There are several common questions that may come up if you’ve sustained or exacerbated a shoulder injury or issue, and one of these will surround when to see a shoulder doctor for your pain symptoms. When should you be doing this, and what are some of the signs that it’s time to seek assistance for your shoulder pain?
At The Orthopaedic Center, we’re here to offer the very best shoulder pain treatment and shoulder doctor services you’ll find in Tulsa, with staff ranging from shoulder injury specialists to shoulder surgery professionals and more. Here are some various options you have in terms of shoulder pain, running from the most severe situations to the least, plus when you should consider seeking medical assistance or a shoulder doctor’s services in each situation.
911 or Emergency Medical Situation
While quite rare when speaking about shoulder pain in particular, there are some cases where a severe shoulder injury requires immediate medical attention. If any of the following situations occur, it’s time to call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room:
- A compound fracture or other open wound, including visible bone situations
- Significant loss of function in the affected area, such as not being able to move the arm at all
- Hard time breathing, tightness in chest, sweating or other possible signs of heart attack or related heart issue
Again, these situations are quite rare and you should almost never require emergency assistance for a shoulder injury.
Immediate Shoulder Doctor Appointment
Moving down a rung, there are a number of shoulder injuries or accidents that may dictate immediately calling and scheduling an appointment with a shoulder doctor – for the same day if at all possible. These include:
- Deformed or inactive joint: If an injury or accident causes your shoulder to appear deformed or be unable to move properly, seek assistance immediately.
- Significant weakness: If you’re unable to lift objects or put weight on the affected arm due to pain and/or weakness, get an appointment with a shoulder doctor.
- Severe pain following injury: If pain is debilitating and doesn’t subside after a day or so, it’s time for a professional opinion.
- Major swelling: If the affected area is swollen significantly and it’s impacting your ability to move or function normally, see a shoulder doctor.
It’s worth noting that many of these injuries may require surgery.
Schedule an Appointment, Not Immediate
In other cases, you may not need an immediate appointment with a shoulder doctor, but you should still schedule one in the near future if any of these following situations apply:
- Moderate to severe pain: While minor soreness or discomfort can usually be resolved with rest, moderate to severe pain that persists for several days is worth discussing with a professional.
- Recurring issues: If this isn’t your first time experiencing shoulder pain or discomfort in the same area, it’s time to seek help from a specialist.
- Can’t lift arm above head: If you’re unable to reach certain heights with your affected arm, especially if this issue doesn’t subside after a day or so, consult a shoulder doctor.
Self Home Care
There are also certain situations where you can treat minor shoulder pain at home without the need for a doctor’s visit. These include:
- Mild soreness or discomfort: For everyday aches and pains that don’t significantly impact your daily life, rest and over-the-counter pain medication should suffice.
- Limited range of motion: If you’re able to move your arm but with limited range, try gentle stretching exercises at home before seeking professional help.
- Minor swelling or bruising: Icing and elevating the affected area can often reduce swelling and bruising on its own.
In these cases, if the pain or discomfort persists for more than a few days, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a shoulder doctor for further evaluation.
Additional Considerations
It’s important to note that these are general guidelines and every situation is unique. If you’re unsure whether your shoulder pain requires medical attention, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek assistance from a qualified shoulder specialist if needed. Remember, proper treatment can help prevent long-term damage and potentially get you back to full function faster. So when in doubt, reach out to a shoulder doctor for guidance and advice on how to heal your injury or condition properly.
At The Orthopaedic Center, our team of experienced shoulder doctors and specialists will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan that best suits your needs and goals. We offer a wide range of non-surgical and surgical options to address various shoulder injuries for patients around Tulsa, from rotator cuff tears to dislocations and more. Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back – schedule an appointment today and start on the road to recovery!
