Shoulder contusion | Pain in the shoulder and arm

Shoulder contusion

In a shoulder contusion, the muscles and vision of the shoulder have been bruised by a violent impact (e.g. fall). The damage to muscles and tendons can cause pain. The bruise is sometimes accompanied by a visible hematoma (bruise) and swelling, but it can also occur without external manifestations.

To treat the contusion, the shoulder should be moved as little as possible. Cooling and compression of the shoulder can also promote healing. In most cases, the shoulder heals within two weeks. If there is still pain after this period, it should be clarified whether bones or tendons have been injured more seriously.

Accompanying symptoms for pain in the shoulder and arm

The accompanying symptoms of pain in the shoulder and arm can be very different, as many causes can cause the pain. In addition to pain during movement, pain at rest can also occur. In the case of pain without movement of the shoulder, chronic muscle tension can be the cause.

Overheating of the shoulder joint can also occur as an accompanying symptom in shoulder pain. The overheating is usually due to an inflammatory process and the resulting increase in blood circulation. Restriction of shoulder movement can be another accompanying symptom.

This is also called “frozen shoulder” and is caused by a shrunken joint capsule. The reduction in the size of the capsule reduces the extent of movement. Apart from the shoulder, the arm can also be affected.

The arm and hands can also be affected. Numbness or a tingling in the arms or hands can also often be associated with the pain. In addition to symptoms whose triggers are localized at the shoulder, symptoms can also occur at the shoulder that are caused by clinical pictures from other parts of the body.

A heart attack can be accompanied by sudden pain in the left shoulder. In addition, pain may occur behind the sternum (breastbone) and the affected person may feel that the chest is constricted. Breathlessness can also occur.

In case of a heart attack, a doctor should be consulted urgently! In the case of biliary colic, in addition to pain in the right shoulder, colicky pain in the abdomen may occur. The pain has an increasing and decreasing character. A doctor should also be consulted here.