Extreme shoulder pain, with imflamation, raised purplish color on skin

I have no insurance so if you have any suggestions or ideas what might have happened to my shoulder greatly appreciated. It's been on going for 5 day now and not getting better so far, pain extreme to tears in top of left arm to top of shoulder,seems inflamed soft squishy towards back of shoulder and sore to the touch on top with raised swelling feeling hardness benieth the skin, pain is acute and burning it has settled and gone away for a few hours at times but for the most part constant, have been rubbing linphnodes to drain and been using ice and tylenol, tyloenol no help what so ever. Today fith day after using ice during nite notice raised purplish in color skin at the top of arm at shoulder. Only thing I can think of I did was swim about 8 laps in my pool which I haven't done for a while. But never have I felt such pain. Any advice?  I did see one article simular but pain started in their hands, and my hands are fine.

thank you for your help,
such pain
tyler

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There can be several causes for the shoulder discomfort.  Most likely would be some kind of orthopedic cause - such as a ligament strain or tear, arthritis or bursitis.  I'm not sure what the purplish lesion would be - possible bleeding or bruising is a possibility.  

I would suggest an evaluated by your personal physician.  Initial studies can include plain films and then followed up with an MRI as needed.  A dermatologist can be considered if the skin lesion continues to worsen without a diagnosis.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[ithurtswheni]

Had the same symptoms you described. I am an over the road truck driver and found relief in ... beleive it or not, a truck stop. Yes, I said a truck stop. The truck stop has a chiropractor that practices a new therapy called active release. It didnt take long, but I warn you, it was painful, almost to the point of passing out. I walked away feeling like I had just thrown away the $40 he charged...but guess what. The next morning when I woke up and since then, the pain is completely gone. Here's some more info. Hope this helps!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Men's Health Magazine, November, 1999 pp.80-82

A NEW FIX FOR OLD INJURIES
You thought you'd have to live with that bum shoulder or trick knee forever. But a breakthrough treatment may prove you wrong

[maxmom100]

A related discussion, Shoulder pain was started.