Falls are a leading cause of injury in the U.S., responsible for over 8 million emergency room visits each year. Among these injuries, shoulder injuries from falling are particularly common due to the body’s natural response to break a fall by extending the arms. The shoulder, being one of the most mobile joints in the body, often absorbs much of the impact, making it susceptible to various injuries.
Shoulder Anatomy
The shoulder’s complex anatomy includes three main bones: the humerus (arm bone), clavicle (collarbone), and scapula (shoulder blade). These bones are connected by a network of soft tissues, ligaments, and tendons that allow for a wide range of motion. However, this mobility also makes the shoulder joint vulnerable to injuries, especially after a fall.
Common Situations Where Falls Injure the Shoulder
While falls can affect people of all ages, the risk increases with age. Approximately 25% of emergency room visits related to falls include people over 65. However, certain situations present a higher risk of falls regardless of age or fitness level. Here are some common scenarios where falls are likely to occur:
- Athletic Activities: Engaging in high-impact sports or training, such as basketball, skiing, or gymnastics can cause a fall.
- Household Chores: Tasks such as cleaning gutters, painting, or installing lights often involve climbing ladders.
- Slippery Surfaces: Wet floors, icy sidewalks, or freshly waxed surfaces are common culprits in slip-and-fall accidents.
- Outdoor Work: Climbing on roofs or navigating uneven ground while performing tasks such as gardening or roofing, can result in falls.
- Workplace Hazards: Loose mats, uneven flooring, cluttered walkways, or inadequate lighting in workplaces can lead to workplace injuries.
What Kinds of Shoulder Injuries Occur From a Fall?
When you fall, the shoulder’s intricate structure can suffer from several types of injuries. Here are the most common shoulder injuries resulting from a fall.
- Rotator Cuff Tear
- Definition: A tear in the group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the upper arm bone in the shoulder socket.
- Symptoms: Significant shoulder pain, difficulty lifting the arm, weakness in the shoulder, and a crackling sensation when moving the shoulder.
- Treatment Options: Rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and in severe cases, surgical repair of the torn tendons.
- Dislocated Shoulder
- Definition: Occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder blade’s socket due to a forceful impact, such as falling.
- Symptoms: Intense pain, inability to move the arm, visible deformity, swelling, and bruising.
- Treatment Options: Reduction (manual repositioning of the bone), immobilization with a sling, PT visits, and sometimes surgery if the dislocation recurs frequently.
- Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collarbone)
- Definition: A fracture of the collarbone caused by falling directly on the shoulder or an outstretched hand.
- Symptoms: Sharp pain, swelling, visible deformity over the fracture site, and difficulty moving the arm.
- Treatment Options: Immobilization with a sling, pain management, and possible surgical intervention.
- Shoulder Separation
- Definition: A tear in the ligaments that connect the clavicle to the scapula, leading to a separation of these bones. This injury often occurs from a direct blow to the top of the shoulder.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, and a visible bump on the top of the shoulder where the collarbone protrudes.
- Treatment Options: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, PT, and surgery in severe cases.
- Proximal Humerus Fracture
- Definition: A break in the upper arm bone near the shoulder joint, often caused by falling on an outstretched hand or a direct blow to the shoulder.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, bruising, inability to move the shoulder, and sometimes a visible deformity.
- Treatment Options: Immobilization, pain management, PT, and surgical repair if the fracture is displaced or involves the joint surface.
How Can I Prevent Shoulder Injuries?
Preventing shoulder injuries involves a combination of awareness, physical conditioning, and safety practices. Here are some strategies to reduce the risk of shoulder injuries from falling:
- Maintain Physical Fitness: Regular exercise improves balance and joint stability, reducing the risk of falls.
- Wear Proper Footwear: Shoes with good traction are essential, especially in wet, icy, or uneven conditions.
- Make Your Home Safer: Remove loose rugs, install grab bars in bathrooms, and ensure that stairways and hallways are well-lit and free of clutter.
- Use Assistive Devices: For those with mobility issues, using canes, walkers, or handrails can provide additional support and stability.
- Stay Cautious Outdoors: Be mindful of weather conditions, especially ice and snow. When necessary, use sand or salt to improve traction on walkways.
Shoulder Injury Assessment Checklist
If you have experienced a fall and your shoulder is causing you trouble, getting proper, timely care is important. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and ensure a quicker recovery. Complete this simple checklist to see if it’s time to see a doctor.
“A top-notch medical team providing quality care and listening to my concerns and providing detailed care plans to achieve the goal of keeping me as active and strong as I was before my shoulder injury. Thank you for looking out for me. I truly appreciate it.”
At EmergeOrtho-Blue Ridge Region, our board-certified shoulder specialists have the expertise to diagnose and treat shoulder injuries resulting from falls. Do not wait—schedule an appointment today to get the care you need for a full recovery.
