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Shoulder

Effects of Untreated Shoulder Instability / Shoulder Dislocation

Are there ways to prevent shoulder dislocations?

While some causes of shoulder instability are beyond your control, you can take certain precautions to reduce the risk of shoulder dislocations. These include avoiding activities that put excessive strain on the shoulder, maintaining good posture, and participating in strength and flexibility exercises to support shoulder stability.

What are the complications of untreated shoulder instability?

If left untreated, shoulder instability can lead to various complications that may affect the overall function and health of the shoulder. Some potential complications include:

One of the most common complications is the recurrence of shoulder dislocations. Without proper treatment, the underlying instability issues may persist, increasing the likelihood of repeated dislocations and further structural damage to the shoulder.

The instability and repeated dislocations can lead to chronic pain in the shoulder joint. Over time, persistent pain can impact daily activities and reduce the overall quality of life.

Recurrent dislocations and instability can contribute to joint damage, including injuries to the cartilage, labrum, and other structures within the shoulder. This damage may result in arthritis over time.

Shoulder instability can cause muscle imbalances as the body attempts to compensate for the lack of stability in the joint. This imbalance may lead to overuse injuries and further compromise the overall function of the shoulder.

Untreated instability can lead to a gradual loss of range of motion in the shoulder. This limitation can affect the ability to perform daily activities and may lead to stiffness in the joint.

As instability progresses, functional impairment of the shoulder can occur. Activities that involve overhead movements, lifting, or reaching may become challenging or painful. The combination of pain, limited range of motion, and functional impairment can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, affecting both physical and emotional well-being.

If left untreated, shoulder instability can lead to recurrent dislocations, progressive cartilage damage, and early onset arthritis, limiting shoulder function over time. Chronic instability can also weaken surrounding ligaments, making future dislocations more likely. Dr. Jorge Chahla offers early intervention strategies to prevent long-term damage. If you have ongoing shoulder instability, contact Dr. Chahla’s office in Chicago, Naperville, or Oak Brook for evaluation and treatment.

At a Glance

Dr. Jorge Chahla

  • Triple fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon
  • Performs over 700 surgeries per year
  • Associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Rush University
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