Victims of auto accidents in Georgetown, Texas, can very often injure their shoulders, and one such injury is called shoulder impingement syndrome. Perhaps you incurred this condition yourself and are wondering what the nature of it is.
What shoulder impingement syndrome involves
Shoulder impingement syndrome arises when torn tendons in the rotator cuff swell and rub against the acromion, a bony projection of the shoulder blade. The rotator cuff is a capsule of muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint. The result can be serious pain. Though the syndrome can be asymptomatic in cases where the shoulder joint has degenerated with age, symptoms will certainly arise when the shoulder suffers a traumatic impact.
The impact of a crash can send out rotational forces too strong for the arms and shoulders to handle, which results in the tearing of the rotator cuff. Clutching the steering wheel to brace for impact is the usual way in which crash victims incur the syndrome. Pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists can tear the cuff, too, by bracing themselves for a fall with their arms.
Wide range of medical treatments
Doctors may start out treating shoulder impingement syndrome with an ice or heat treatment to reduce inflammation and swelling. Victims may receive a prescription for an anti-inflammatory drug or undergo physical therapy to regain strength in the shoulder. Therapeutic massages may also be used to increase patients’ flexibility and range of motion.
The pain may persist, though, in which case more extensive treatments may become necessary. Doctors may inject cortisone, an anti-inflammatory agent, into the shoulder joint, or patients may go for a treatment in the field of regenerative medicine. As a worst-case scenario, victims may need to have surgery.
Seeking compensation for crash-related injuries
Shoulder impingement syndrome was perhaps only one of many injuries you sustained in your crash. If your degree of fault does not surpass the other driver’s, you can file a personal injury claim against that driver’s insurance company. With a lawyer, the process can be much easier. Negotiations may lead to you achieving a settlement out of court.
