When Should You See a Doctor for Shoulder Pain? — Diagnosis & Medical Attention

When should I see a doctor for shoulder pain?
You should seek medical advice if:

• The pain is severe or persistent beyond a few days
• You experience weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arm
• Your shoulder shows visible deformity or swelling
• You are unable to move your arm normally
• The pain follows an injury, fall, or accident
• Home remedies or over-the-counter medications are not helping

How do I know if my shoulder pain is serious?
Shoulder pain may be serious if:

• It prevents you from performing daily activities
• You feel sudden sharp pain or tearing sensation
• The shoulder feels unstable, loose, or prone to “popping out”
• You have signs of infection (fever, redness, warmth)
• The pain radiates down the arm or is associated with chest pain

Is my shoulder stiff?
A stiff shoulder may indicate:

• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
• Arthritis
• Tendonitis or bursitis
• Impingement syndrome
  If you notice stiffness that worsens over time or limits your movement, a proper medical evaluation is recommended.

Can I rotate my arm in all the normal positions?
Check for:

• Pain or restriction when raising, rotating, or extending your arm
• Weakness when lifting or rotating
• Grinding, popping, or clicking sounds during motion
  If you cannot move your shoulder freely, it may suggest structural damage or inflammation needing medical attention.

Does it feel like my shoulder could pop out or slide out of the socket?
This may be a sign of shoulder instability, often due to ligament laxity, labral tears, or past dislocations. Chronic instability should be evaluated to prevent further injury.

Have you had an injury?
Shoulder pain after an injury (like a fall, sports accident, or heavy lifting) should be assessed, especially if accompanied by:

• Sudden severe pain
• Swelling or bruising
• Deformity
• Inability to move the arm
  Prompt medical attention can prevent complications and promote proper healing.