Shoulder Problems
As we age, the cartilage lining the bones of the shoulder joint can thin due to wear and tear. As it thins, it loses its smooth surface leading to arthritis. Although less common than in the knee or hip, if it involves the dominant arm, it can be quite debilitating. Seeking help early can limit the potential disability.
Treatment with NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory medications), physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections can slow the progression of the arthritis. If these methods fail to improve the quality of life, total shoulder replacement can be an option.
Rotator cuff injuries are common in the over-60 age group. They are often associated with a previous shoulder problem such as an accident or sports injury. Often, a person will have been experiencing intermittent pain for years before an isolated event magnifies the pain due to the tearing of the tendons.
In addition, falling directly on the shoulder can lead to breaks and fractures that can leave you vulnerable to more issues down the line, such as arthritis. Repetitive, strenuous motions like lifting, throwing or bailing hay can also lead to wear and tear of the shoulder and issues like rotator tendinitis. Although overuse injuries are very common, there are ways to prevent these issues as you age. It’s all about keeping your muscles strong.
Prevention of Wear and Tear Issues
Common shoulder injuries can usually be prevented by keeping the muscles strong and the joint flexible. Working with a physical therapist to strengthen the muscles of the shoulder can help you dodge rotator cuff tears and other shoulder injuries in the future.
A physical therapist or sports medicine specialist can also coach you on how to properly move the shoulder to avoid injury.
If you play a sport or work in a field that requires a lot of strenuous shoulder motion, such as a construction worker, you should be engaging in strength exercises to keep the shoulder muscles strong.
Treating Common Shoulder Injuries
If you are already suffering from shoulder pain, it’s important to seek help from a sports medicine specialist or orthopedist and appropriately diagnose the problem and begin treating the shoulder. Initial treatment usually includes a period of rest from the aggravating activity, anti-inflammatory medications, rehabilitation, and, in some cases, corticosteroid injections.
Some patients rely on conservative methods for treatment, but others may need either an arthroscopic or open surgery to address the problem. Your doctor will be able to analyze your injury and create a treatment plan that works best for you.
Dr. Charles Giangarra is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at UCF Health. He is committed to keeping people active through both surgical and non-surgical treatments. Learn more at ucfhealth.com.
