Sports Medicine Professional Dr. Wade Faerber Discusses Shoulder Injury

By Author: Jarrett Ransom
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Sports that involve intense physical exertions or contact usually carry risks of injury to the shoulder. Fractures, tears, and dislocations are the most common shoulder injuries acquired from sports accidents. Depending on the severity or nature of the injury, treatment to shoulder injuries by sports medicine doctors like Dr. Wade Faerber vary from simple slings and medication to invasive surgery.

Factors Contributing to Shoulder Injury

Sports enthusiasts and professionals usually carry higher risks of shoulder injuries because of the intense activities in which they’re engaged regularly. Overstretching and abnormal bending or twisting of the shoulder joints, common in baseball and throwing events, can cause cartilage tears and dislocation. Sudden, forceful impacts and overuse lead to wear and tear, and underlying pathologies or degenerative disorders, such as arthritis and aging, can make one more prone to fractures and shoulder injuries.

Signs and Symptoms

Pain in the area is characteristic of shoulder injury. Other signs are swelling and tenderness. Injuries may also render immobility or limited ...
... movement in the shoulder joint, and even popping or looseness of the joint. Imaging studies like x-rays, CT Scans or MRIs can confirm and further identify the presence and extent of injuries.

Conservative Treatment

The type and magnitude of an injury will determine the treatment of choice. Dislocations warrant resetting or repositioning of the arm bone into the socket. Medications and ice compresses can control pain and swelling. Slings and casts may be used to immobilize and rest the injured joint. Injections are used as much for fluid removal in cases of excess fluid buildup. Sports Medicine specialists commonly prescribe shoulder exercises to improve a patient’s range of motion.

Cases Warranting Surgery

Extensive structural integrity damages, such as major rotator cuff tears (breaks in the tendons and muscles along the shoulder joint), and other serious fractures require surgery by reputable orthopedic surgeons like Dr. Wade Faerber. Some cases can be approached through arthroscopy which entails minimal incisions and camera guidance during surgery. Other complex injuries would be handled in open surgery where further reconstruction, repairs, and joint replacements can be done.

Shoulder injuries can lead to serious impairments. The diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation by experts in the field of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, such as board-certified Dr. Wade Faerber, should be sought as soon as possible. Further resources on shoulder injuries and treatment can be found on orthoinfo.aaos.org.