Other types of arthritis can be related to rotator cuff tears, infection, or an inflammation of the joint lining. Osteoarthritis, may be related to sports or work injuries or chronic wear and tear. Osteoarthritis develops slowly and the pain it causes worsens over time. Symptoms such as swelling, pain, and stiffness, typically begin during middle age. The most common type of arthritis in the shoulder is osteoarthritis, also known as 'wear and tear' arthritis. Shoulder pain can also result from arthritis. Learn more: Chronic Shoulder Instability Arthritis Repeated episodes of subluxations or dislocations lead to an increased risk of developing arthritis in the joint. Recurring dislocations, which may be partial or complete, cause pain and unsteadiness when you raise your arm or move it away from your body. Once the ligaments, tendons, and muscles around the shoulder become loose or torn, dislocations can occur repeatedly. A complete dislocation means the ball comes all the way out of the socket. Shoulder dislocations can be partial, with the ball of the upper arm coming just partially out of the socket. This can happen as a result of a sudden injury or from overuse. Shoulder instability occurs when the head of the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket. Learn more: Shoulder Impingement/Rotator Cuff Tendinitis Instability This can lead to bursitis and tendinitis, causing pain and limiting movement. As the arm is lifted, the acromion rubs, or 'impinges' on, the rotator cuff tendons and bursa. Shoulder impingement occurs when the top of the shoulder blade (acromion) puts pressure on the underlying soft tissues when the arm is lifted away from the body. Learn more: Rotator Cuff Tears, Biceps Tendon Tear at the Shoulder Impingement Rotator cuff and biceps tendon injuries are among the most common of these injuries. In most cases of complete tears, the tendon is pulled away from its attachment to the bone. These tears may be partial or may completely separate the tendon from its attachment to bone. Splitting and tearing of tendons may result from acute injury or degenerative changes in the tendons due to advancing age, long-term overuse and wear and tear, or a sudden injury. Learn more: Biceps Tendinitis, Shoulder Impingement/Rotator Cuff Tendinitis Tendon Tears Your rotator cuff helps provide shoulder motion and stability.

The rotator cuff is made up of four small muscles and their tendons that cover the head of your upper arm bone and keep it in the shoulder socket.

The most commonly affected tendons in the shoulder are the four rotator cuff tendons and one of the biceps tendons. Degenerative diseases like arthritis or repetitive wear and tear due to age, can lead to chronic tendinitis. Excessive ball throwing or other overhead activities during work or sport can lead to acute tendinitis. Generally, tendinitis is one of two types:

Most tendinitis is a result of inflammation in the tendon. TendinitisĪ tendon is a cord that connects muscle to bone. Many daily activities, such as combing your hair or getting dressed, may become difficult. The many tissues in the shoulder can become inflamed and painful. The result is a condition known as subacromial bursitis.īursitis often occurs in association with rotator cuff tendinitis. Sometimes, excessive use of the shoulder leads to inflammation and swelling of the bursa between the rotator cuff and part of the shoulder blade known as the acromion. They act as cushions between bones and the overlying soft tissues, and help reduce friction between the gliding muscles and the bone. Bursitisīursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that are located in joints throughout the body, including the shoulder. Other much less common causes of shoulder pain are tumors, infection, and nerve-related problems.

Tendon inflammation (bursitis or tendinitis) or tendon tear.

Most shoulder problems fall into four major categories:

Cap pathology