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For 5 Months I’ve Had Pain In My Left Shoulder
Question: For 5 months I’ve had pain in my left shoulder when raising laterally, when putting on clothes, and especially when putting my arm behind my back (as if to scratch an itch).
The pain seems to be between the lower part of the deltoid and the upper part of the space between the bicep and tricep.
I first noticed this after a performing heavy shoulder exercises at the gym. I did not notice any acute injury. No pop sensation or sound.
I visited an orthopedist who felt that it could be tendonitis or bursitis. He didn’t order an MRI because he believed he would only see fluid. He was not suspicious for a tear at the time.
As the condition has not improved (and also has not worsened, despite me continuing at the gym with chest, bicep, and tricep workouts—no shoulder workouts), I suspect there may be a tear. Short of an imaging study, anything I can do to rule it out? All the same, what can I do in the meantime to maintain strength and minimize discomfort?
The pain seems to be between the lower part of the deltoid and the upper part of the space between the bicep and tricep.
I first noticed this after a performing heavy shoulder exercises at the gym. I did not notice any acute injury. No pop sensation or sound.
I visited an orthopedist who felt that it could be tendonitis or bursitis. He didn’t order an MRI because he believed he would only see fluid. He was not suspicious for a tear at the time.
As the condition has not improved (and also has not worsened, despite me continuing at the gym with chest, bicep, and tricep workouts—no shoulder workouts), I suspect there may be a tear. Short of an imaging study, anything I can do to rule it out? All the same, what can I do in the meantime to maintain strength and minimize discomfort?
Brief Answer:
Can be rotator cuff tendonitis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing to us.
From the history provided it seems that there has been a stress injury in the rotator cuff and the symptoms are related to mild tendonitis. MRI scan is the best way to diagnose such soft tissue inflammations.
Any other clinical tests to diagnose this are non specific. You need to avoid all the painful activities, restrict the arm movement above your head. Mild pain killer and hot compress can help in the healing. Rest to the area will help in healing.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Can be rotator cuff tendonitis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing to us.
From the history provided it seems that there has been a stress injury in the rotator cuff and the symptoms are related to mild tendonitis. MRI scan is the best way to diagnose such soft tissue inflammations.
Any other clinical tests to diagnose this are non specific. You need to avoid all the painful activities, restrict the arm movement above your head. Mild pain killer and hot compress can help in the healing. Rest to the area will help in healing.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. LAKSHMI
Answered by
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