Shoulder Pain – What causes this?
Many things can cause shoulder pain, including:
- An injury.
- Moving the arm in the same way again and again (overuse).
- Joint pain (arthritis).
Follow these instructions at home:
Take these actions to help with your pain:
- Squeeze a soft ball or a foam pad as much as you can. This helps to prevent swelling. It also makes the arm stronger.
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
- If told, put ice on the area:
- Put ice in a plastic bag.
- Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
- Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times per day. Stop putting on ice if it does not help with the pain.
- If you were given a shoulder sling or immobilizer:
- Wear it as told.
- Remove it to shower or bathe.
- Move your arm as little as possible.
- Keep your hand moving. This helps prevent swelling.
Contact a doctor if:
- Your pain gets worse.
- Medicine does not help your pain.
- You have new pain in your arm, hand, or fingers.
Get help right away if:
- Your arm, hand, or fingers:
- Tingle.
- Are numb.
- Are swollen.
- Are painful.
- Turn white or blue.