Foot & Ankle Treatment

If you’re a hockey fan, you no doubt heard about shoulder injuries sidelining some of your favorite players. Just two days ago Red Wings’ reported that players Stephen Weiss,Justin Abdelkader  and Jonas Gustavsson were all out with shoulder injuries.

But, it’s not just professional athletes that are susceptible to this type of injury. In 2006, approximately 7.5 million people went to the doctor’s office for a shoulder problem, including shoulder and upper arm sprains and strains.

Most problems in the shoulder involve the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, rather than the bones and can be due to multiple dysfunctions including rotator cuff abnormalities and inflammatory pain. Athletes are especially susceptible to shoulder problems because they can develop slowly through repetitive, intensive training routines. Injuries can also occur during everyday activities such was washing walls, hanging curtains, gardening, and even styling your hair.

Some people will have a tendency to ignore the pain and “play through” a shoulder injury, which only aggravates the condition, and may possibly cause more problems. People also may underestimate the extent of their injury because steady pain, weakness in the arm, or limitation of joint motion will become almost second nature to them.

If you are experiencing pain in your shoulder, ask yourself these questions:

• Is your shoulder stiff? Can you rotate your arm in all the normal positions?
• Does it feel like your shoulder could pop out or slide out of the socket?
• Do you lack the strength in your shoulder to carry out your daily activities?

If you answered “yes” to any one of these questions, you should consult your physician for help in determining the severity of the problem. Early detection is the key to preventing serious shoulder injuries.

If you’re searching for a physician in the Livonia, Clinton Twp., or Southfield areas, please give us at 248-680-9000. We would be happy to discuss your medical condition.

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