Joint pain in the shoulder may be related to injury or the presence of disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the common conditions that can cause joint pain in the shoulder include bursitis and rheumatoid arthritis. If you are having trouble using your shoulder joint, notice any kind of deformity or experience pain that doesn't go away, contact your health-care provider.
Injury
According to the American Council on Exercise "Personal Trainers Manual," in sports, the shoulder joint is one of the most commonly injured areas on the body. Shoulders are used frequently for most activities. Any type of awkward movement--whether through lifting, running, pulling or pushing--that involves the shoulder joint can potentially cause damage to the tissue. One particular area in the shoulder called the rotator cuff--which includes important joints and tendons that connect the upper arm to the shoulder socket--is sensitive to injury. Typically, overhead activities such as throwing or lifting objects can put added stress on tissue within the rotator cuff, causing tears or excess stretching. Most of the time, any injury to the shoulder or rotator cuff can heal on its own. Treatment may include rest and applying ice and heat to the affected area.
Bursitis
According to Medline Plus, bursitis is defined as an inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs around your joints called bursae. Bursitis can affect all joints, including those of the shoulder. Bursitis typically develops from repeated movement and prolonged use of a particular joint. Athletes are prone to developing bursitis due to the excess wear and tear they put their joints through. Swimmers are at risk for developing bursitis due to the overhead stroke they repeatedly perform. Weightlifters and baseball players are also at risk. Although athletes tend to develop bursitis, anyone who performs a repetitive task can be at risk. Bursitis can be prevented by taking frequent breaks from any repetitive task, and the application of ice can help reduce swelling and pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be taken as directed or as prescribed by your doctor.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the shoulder joint, causing pain and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis is a malfunction of the immune system that results in the body attacking its own tissue, mainly near the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis begins by attacking smaller joints such as those found in the hand, wrist and fingers, but will eventually move to larger joints, including the shoulders and knees. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, rheumatoid arthritis can cause joints in the shoulder to become stiff in the morning and can eventually result in a loss of joint mobility. Although rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term disease, treatment can help reduce the severity of symptoms and save joints from further damage.
References
- "American Council on Exercise Personal Trainers Manual"; Cedric X. Bryant; 2003
- Mayo Clinic: Shoulder Pain
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Medline Plus: Bursitis
