Shoulder injuries can occur due to accidents, repetitive use, or chronic medical conditions. No matter the cause, shoulder problems can be painful and may interfere with your ability to perform daily tasks.
Here are some of the most common types of shoulder injuries:
Dislocated Shoulder
A dislocation is when your shoulder rotates or is pulled back too far and your arm bone pops out of the socket. This can lead to pain and swelling as well as a weakness in your shoulder and arm. Due to the mobility of your shoulder joint, it is more susceptible to this type of injury than other parts of your body. Motor vehicle accidents, falls, and sports injuries are common causes. If you suspect a dislocation, you should seek medical attention immediately and avoid moving your arm.
Rotator Cuff Tear
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint and a tear in any part of the rotator cuff can make it difficult to lift or rotate your arm. A partial tear only affects one of the muscles or tendons and a complete tear is when a tendon is severed all the way through or has been pulled off the bone. Rotator cuff injuries may be difficult to notice at first and get more severe over time, so it is important to see a doctor if you notice any symptoms, such as a reduced range of motion, pain, or a crackling sound when you move your arm.
Bone Fractures
Your shoulder has three different bones: the scapula (shoulder blade), clavicle (collar bone), and humerus (upper arm bone). Trauma such as a car accident or slip and fall can cause fractures to any of these bones. A scapula fracture is often the most severe and usually damages muscles and tendons as well as the bone itself.
The Impact of Shoulder Injuries
An injury to your shoulder can make your day-to-day life more challenging. It may make it hard to lift heavy objects or lift your arms. The pain can be severe and could interfere with your sleep or mood.
The financial impact of shoulder injuries is also significant. Physical therapy is often necessary to regain your full range of motion, which can be costly. Additionally, you may need to take time off work for recovery, especially if your job involves manual labor. If you were injured in a collision or other type of accident, you likely have other injuries beyond just your shoulder that will require additional attention and could create more expenses.
Grabb & Durando Can Help You Recover Financially
Although some shoulder injuries are no one’s fault, many are caused by accidents. If this was the case for you, you need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. At Grabb & Durando, we will work hard to get you the compensation you need to cover lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
