Shoulder pain and weakness as well as the feeling that your shoulder is loose and may slide out of place – especially when reaching behind you or moving your arm overhead –often point to a condition known as shoulder instability.
Shoulder instability is usually the result of a tear or other damage to the lining and the labrum, which is the rubbery rim of your shoulder socket that helps keep the joint in place. Damage to this area can cause the humeral head (the ball portion of the upper arm bone) to easily pop out of position.
If you have symptoms of shoulder instability, your best course of action is to see an orthopedic doctor specializing in shoulder conditions, such as Dr. Steve Jacobsen here at Total Shoulder in Carmel, Indiana. Left untreated, shoulder instability increases your risk for a recurrent shoulder dislocation or the development of arthritis, which will only increase your shoulder pain. Also, you may be less inclined to engage in certain arm movements, resulting in muscle atrophy, which may completely prevent you from performing activities you once enjoyed.
Read on to learn about how your shoulder specialist can help you restore the normal function of your shoulder and get you back to doing the things you love again.
Treatment Options for Shoulder Instability
After doing a comprehensive evaluation of your problem, your shoulder doctor will recommend a suitable treatment option for you based on its severity.
Treatment often starts with conservative measures with the goal of stabilizing, strengthening the muscles around your shoulder so it can stay in its proper position, and restoring range of motion. Nonsurgical options for shoulder instability include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and steroid injections, although it can take several months to assess whether this treatment option is effective.
If nonsurgical modalities fail to provide adequate relief, surgical intervention is often recommended, with the goal of repairing and strengthening the shoulder as well as preventing complications.
The specific surgical approach will depend on the particular cause of your shoulder instability. For example, if a loose shoulder is to blame, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend a shoulder capsule tightening procedure. Or if a shoulder ligament is torn, a minimally invasive arthroscopic Bankart procedure may be performed to reattach and tighten the detached labrum within the shoulder joint.
Shoulder Instability Treatment near You in Carmel, Indiana
With his expertise, sharp clinical acumen, extensive experience, and dedication to providing patient-centered care, Dr. Stephen Jacobsen has become a part of countless success stories of people who have conquered their shoulder problems and are now living their best lives.
Entrust your care to Dr. Jacobsen today! Call us at (317) 705-4392 or fill out this appointment request form now.
