Table 1 Alerting features of a possible serious condition (red flag), which may present with shoulder pain [7,8].
From: A multi-modal treatment approach for the shoulder: A 4 patient case series
POSSIBLE SERIOUS CAUSES OF SHOULDER PAIN (RED FLAGS) | |
|---|---|
Signs of infection (fever) | Violent trauma |
History of drug abuse | Swelling |
Weight loss | Pain at rest |
Age over 50 | Night sweats |
History of previous malignancy | History of fall |
Constant, non mechanical pain | No precipitating event (for onset) |
Palpable deformities of bone/tissue | HIV |
Widespread neurological symptoms/signs | |