“Dr. Szerlip as performed 3 shoulder surgeries for my family. He took the time to listen, to understand, and to explain the injury and treatment plan until I was comfortable. And he gave up personal time on the weekend to help when my son’s recovery wasn’t going well. His work is exceptional; each of my sons have enjoyed a full recovery. I trust him completely with my family’s shoulder needs.” — MaryAnne W.
Joint pain can impact every part of your life—from simple movements to sleep and exercise. If you’re experiencing shoulder or knee pain, understanding the causes and available treatments is the first step toward recovery.
This guide covers the anatomy of these vital joints, common conditions, and how fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon, Dr. Benjamin W. Szerlip, can help you find relief. Contact us at our office in Austin, Texas, today to schedule a personalized evaluation!
The shoulder is one of the most flexible and complex joints in the body. It consists of three main bones:
Two primary joints in the shoulder allow for a wide range of motion:
The rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons, stabilizes the shoulder joint and helps with arm movement. These structures must function together for healthy, pain-free movement.
Many conditions can lead to shoulder pain, some stemming from injury while others develop gradually due to overuse or wear and tear. Common causes include the following:
Inflammation of the long head of the biceps is called biceps tendinitis. As it develops, the tendon sheath can thicken. Occasionally, the tendon will tear as the condition progresses.
This condition occurs when the rotator cuff tendons get trapped in the bony area of your shoulder. This causes them to become swollen and inflamed. The condition is also called rotator cuff tendinitis.
A frozen shoulder occurs when the joint capsule thickens and becomes stiff and tight. Also, thick bands of tissue develop, making it difficult to move your shoulder.
This condition refers to degenerative joint disease caused by rotator cuff tears. It usually affects the glenohumeral joint.
There are times when the cause of shoulder pain is caused by another part of the body. This is called referred pain. Some people may experience bilateral shoulder pain, which affects both shoulders, often indicating systemic conditions like arthritis.
Rotator cuff tears can occur through acute or sudden injury or wear and tear. The tears can partially tear through the tendon or completely detach from the bone.
This condition refers to deviations in the scapular or shoulder blade. Your scapula may be out of its normal position and have abnormal movement.
Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joint. Many different types of arthritis can affect the shoulder. The most common type of arthritis that affects the shoulder is osteoarthritis. It is a wear-and-tear arthritis that usually worsens over time.
Fractures can occur in your clavicle (collarbone), humerus (upper arm bone), and scapula (shoulder blade). Shoulder fractures usually are a result of a fall or high-impact injury, such as in sports or a motor vehicle accident.
Shoulder instability can occur after a dislocated shoulder. A dislocation can cause the tendons, muscles, and ligaments to become loose or torn. This can make your shoulder susceptible to further instability and dislocations.
Tendinopathy refers to tiny tears in your tendon. It is caused by repetitive overuse and wear and tear. The condition may sometimes be referred to as tendinosis. Shoulder tendinopathy usually affects your rotator cuff tendons.
SLAP is an acronym for Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior. The labrum is strong fibrous tissue that deepens the shoulder socket to add stability to the shoulder.
The injury occurs at the top or superior part of the labrum, where the biceps tendon attaches. Sometimes the biceps tendon will tear at the same time as a SLAP tear.
The knee joint is the largest and one of the most stressed joints in the body. It connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone), with the patella (kneecap) in front for protection.
Several important structures help the knee function smoothly:
This complex system of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons makes the knee vulnerable to a wide variety of issues, especially from injury or aging.
Knee pain can arise from acute injuries, chronic conditions, or degenerative diseases. Common causes include the following:
Tearing the anterior cruciate ligament is common in sports and other high-impact accidents.
A displaced tibial plateau fracture is a break in the upper part of the shinbone that affects the knee joint. It usually results from high-impact trauma and can cause pain, swelling, and joint instability.
Iliotibial band syndrome causes pain on the outer side of the knee, often due to overuse and friction during repetitive activities like running or cycling.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis to affect the knee. Rheumatoid arthritis can also inflame and damage the joint over time.
A knee sprain occurs when the ligaments that stabilize the knee joint are stretched or torn, often due to sudden twisting motions, falls, or direct impact. Depending on the severity, a sprain can cause pain, swelling, instability, and limited range of motion.
Tears of the MCL or PCL often result from direct impact or twisting injuries. These tears can cause pain, swelling, and knee instability.
A meniscus tear refers to damage to the cartilage that cushions the knee, often referred to as torn cartilage.
These are common in athletes or active individuals caused by repetitive motion.
Patella instability occurs when the kneecap shifts out of place, often due to injury or weak supporting structures. It can cause pain, swelling, and a feeling of the knee giving way.
A patellar tendon tear occurs when the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone is overstretched or torn, often during jumping or sudden movements. This injury can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty straightening the knee.
Runner’s knee (also know as patellofemoral pain syndrome) causes pain around the front of the knee, often triggered by repetitive motion or prolonged activity. It’s common in runners and active individuals.
Tendon and muscle strains around the knee are caused by overstretching or overuse, often during physical activity. They can lead to pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
This is inflammation of the tendons due to overuse or strain.
A quadriceps tendon tear occurs when the tendon connecting the thigh muscle to the kneecap is overstretched or ruptured. It can cause sudden pain, swelling, and difficulty straightening the leg.
If you’re dealing with persistently painful knees or swelling that limits movement, it’s important to seek medical care. Left untreated, knee injuries can lead to long-term complications and limited mobility.
Not all joint pain requires immediate medical attention—but there are certain signs you shouldn’t ignore. Contact a healthcare provider if you experience:
Additional symptoms that accompany knee pain, such as joint instability, warmth, or redness, could indicate an underlying issue that requires medical evaluation. If your pain is accompanied by chest discomfort, jaw or arm pain, or shortness of breath, call 911, as this could indicate a heart issue rather than shoulder pain.
Dr. Benjamin Szerlip offers same-day appointments for urgent evaluations to provide quick relief and a personalized pain management plan.
Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. Dr. Szerlip begins with a thorough medical history and physical exam to understand the root cause of your knee and shoulder issues. He’ll assess movement, strength, and tenderness, then recommend imaging if needed, including:
If you have stiff or painful joints, early diagnosis can help prevent further damage and ensure the most effective treatment.
At his Austin practice, Dr. Benjamin W. Szerlip offers a wide range of non-surgical and surgical treatments tailored to your condition and lifestyle. As a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon, he provides advanced solutions for both shoulder and knee conditions.
Dr. Szerlip provides the following shoulder treatments:
Dr. Szerlip provides the following knee treatments:
Most treatment plans also include physical therapy to restore strength, mobility, and prevent future issues. You may also be given medication to to help relieve pain. Whether you’re recovering from knee injuries or chronic shoulder pain, we’ll guide you through every step of your recovery.
If you’re experiencing knee and shoulder pain that limits your daily life, don’t wait to get help. At the practice of Dr. Benjamin W. Szerlip in Austin, Texas, we offer state-of-the-art diagnostics, personalized care, and comprehensive treatment options to help you return to what you love.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward long-term relief and restored function! Your journey to healthier knees and shoulders starts here.
