Shoulder Strain?

[julesrules]

So on a powder day i managed to fall on my arm which then jammed into my shoulder on a wind-scoured, icy ridge-line.

I heard creaks and crackles in my shoulder area and was pretty stunned for awhile but was able to get down on my own.

The most acute pain is at the most outer/front part of my shoulder joint. Shoulder hurts like hell when raising arm above 90 degrees and worse when i try to get it vertical to past vertical.

I've been taking aleve non-stop and am wondering if i can just rest it or if i should head to a doctor. will the doc be able to tell me any different other than rest and aleve?

thanks in advance for your advice

[Vinman]

how long has it been since the injury and did you fall on an outstretched arm and caused your shoulder to jam?

[julesrules]

it's been 5 days. and i fell to my side with the arm mostly outstretched (but not locked) with my elbow about shoulder height. i think i hit the ground with the part of my arm that is just above the elbow (that part hurts too but not as much as the shoulder) and that impact seemed to have jammed my arm into my shoulder.

[Vinman]

could be just a sprain/strain or it could mean something more like a labral tear. Give the ice/rest thing a few more days and then if it is still bothering you go get it looked at.

[julesrules]

thanks vinman - i was actually able to get an doc appt earlier today (figured i'd have to wait at least a couple of weeks) and had it checked out. Took x-rays as a precautionary measure but doc says it's a sprain/strain of the rotator cuff. Got some prescription anti-inflammatories and instructions for a light ROM exercise and more icing. Relieved it's not anything serious.