5 Signs of Shoulder Instability

If you’re an athlete who uses repetitive overhead arm movements, you likely know the term “shoulder instability.” You may know of people who’ve had this ailment that keeps them out of play for a while. You’re in one of the high-risk groups for shoulder instability. 

Athletes aren’t the only ones at increased risk of shoulder instability. Trauma to the shoulder — for instance, if you fall and land on your shoulder — increases the risk. Or, you may have been born with loose ligaments or are double-jointed, both of which increase your risk for an unstable shoulder.

Our board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Shults, with Coastal Empire Orthopedics, treats many cases of shoulder instability and helps patients regain full use of their affected arms. 

Anatomy of your shoulder joint 

Your shoulder joint is the most flexible one in your body. Think of all the ways you can move your arm: forward, backward, up, down, and sideways at many angles. No other joint enjoys such range of motion. 

Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. The “ball” in the joint is meant to stay in the socket of your shoulder blade. It’s held in place by a lining in the joint, strong bands of tissue (shoulder ligaments), and a protective edge called the labrum. 

Signs of shoulder instability 

Pain, abnormal movement, or sounds in your shoulder joint are signals that you need medical attention. The following are five signs of shoulder instability.

Shoulder pain 

You have shoulder pain that’s exacerbated when you reach overhead. Any time you have persistent pain in a joint, it’s a signal that something’s amiss. You could have tendonitis, bursitis, shoulder impingement, a rotator cuff injury, or shoulder instability. 

A feeling of looseness in the shoulder joint 

If you ever feel that your shoulder joint is loose or about to dislocate, please call our office right awat for an appointment. We’ll fit you in. The “ball” of your shoulder should always stay firmly in the socket. 

You hear a noise in your shoulder joint when you move it 

Does your shoulder make a snap, crackle, or popping sound? Your shoulder is talking to you! A noisy shoulder is a sign that it’s time to see the orthopedist. Dr. Shults makes a prompt diagnosis and develops a treatment plan, whether it’s shoulder instability or another ailment. 

Weakness in the shoulder 

Does your shoulder almost give way when you carry a bag of groceries into the house? Weakness in the shoulder joint is a sign of instability. 

Your shoulder feels stuck 

If your range of motion is limited, and your shoulder feels stuck, please call our office. Your shoulder needs medical attention. Don’t wait until your shoulder dislocates to seek help. 

For expert treatment for all of your musculoskeletal concerns, call Coastal Empire Orthopedics in Savannah, Georgia, today, or book an appointment online.