Common Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder pain can make everyday activities, from reaching overhead to getting dressed, unexpectedly difficult. Because the shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body, even a minor injury can lead to significant discomfort and limited mobility. Recognizing the early signs of a shoulder injury is key to preventing long-term damage and ensuring the best possible recovery.
At Ortho San Antonio, our specialists evaluate and treat a wide range of shoulder conditions, from overuse injuries and rotator cuff tears to arthritis and dislocations.
Why Shoulder Injuries Are So Common
The shoulder joint is designed for mobility, not stability. It allows a wider range of motion than any other joint in the body, but that flexibility also makes it more vulnerable to strain and wear. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint held together by muscles, tendons, and ligaments, all working in balance. When one structure becomes inflamed or injured, it can throw off the entire system.
Repetitive overhead movements (like lifting weights, throwing, or painting), falls, or even poor posture can all contribute to a shoulder injury.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Injuries
1. Persistent Shoulder Pain
The most obvious warning sign of a shoulder problem is shoulder pain, especially if it doesn’t improve with rest. Pain may feel sharp when lifting your arm or dull and achy at rest. It can also radiate down the arm or up into the neck, depending on the affected structure.
2. Weakness or Loss of Strength
If you notice that lifting, pushing, or pulling feels harder than usual, a rotator cuff tear or tendon injury could be to blame. Weakness often develops gradually and may be mistaken for simple fatigue.
3. Stiffness and Limited Range of Motion
Difficulty reaching overhead or behind your back can signal inflammation or scar tissue formation within the joint, common with frozen shoulder or chronic tendonitis.
4. Clicking, Popping, or Grinding Sounds
Occasional joint noises can be harmless, but frequent or painful popping may indicate cartilage damage, a labral tear, or early arthritis.
5. Swelling or Bruising
After a traumatic shoulder injury, visible swelling, redness, or bruising may appear. This is especially true with fractures, sprains, or severe muscle strain.
6. Pain That Worsens at Night
If your shoulder pain intensifies when lying on your side or trying to sleep, it could be related to inflammation in the rotator cuff or bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint.
Types of Shoulder Injuries
While shoulder pain can come from many causes, the most common shoulder injuries include:
Rotator cuff tears – damage to the tendons that stabilize the shoulder.
Shoulder impingement – when tendons are compressed during movement.
Labral tears – injury to the cartilage that deepens the shoulder socket.
Shoulder instability or dislocation – when the joint moves out of place.
Arthritis – wear and tear that causes stiffness and inflammation.
Shoulder Injury and Treatment Options
Treatment for a shoulder injury depends on the underlying cause and severity. At Ortho San Antonio, we begin with a thorough evaluation that may include physical testing and advanced imaging.
Nonsurgical Care
Most shoulder conditions improve with conservative management:
Rest and activity modification to prevent further irritation.
Anti-inflammatory medications or injections to reduce pain and swelling.
Physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Surgical Treatment
If nonsurgical care fails to relieve pain or restore function, shoulder surgery may be recommended. Procedures range from arthroscopic tendon repair to shoulder replacement in severe cases. Our orthopedic surgeons use advanced, minimally invasive techniques to promote faster recovery and lasting results.
When to See a Specialist
If shoulder pain lasts more than a few days, interferes with sleep, or limits your movement, it’s time to consult a shoulder specialist. Early diagnosis can prevent a minor shoulder injury from becoming a chronic issue.
At Ortho San Antonio, our team provides individualized care to help you regain strength and return to the activities you love, pain-free.
MEET DR. TRAVIS BURNS, Our Shoulder, hip, & knee Specialist
Dr. Travis Burns is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Ortho San Antonio. A West Point graduate with fellowship training in sports medicine, he focuses on shoulder replacement, arthroscopy, and treating shoulder injuries in active patients and athletes. Dr. Burns is known for his precision, experience, and patient-centered approach.
Ready for relief?
If shoulder pain is affecting your daily life, schedule an appointment with Dr. Burns at Ortho San Antonio and take the first step toward recovery.