Shoulder & Elbow Pain

Because so many injuries and diseases can affect the shoulder and elbow, getting an accurate diagnosis is critical to ensure patients receive the most appropriate treatment. If you develop shoulder or elbow pain, visit the team at Full Orthopedics Urgent Care in Aventura / North Miami Beach, Florida. You benefit from a fast diagnosis and access to effective, nonsurgical shoulder and elbow pain treatments in their care. At Full Orthopedics Urgent Care, there’s no need to call to schedule an appointment because the team welcomes walk-in patients. However, you can always call ahead to let the team know you’re on the way. 

What can cause shoulder and elbow pain?

Shoulders and elbows are complex structures containing bones, nerves, muscles, ligaments, and tendons that you move multiple times each day. They’re prone to injury and wear-and-tear that results in acute and ongoing pain. Even a bruised shoulder or elbow can cause pain that requires treatment.

Shoulder and elbow pain conditions the Full Orthopedics Urgent Care team sees frequently include:

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is a probable cause of chronic shoulder or elbow pain. It develops over the years from repeated use that removes the articular cartilage protecting your bones. Rheumatoid arthritis is the next most common form of this disease. It happens because a flaw in your immune system makes it attack healthy joint linings.

Fractures

Fractures are bone breaks. Elbow and clavicle (collarbone) fractures are common; scapula (shoulder blade) fractures are rarer but can be excruciatingly painful.

Rotator cuff tears

The rotator cuff circles the shoulder joint. Its muscles and tendons can tear under sufficient strain, making arm movement difficult and painful. Repeated or severe rotator cuff injuries can cause cuff tear arthropathy, a form of arthritis.

Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) typically happens after shoulder or arm immobilization, such as wearing a cast or sling for many weeks. The connective tissues shorten through inactivity, making it hard to move the joint.

Cubital tunnel syndrome

This condition arises when the ulnar nerve in your elbow becomes compressed and inflamed.

Tennis and golfer’s elbow

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) are overuse injuries that cause inflammation in the elbow tendons.

Dislocations

The shoulder is especially prone to dislocations, where the joint separates partially or completely. Repeated dislocations can cause shoulder instability.

Exercise and sports training, such as participating in CrossFit, can also lead to shoulder and elbow pain.

How is shoulder and elbow pain diagnosed?

Full Orthopedics has onsite digital X-ray facilities, ensuring patients have convenient, fast access to diagnostic imaging.

Your provider reviews the X-rays as needed after completing a thorough physical exam, medical history review, and symptom check.

What treatments help with shoulder and elbow pain?

Potential shoulder and elbow pain treatments available at Full Orthopedics include:

• Ice and heat therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Vitamin injections and supplements
• Slings, splints, or braces
• Physical therapy
• Steroid injections

Your provider proposes a personalized treatment plan based on your diagnosis and how the condition affects you. If surgery is likely the best option, they’ll refer you to an orthopedic surgeon.

The Full Orthopedics Urgent Care team welcomes patients to visit in person; no appointment is needed. You can call to say you’re on your way or simply drop in when convenient.