Shoulder & Elbow

Adhesive Capsulitis, commonly known as Frozen Shoulder, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. This condition typically develops gradually, worsens over time, and then resolves, usually within one to three years.

The exact cause of adhesive capsulitis is not fully understood, but it often follows an injury or a period of immobilization, such as after surgery or an arm fracture. Risk factors include being over 40 years of age, being female, and having certain medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand — the median nerve — is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist.

CTS is often the result of a combination of factors. These include anatomical factors, such as a narrow carpal tunnel, wrist injuries, and conditions that change the fluid balance in the body like pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. Repetitive hand motions, especially if the hand is lower than the wrist, and mechanical stress on the palm can also contribute.

Biceps tendinitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the bones in the shoulder. This condition is typically a result of wear and tear from repetitive overhead actions or aging. It’s common among athletes engaged in throwing or lifting sports, but can also affect individuals performing regular overhead activities.

The primary cause of biceps tendinitis is the overuse of the shoulder joint, leading to inflammation and irritation of the biceps tendon. Risk factors include activities that require repetitive motion, such as baseball, tennis, swimming, or certain types of manual labor. Age-related changes in the tendon can also increase the risk, as tendons lose their elasticity and are more prone to injury in older adults.

A distal biceps rupture is a serious injury typically involving the tearing of the biceps tendon at its attachment point to the radius bone in the elbow. This injury is relatively uncommon and usually occurs in middle-aged individuals, particularly men. It often results from a sudden, forceful motion, such as lifting a heavy object.

The primary cause of a distal biceps rupture is the overloading of the tendon, which can occur during heavy lifting or when forcefully trying to prevent an object from falling. Risk factors include age (most common in people between 30 and 60), smoking, use of corticosteroids, and weight lifting.

Elbow (Olecranon) Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa located at the tip of the elbow, known as the olecranon. This condition can cause pain, swelling, and reduced movement in the elbow joint. It’s commonly seen in individuals who frequently lean on their elbows, but can also result from trauma, infection, or medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

The primary cause of elbow bursitis is prolonged pressure on the elbow, leading to irritation and inflammation of the olecranon bursa. This is often seen in people with jobs or hobbies that involve leaning on their elbows for extended periods. Trauma, such as a hard blow to the elbow, can also cause bursitis. In some cases, it can be triggered by an infection in the bursa or conditions like gout and rheumatoid arthritis.

Elbow dislocations and fractures are significant injuries that occur when the bones of the elbow are forced out of their normal position, typically due to trauma. These injuries are common in sports, accidents, or falls, and they require immediate medical attention to prevent long-term complications.

A fracture of the collarbone, or clavicle, is a common injury that often results from a fall onto the shoulder, a direct blow to the clavicle, or a fall on an outstretched arm. This type of fracture is particularly prevalent in sports and among young adults.

Symptoms of a clavicle fracture typically include pain at the site of the break, swelling, bruising, and tenderness. The injured area may have a bump or deformity, and moving the arm on the affected side can be painful and difficult. Patients often hold their arm against their body to minimize movement of the bone and reduce pain.

Lateral Epicondylitis, commonly known as Tennis Elbow, is a painful condition caused by overuse of the elbow. Despite its name, the condition is not limited to tennis players. It can affect anyone who repetitively stresses the elbow joints through manual activities.

Tennis Elbow results from repetitive strain and microtears in the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. This strain typically occurs from activities involving gripping, twisting, or lifting. Symptoms include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, which may radiate into the forearm and wrist. The pain often worsens with gripping or lifting objects.

Medial Epicondylitis, commonly known as Golfer’s Elbow, is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle on the inside of the elbow. Similar to Tennis Elbow, but less common, Golfer’s Elbow is not confined to golfers. It affects people who engage in repetitive wrist and arm motions.

This condition arises from overusing the muscles in the forearm that allow you to grip, rotate your arm, and flex your wrist. Repetitive flexing, gripping, or swinging can lead to pulls or tiny tears in the tendons. Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow include pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow, stiffness in the elbow, weakness in the hands and wrists, and numbness or tingling in one or more fingers (usually the ring and little fingers).

Overuse injuries, also known as repetitive strain injuries, are conditions that result from repetitive motion, prolonged pressure on a particular body part, or excessive strain on muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. These injuries are common in athletes, musicians, and individuals whose work or hobbies involve repetitive motions.

Overuse injuries are caused by repetitive trauma to the tissues without adequate time for healing. They often develop in individuals who engage in activities that require repetitive motion or prolonged exertion, such as running, typing, or playing a musical instrument. Risk factors include poor technique, inadequate equipment, insufficient rest, and lack of conditioning.

Radial Tunnel Syndrome is a condition characterized by pain in the forearm caused by increased pressure on the radial nerve as it travels through a narrow passage known as the radial tunnel near the elbow. This syndrome is often confused with tennis elbow, but while tennis elbow involves tendons, Radial Tunnel Syndrome affects the nerve.

The primary cause of Radial Tunnel Syndrome is repetitive motion of the arm, wrist, and hand. Activities that involve twisting movements of the wrist or gripping can increase pressure on the radial nerve. Symptoms typically include a dull, aching pain on the top of the forearm or the back of the hand, especially when straightening the fingers or wrist. Unlike tennis elbow, this pain is usually not felt at the elbow itself. Some people also experience weakness in the wrist and hand.

Rotator cuff injuries are a common cause of shoulder pain and disability, affecting the rotator cuff – a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. Injuries to the rotator cuff can range from mild strains to complete tears.

Rotator cuff injuries often result from wear and tear over time, making them more common in older individuals. They can also occur due to acute injuries like falls or lifting something heavy. Athletes or workers who frequently perform overhead activities are at higher risk.

Rotator Cuff Tears are a common injury, particularly in older adults or individuals who engage in activities involving repetitive arm motions. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint, providing stability and enabling a wide range of arm movements. A tear can occur in these tendons, leading to pain and a decrease in shoulder function.

Rotator cuff tears can be the result of either acute injury, like a fall, or degenerative changes that occur over time with repetitive stress. Aging increases the likelihood of tears, as does performing overhead activities, heavy lifting, or sports such as baseball or tennis.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome is a common condition where the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles become irritated and inflamed as they pass through the subacromial space, the narrow passage beneath the acromion. This can lead to pain, weakness, and limited mobility in the shoulder.

This syndrome often results from repetitive overhead activity, leading to overuse and strain of the shoulder muscles. Athletes, particularly swimmers and baseball players, are commonly affected, as are individuals whose jobs involve overhead work. Other risk factors include poor posture, muscle weakness or imbalance, and age-related wear and tear.

SLAP Tears (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) are injuries to the superior part of the labrum in the shoulder, a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint. The term ‘SLAP’ refers to a tear that occurs both in the front (anterior) and back (posterior) of this attachment point.

SLAP tears are commonly caused by acute trauma, such as a fall onto an outstretched hand, a direct blow to the shoulder, a sudden pull, like when trying to lift a heavy object, or a rapid overhead movement. They are also seen in athletes, particularly those who engage in overhead sports like baseball, tennis, or weightlifting.