Shoulder & Elbow
Associated Orthopaedics has a team of experienced specialists who provide comprehensive shoulder and elbow care. Our surgeons are skilled in the latest techniques, including arthroscopic surgery and shoulder joint replacement. We offer a full range of services, from nonsurgical options and injections to minimally invasive procedures and complex surgeries.
Our goal is to provide our patients with the best possible care, whether they need a simple or complex procedure. We work closely with each patient to develop a treatment plan that is personalized to their individual needs.
When to See a Shoulder & Elbow Specialist
As we use our arms throughout the day for everything from cooking to typing, it’s no wonder that shoulder and elbow pain is a common complaint. While rest and over-the-counter medication can often help to relieve the pain, there are times when you may need to see a shoulder & elbow specialist. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to make an appointment:
- Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest or medication
- Swelling or inflammation
- Stiffness or loss of range of motion in the shoulder or elbow
- Weakness
- Numbness or tingling
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait to see a specialist. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you’ll be on your way to feeling better.
Conditions We Treat
Shoulder and elbow pain can be caused by a variety of conditions that require treatment from an orthopedic specialist such as:
- Arthritis
- Fractures
- Sprains and strains
- Bursitis and tendonitis
- Rotator cuff tears
- Shoulder impingement
- Shoulder instability
- Separated and dislocated shoulder
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
Rotator cuff injuries are a common problem, especially among athletes who participate in activities that involve repetitive overhead motions. A rotator cuff is a group of tendons and four muscles that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone. These muscles and tendons help to lift the arm and keep the shoulder joint stable. A rotator cuff injury can occur when these muscles and tendons become strained or damaged. Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include:
- Pain
- Weakness
- Decreased range of motion
Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Rotator cuff injuries can be frustrating, but with proper treatment, most people make a full recovery.
A dislocated shoulder occurs when the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) pops out of the socket. This can be a painful injury, and it often requires medical treatment to put the bone back in place.
A dislocated shoulder can occur due to a fall, a blow to the arm, or a sudden jerk. The most common symptom is severe pain in the shoulder, followed by numbness and tingling in the arm. The affected arm may also appear visibly deformed.
If you think you may have dislocated your shoulder, it is important to seek medical attention right away so that the bone can be properly aligned. Untreated, a dislocated shoulder can lead to long-term joint damage.
Tennis elbow is a condition that affects the tendons in the elbow, causing pain and inflammation. The condition is most common in tennis players, hence the name, but it can also affect individuals who participate in other racquet sports or who engage in activities that require repetitive motions of the arm and elbow.
The condition is thought to be caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm, which leads to microtears and inflammation.
Shoulder and elbow surgery is a type of surgery that is performed to repair or replace damage to the shoulder and elbow joints. This type of surgery can be performed for a variety of reasons, such as to treat a rotator cuff tear, remove bone spurs, or repair a broken arm. The type of surgery that is performed will depend on the specific condition being treated.
In some cases, shoulder and elbow surgery may be performed as a minimally invasive procedure, which means that smaller incisions are made, and fewer muscles are affected. This can lead to a quicker recovery time. In other cases, traditional open surgery may be necessary.
The types of surgery our specialized team of surgeons perform are:
- Shoulder arthroscopy
- Elbow arthroscopy
- Rotator cuff repair
- Total shoulder replacement
- Reverse shoulder replacement
- Fracture surgery
- Surgery for tennis elbow
- Surgery for golfer’s elbow
Shoulder & Elbow Care Services in Kingsport, Tennessee
Has your arm been feeling numb or achy recently? It’s time to see a shoulder and elbow specialist. Contact Associated Orthopaedics in Kingsport, Tennessee, today at (423) 245-3161 or schedule an appointment online directly.
