If you're experiencing shoulder pain, but you can still handle your day-to-day activities, you might think you can avoid the doctor. That's not necessarily the case. It's not uncommon to develop some aches and pains from time to time. Most of the time, that type of pain is caused by muscle strain. However, there are other times when shoulder pain is a sign that you need to see the doctor. Read the list provided below. If you recognize any of the issues described here, now's the time to schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your shoulder pain.
Your Shoulder Pain Has Worsened
If you've been dealing with chronic shoulder pain, but the pain has gotten worse over time, you need to seek medical attention. This is especially important if you have a medical condition, such as arthritis, that causes shoulder pain. Worsening pain levels can be a sign that the condition has gotten worse. If that's the case, your doctor may need to change your treatment plan.
Home Remedies Haven't Worked
If your shoulder is causing you pain, but the home remedies you've tried aren't working, it's time to speak to a doctor. Many people use home remedies for relief from minor pain. Some of those remedies include heat and ice therapy, exercise, and herbal remedies. In some cases, home remedies work well for alleviating pain. However, when home remedies fail, it's often a sign that the condition needs medical attention. If your shoulder pain isn't resolved through the use of home remedies, consult a doctor right away.
You Have Pain and Weakness
If the pain in your shoulder is accompanied by weakness, or you hear a pop in your shoulder, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Pain that's accompanied by shoulder weakness could be a sign that you have something serious going on inside your shoulder. In fact, the pain and weakness could be caused by a damaged rotator cuff. A popping sound accompanied by shoulder pain could be a sign that your shoulder is out of joint. Both problems can be alleviated through proper medical care.
You've Been in an Accident
If you've been in an accident, and you're now experiencing shoulder pain, it's important that you seek medical care for the pain. If you can move your arm, you might think that the pain is superficial, but that might not be the case. You could have hidden shoulder injuries that need to be treated.
Contact your doctor to learn more about shoulder pain treatment.
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