Acute versus Chronic Shoulder Pain:
What are the Differences?

When you experience shoulder pain, it can be difficult to determine whether the pain is acute or chronic. Acute shoulder pain is typically caused by an injury or overuse, and usually goes away within a few weeks with rest and home care. Chronic shoulder pain, on the other hand, persists for months or even years, and may require medical intervention to find relief.

Causes of acute shoulder pain include:

• Injury: A fall, direct blow, or other trauma to the shoulder can cause the joint to become dislocated or Fractured.
• Overuse: Repeated overhead motions of the arm (such as those often used in tennis or swimming) can lead to inflammation of the tendons (tendinitis) or the bursa (bursitis).

Some common causes of chronic shoulder pain include:

• Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the shoulder joint, causing pain and stiffness.
• Rotator cuff tear: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. A tear in one or more of these structures can cause pain and weakness.
• Frozen shoulder: Also known as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful, making it difficult to move the arm.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain, it is important to see your doctor to determine the cause. Once a diagnosis has been made, the appropriate treatment can be initiated. In some cases, rest and home care may be all that is needed to treat the pain. However, more severe cases may require medication, physical therapy, or even surgery.

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