Shoulder Problems And Injuries: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Do you think you have inflammation or infection in your shoulder?

See significance of inflammation or infection in a joint if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have increased swelling, redness, or warmth around your shoulder?

Yes

Do you have severe pain with movement of your shoulder?

Yes

Do you have red streaks extending from your shoulder toward your chest or neck?

Yes

Is your shoulder tender to the touch?

Yes

Do you have any drainage of pus from your shoulder?

Yes

Do you know or think you have a fever?

Yes

Do you have diabetes?

Yes

Do you have peripheral arterial disease?

Yes

Do you have a disease or take a medicine that causes problems with your immune system?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have any symptoms of a skin infection around your shoulder?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had mild pain and swelling with redness less than around the shoulder for 48 hours or longer?

Yes

Have you had swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or neck for 1 week or longer?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	September 24, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer