Shoulder Problems And Injuries: Check Your Symptoms
Content provided by Healthwise
When to See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:Do you have pain or tenderness in your shoulder?
See significance of pain or tenderness in the shoulder if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
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Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
- Yes
Do you have severe pain?
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Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
Do you have shoulder pain (not from an injury) that does not change when you move your neck, shoulder, or arm? Note: Shoulder pain that does not change with movement may be related to chest pain or symptoms of a heart attack.
Do you have pain with swelling or bruising that began within 30 minutes of an injury?
Do you have moderate pain that is getting worse?
Is a young child protecting a shoulder or unable to use an arm?
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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
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
Do you have moderate pain that has not gotten better after 24 hours of home treatment?
Is your shoulder tender to the touch but not red or swollen after 24 hours of home treatment?
Does moving or lifting your arm still cause shoulder pain after 48 hours of home treatment?
Does shoulder pain keep you awake at night?
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You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
- Yes
Have you had mild pain that comes and goes with no other symptoms 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 |
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