Pain When Reaching Overhead: Four Common Shoulder Problems in Older Adults

Elder-Care

Authors:

Peter J Millett MD MSc

Abstract:

Shoulder problems occur frequently in older adults. Four syndromes are particularly frequent, and they all share the common symptom of pain when reaching overhead: (1) rotator cuff tendinitis or impingement syndrome, (2) rotator cuff tear, (3) osteoarthritis, and (4) frozen shoulder. Each can cause pain and significant long-term disability.

Many clinicians find it difficult to distinguish these shoulder syndromes from one anotherThis article: “Pain When Reaching Overhead: Four Common Shoulder Problems in Older Adults” appeared in the issue of Elder Care and briefly reviews the four conditions and provide an algorithm that outlines a diagnostic approach for distinguishing them. Download a copy of “Pain When Reaching Overhead: Four Common Shoulder Problems in Older Adults” below.

For the complete study: Pain When Reaching Overhead: Four Common Shoulder Problems In Older Adults

About the Author: Peter Millett, MD

Pennsylvania native Peter J. Millett, M.D., M.Sc. is an internationally renowned sports orthopedic surgeon, researcher, and author with numerous patents for groundbreaking orthopedic and biologic innovations. As a partner at The Steadman Clinic, Dr. Millett has been consistently selected as one of the “Best Doctors in America” and has been ranked in the top 1% of Orthopaedic Surgeons by U.S. News and World Reports. Using advanced open and arthroscopic surgical techniques Dr. Millett focuses on restoring damaged joints, ligaments and bones in the shoulder, elbow and knee.