This type of injury is common among athletes as it is typically a sports injury. Torn labrum shoulder symptoms are not uncommon. It is particularly common among athletes who are in sports that require repetitive throwing such as in football, baseball, or volleyball. It is also known as a SLAP tear and is a tear to the cartilage around the socket of the shoulder.
It can be hard to know when it is actually injured seriously since it will not always hurt all of the time. An injury can be caused by an injury or it can be from overuse, but if it is bothering you, it will be necessary to get a physical exam to see the extent of the damage. If it is not a pinched nerve or inflammation, you will most likely have to get an X-ray or MRI to get a better look at your arm. An X-ray will be able to detect fractures, and an MRI will be able to show your labrum, but you may need to get a shot of dye to show contrast.
The symptoms of this type of injury include a deep, achy pain felt deep inside the shoulder and in the back of the shoulder. Pain could also be associated with overhead motions such as serving a tennis ball. A popping, clicking, or grinding in the shoulder or shoulder weakness could also be indications that there is something wrong with your shoulder. Your performance will also most likely be affected since the injury to your shoulder will prevent a full range of movement and the pain will cause your body to protect itself and limit the full capacity of its ability.
As with any injury, the sooner that you get it taken care of the better. The longer you leave it, the more time it has to worsen, and the more damage will be able to take place. That means that it will take longer to recover as well.
Surgery is not always the first option and doctors will typically describe anti-inflammatory drugs for the swelling and pain, to begin with. You may need to work with a physical therapist or do certain exercises to help strengthen your muscles. If this does not help to improve your arm, then it will be necessary to have surgery done. The specific kind of operation will depend on a number of factors including your age, injury, and how active you are.
Even if you are very healthy and take good care of your body, injuries can still take place, and you can’t always avoid surgery. Your doctor will be able to figure out how badly you have injured your arm and the only way that you may be able to get relief is form surgery. You will need to wear a sling for at least a month to give your arm time to heal and you will need to get it back into shape with the help of a physical therapist.
