Dr. Rashmi Moraskar

What is commonly referred to as shoulder, is a combination of different joints which involves various muscles and tendons which allow us to take part in a wide range of motion. Shoulder pain can be classified in a broad spectrum, and even though some people have shoulder pain only, others may experience the pain radiating towards the neck and upper arm.

What are the symptoms of shoulder pain?
The four rotator cuff tendons are the most commonly affected tendons in the shoulder. Besides causing shoulder pain, it may also lead to tendon tears, impingement, and instability.
Impingement occurs when the top portion of the shoulder blade exerts pressure on the soft tissues underneath. As you try to lift the arm, the acromion starts to rub or impinge on the rotator cuff tendons and leads to tendinitis and bursitis. With the passage of time, it may cause rotator cuff tear.

On the other hand, instability of shoulder takes place when the top portion of the upper arm bone is compelled out of the shoulder socket. It may occur from a sudden injury or excessive use. It can be partial or complete in which the entire ball is dislocated.

How can shoulder pain be diagnosed?
The first thing that your doctor may recommend is a plain X-ray since it can detect any narrowing of space in between two spinal bones, tumors, slipped disks, arthritis and similar diseases, narrowing of the spinal canal, instability of spinal column and most importantly, fractures. Other diagnostic tests include MRI, electrodiagnostic studies, and CT scanning.

MRI or magnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive process which can reveal the neural elements along with the problems with ligaments and tendons. CT scanning is often used as an alternative to MRI. Electrodiagnostic studies, as well as nerve conduction velocity, are used for the diagnosis of neck and shoulder pain.

What are the treatments for shoulder pain?
The treatment of shoulder pain from soft tissue includes the use of anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and ibuprofen. Sometimes, doctors also recommend pain relievers like acetaminophen. But the drugs must be administered depending on the source of the pain and antidepressants and muscle relaxers may also be used.

Local application of ice and heat therapy can help in relieving the shoulder pain. Besides, your doctor may also recommend resting the affected area and limiting activities concerning the shoulders. When these treatments are not able to give positive results, then you may need to take corticosteroid injections along with some exercises.

When the spinal cord or nerve roots are involved in causing shoulder pain, surgical procedures can be the last resort. Your doctor can be your best guide in determining which course can be the most suitable in the treatment of shoulder pain.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Your knees are one of the most vulnerable parts of your bodies. In case of strenuous or vigorous activities, knees are more prone to damage and injury than the other parts. Several of the knee tissues are fairly delicate and often are easily impaired. Among the other knee tissue injuries, meniscus tears are perhaps the most frequent. Meniscus is essentially a cartilage that protects and stabilizes the knee joints. However, an untoward twist or a strain can lead to a tear in the meniscus. Meniscus tears are a common phenomenon among athletes and sportsmen. They have been noted to be more recurrent in older individuals. 

Some of the early symptoms that indicate the onset of a meniscus tear are swelling and difficulty in bending or straightening of the leg. Sometimes a "locking sensation" in the knees also forebodes a torn meniscus. The inflammation potentially causes a lot of pain and irritation. While, it is fairly easy to ignore a meniscus tear for a normal knee injury, prolonged overlooking may only aggravate the pain and worsen the condition. The process of diagnosing a meniscus tear usually involves an MRI scan and an X-ray examination, over and above a detailed evaluation of the wound.

Treating meniscus tears vary according to the extent of the injury. Depending upon the location and the depth of the tear, various cures can be tried. The healing process, however, depends upon other allied factors such as age, level of physical activities and one's medical history. An external and minor injury is easily mendable. Whereas, graver injuries are resolved through surgical means. The other non-operative means include certain prescribed medicines and specific exercises. Some of the recommended ways of battling a meniscus tear can be enlisted as:

1. Resting the knee by limiting the activities that involve excessive use of the legs or they may potentially strain the leg muscles.
2. Applying ice pack can significantly bring relief to the swelling and the pain in the injured knee. Doctors advice regular use for a duration of at least 15 days.
3. Compressing the knee using an elastic bandage or neoprene sleeve reduces the swelling in the knee.
4. Prescribed medicines in the likes of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be effective remedies for a meniscus tear. However, one must mandatorily consult a doctor before consuming such medicines.

A very common complaint, a number of factors can cause wrist pain but arriving at the exact cause can be a tad bit difficult. Depending on the cause, wrist pain can vary in intensity.

What causes pain in your wrist?
Injury to any part of the wrist can lead to wrist pain and impinge on your ability to use the affected hand and wrist. The causes can be injuries like sudden impacts and repetitive stress; arthritis like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; or diseases such as carpal tunnel syndrome that affect this part of the body.

1. Sudden impacts - Falling forward onto your extended hand can give rise to instances of wrist pain. Injury occurring from this sudden impact can cause not only sprains and strains but also fractures.

2. Repetitive stress - An activity that involves the movement of your wrist in repeating motions can cause the joint tissues to be inflamed or give rise to stress fractures, especially if the movement is performed without any break for a long period of time.

3. Rheumatoid arthritis - In this disorder, both the wrists can get affected. In general, the disorder sees your body's immune system attacking tissues of your body.

4. Osteoarthritis - Although the condition is very uncommon in the wrist, it occurs in individuals who have suffered a wrist injury in the past. Osteoarthritis typically happens when the cartilage that acts as the cushion at the end of your bones undergoes deterioration with time.

5. Carpal tunnel syndrome - An increase in pressure on the median nerve (a nerve that affects the sensation or movement of your hand) that passes a passageway called the carpal tunnel can cause you to suffer from wrist pain.

In addition to these causes, instances of Kienbock's disease and ganglion cysts can also lead to this problem.

How to identify the signs of the problem?
The pain can vary depending on the cause. So, wrist pain arising out of osteoarthritis will exhibit a dull pain while that from carpal tunnel syndrome will give a pins and needles sensation. Many times, the location of the pain can help the doctor to determine the cause behind the symptoms you may experience. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a orthopedist.