Shoulder Pain When Lifting Your Arm? Here’s What It Could Be

Shoulder pain when lifting your arm can make everyday activities—such as reaching, dressing, or lifting objects—difficult and uncomfortable.

This type of pain is often caused by irritation or injury to the structures within the shoulder joint. At MD Spine Care Orthopaedics in San Antonio, we evaluate shoulder pain to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain When Lifting Your Arm

Several orthopedic conditions may cause shoulder pain with movement:

Rotator Cuff Injury

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Injury or inflammation in this area can cause pain when lifting or rotating the arm.

Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement occurs when the tendons become compressed during movement, leading to pain when raising the arm overhead.

Tendonitis

Overuse or repetitive motion can lead to inflammation of the shoulder tendons, resulting in pain during activity.

Bursitis

Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction in the joint. When inflamed, they can cause pain and limited movement.

Frozen Shoulder

Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this condition causes stiffness and reduced range of motion, often developing gradually over time.

When Should You Be Concerned About Shoulder Pain?

You should consider seeing an orthopedic specialist in San Antonio if you experience:

• Pain when lifting or reaching overhead
• Weakness in the shoulder or arm
• Limited range of motion
• Pain that persists for several weeks
• Difficulty performing daily activities

How Shoulder Pain Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis begins with a detailed evaluation, which may include:

• Review of symptoms and activity level
• Physical examination of the shoulder
• Range of motion and strength testing
• Imaging such as X-rays or MRI when necessary

Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain

Many shoulder conditions can be treated without surgery.

Treatment options may include:

• Physical therapy
• Activity modification
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Corticosteroid injections

If symptoms persist or worsen, additional treatment options may be considered.

When to See an Orthopedic Specialist in San Antonio

If shoulder pain continues to limit your movement or daily activities, an evaluation can help determine the cause and guide treatment.

Early intervention may help prevent long-term complications.

Schedule a Shoulder Evaluation in San Antonio

If you are experiencing shoulder pain when lifting your arm, MD Spine Care Orthopaedics in San Antonio offers comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans.