Expert Sports Injury
Care in San Diego

Shoulder pain can sneak into your life quietly, making it harder to reach overhead, lift a bag, or even sleep comfortably. It’s one of the most common joint issues in the United States, with millions of people visiting orthopedic surgeons each year for shoulder pain relief. 

Sometimes the causes are simple, like overuse or muscle strain. Other times, it’s a sign of something more serious, like a torn tendon or damaged joint. Read on to learn when you need a specialist’s opinion and how to find the best shoulder surgeon in San Diego.

Six Symptoms Your Shoulder Pain Needs to Be Evaluated by an Orthopedic Surgeon

Some shoulder pain goes away with time, rest, and ice, but there are six specific symptoms that the best rotator cuff surgeon in San Diego recommends that you consult an orthopedic surgeon:

1. Persistent Shoulder Pain That Doesn’t Improve After Rest

If your shoulder pain has stuck around for more than a few weeks, even after trying rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers like anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), it might be more than just a minor strain. Persistent pain like this can be a sign of deeper issues, such as tendonitis or a tear in your rotator cuff, which won’t heal properly without the right care. In some cases, the pain is caused by chronic inflammation or mechanical damage inside the joint that you can’t see or feel directly. That’s why advanced imaging, like an MRI, is important to get a clear picture of what’s going on. 

2. Limited Range of Motion or Shoulder Stiffness

If you’re having trouble lifting your arm, reaching overhead, or rotating your shoulder like you used to, it could be more than just tight muscles. Limited range of motion or shoulder pain and stiffness are often a sign of a condition like adhesive capsulitis, also known as a frozen shoulder, or joint degeneration resulting from wear and tear on the joint. These issues can make everyday tasks frustrating and painful. While stretching and physical therapy can help in many cases, they don’t always solve the problem. 

3. Shoulder Pain After an Injury or Trauma

If you’ve had a fall, sports injury, or been in an accident and now have pain, swelling, or weakness in your shoulder, it could mean you have a fracture, dislocation, or torn ligament. These types of injuries often affect the bones and soft tissues in the shoulder, leading to long-term instability or recurring injuries. 

4. Weakness in the Shoulder or Arm

If you’re struggling to lift or hold objects like you used to, it could be more than just muscle fatigue. Weakness that comes on suddenly or gets worse over time may be a sign of a torn rotator cuff or nerve impingement, both of which can limit your muscle strength and mobility. These conditions don’t always cause sharp pain, but they can quietly affect your ability to move and function. 

5. Popping, Clicking, or Grinding Sensations in the Shoulder

If you hear popping, clicking, or grinding sounds when you move your shoulder, especially if they come with pain or discomfort, it’s a sign that something inside the joint isn’t working smoothly. These noises can be caused by cartilage damage, labral tears, or early arthritis, issues that affect how your shoulder bones and tissues move together. While it might be tempting to ignore these sounds if they’re not causing major pain yet, they often get worse over time and can lead to more serious joint problems.

6. Shoulder Pain That Disrupts Sleep or Daily Activities

When shoulder pain starts interfering with your sleep or makes everyday tasks like dressing, driving, or lifting things uncomfortable, it’s more than just an annoyance; it’s a sign that something deeper may be going on. Pain that wakes you up at night or keeps you from getting comfortable in bed is often linked to rotator cuff injuries or bursitis, both of which involve inflammation and irritation in the shoulder. These issues can get worse over time if left untreated, affecting your ability to work, exercise, or enjoy daily life. 

Where to Find the Best Shoulder Surgeon in San Diego 

You shouldn’t have to leave San Diego to get world-class shoulder care. Trusted by patients throughout Leucadia, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Cardiff, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Torrey Pines, and all of North County San Diego, our conveniently located Encinitas office delivers elite-level orthopedic care close to home. 

At San Diego Performance Orthopedics and Regenerative Therapy, we offer more than just expert surgical treatment options; we deliver a performance-driven approach rooted in precision, innovation, and personalized care. 

As the best orthopedic surgeon in San Diego, Dr. Sanjum Samagh leads our practice by combining advanced techniques like minimally invasive rotator cuff repair with regenerative therapies that support long-term recovery and peak performance. Whether you’re recovering from a sports injury or managing shoulder pain that’s limiting your quality of life, we tailor your treatment to align with your specific goals. 

Ready to find out what's behind your shoulder pain and effective treatments from the best shoulder surgeon in San Diego that can get you back to pain-free mobility and a full range of motion?