Are you experiencing shoulder pain on the left side? It’s ridiculous how vital your left shoulder is to the rest of your body.
It supports and helps in countless movements. That’s why it’s important to listen to the signals your body is telling you.
Left shoulder pain can be an indicator of something more severe. You need to figure out what it could be.
Fortunately, there are various common causes of left shoulder pain. The goal is to use this information to take care of your issue, as soon as possible.
Are you suffering from left shoulder pain? You need to keep reading in order to understand what might be causing the discomfort and how you can fix it.
Calcific Tendonitis
One of the primary causes of shoulder pain on the left side is calcific tendonitis. This is a condition in which calcium deposits collect in the shoulder tendons, which leads to joint irritation and inflammation.
If left untreated, this condition can worsen over time and cause severe pain and difficulty with activities of daily living. Risk factors include age, gender, prior shoulder injuries, increased shoulder use for work or activities, and other joint conditions.
Symptoms may include burning or aching pain and difficulty with shoulder movements. Treatment options may include rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and injections.
Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common causes of shoulder pain on the left side, particularly in individuals over the age of 40. This type of pain is caused by damage to the rotator cuff tendon that runs around the shoulder joint and connects the arm bone to the shoulder blade.
The most common causes of rotator cuff tears include repetitive overhead activities, degenerative aging, and direct trauma to the shoulder joint structure or the rotator cuff itself.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common cause of left shoulder pain. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that affects the shoulder, but other types, such as rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis, can cause shoulder pain as well.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage protecting the shoulder joint is worn away, resulting in bone-on-bone contact during movement. This can cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the shoulder joint.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder conditions, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and disabling condition that affects the shoulder joint. The causes of the frozen shoulder on the left side can vary but often include inflammation or scarring of the shoulder joint.
This inflammation or scarring can be caused by a variety of things, such as surgery, an injury, overuse of the shoulder joint, or a prolonged period of immobility. A lack of movement and stiffening of the capsule that surrounds the joint can also lead to a frozen shoulder on the left side.
If you feel your shoulder pain gets worst, consult Boise’s best orthopedic surgeon for professional help.
Explore the Causes of Left Shoulder Pain
Left shoulder pain could be caused by a range of issues, from minor strain to serious injuries. It is important to talk to your doctor to diagnose the cause and determine the best course of action.
Physical therapy or other treatment may be needed to get relief, so don’t hesitate to contact your doctor if your left shoulder continues to cause you pain.
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