10 Common Causes of Shoulder Pain (and When to See a Doctor)

Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Because the shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, it’s also highly vulnerable to injury and wear. While some cases of shoulder pain improve with rest and home care, others require medical attention to prevent lasting damage. Understanding the most common causes can help you decide when it’s time to come visit us at Intouch Primary Care in Sugarland, TX.

1. Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Tears, whether partial or complete, can result from overuse, trauma, or degeneration with age. Symptoms include weakness, difficulty lifting your arm, and pain when reaching overhead.

2. Tendinitis

Tendinitis occurs when shoulder tendons become inflamed from repetitive movements, such as throwing or lifting. Pain often worsens with activity and may be accompanied by mild swelling. Athletes and people with repetitive-motion jobs are most at risk.

3. Bursitis

The bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the shoulder joint. Inflammation—often from repetitive overhead activity—can cause pain and limit movement. Bursitis may develop alongside tendinitis, further restricting mobility.

4. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder involves stiffness and pain that gradually worsens over time. It can develop after injury, surgery, or prolonged immobilization of the arm. Women over 40 and people with diabetes are more likely to develop this condition.

5. Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis—especially osteoarthritis—occurs when cartilage wears away, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and grinding sensations. Symptoms typically worsen over months or years and may limit daily activities.

6. Shoulder Impingement

Impingement happens when the shoulder blade rubs against the rotator cuff tendons during arm movement. This can cause pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting your arm, especially when reaching overhead.

7. Labral Tears

The labrum is the cartilage rim that surrounds the shoulder socket. Tears may result from repetitive motions, heavy lifting, or direct trauma. Symptoms can include catching, locking, or instability in the joint.

8. Shoulder Dislocation

A dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket, usually due to trauma or sports injury. The shoulder may appear deformed, and movement will be severely limited until it is relocated by a medical professional.

9. Fractures

Fractures of the collarbone (clavicle) or upper arm (humerus) cause immediate, severe pain and swelling. They often result from falls, car accidents, or sports injuries and require prompt evaluation.

10. Referred Pain

Sometimes shoulder pain is not from the shoulder at all. Conditions such as gallbladder disease, neck problems, or heart-related issues can cause pain that radiates to the shoulder area.

When to See a Doctor

You should seek medical evaluation if you experience:

• Sudden, severe pain following an injury
• Visible deformity or swelling
• Weakness, numbness, or inability to move the arm
• Persistent pain lasting more than a few weeks
• Signs of infection (fever, redness, warmth around the joint)

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent worsening damage and improve recovery outcomes. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy, medication, injections, or, if necessary, a referral for surgical repair, depending on the underlying cause.

Shoulder pain should never be ignored, especially if it’s affecting your work, hobbies, or sleep. Understanding the cause is the first step toward relief—and in many cases, early treatment can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a long-term problem.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain in Sugarland, TX, and need an accurate diagnosis and treatment, contact our team at Intouch Primary Care to schedule an appointment. Our team will help determine the source of your pain and customize a treatment plan to provide relief.