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Is That Shoulder Pain More Than Just a Strain? Discover Frozen Shoulder!
Published: Jun 18, 2024
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition that limits shoulder movement. Learn about its causes, symptoms, and treatment options in this comprehensive guide.
Understanding Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes severe pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, limiting motion. It progresses through three phases: a painful phase, a stiffening phase, and a recovery phase, which can last from months to years. Commonly affecting people in their 50s, it can be particularly prolonged in individuals with diabetes.
What Causes Frozen Shoulder?
The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not well understood, but it is often associated with conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders. It's believed to involve inflammation followed by joint capsule thickening and adhesion formation. It can also develop after shoulder injuries or surgeries.
Diagnosing Frozen Shoulder
Diagnosis often involves a physical examination to assess range of motion and rule out other conditions. Imaging tests like MRI and ultrasound can help confirm the diagnosis by showing characteristic changes in the shoulder's soft tissues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frozen shoulder is a condition causing pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint.
It affects about 2-5% of people, mostly in their 50s and 60s.
Symptoms include severe shoulder pain and limited range of motion.
It's diagnosed through physical exams and sometimes imaging tests.
The Bottom Line
Frozen shoulder can be a long and painful journey, but understanding it is the first step toward recovery.
References
- Morén-Hybbinette I, Moritz U, Scherstén B. The clinical picture of the painful diabetic shoulder. Acta Med Scand 1987.
- Reeves B. The natural history of the frozen shoulder syndrome. Scand J Rheumatol 1975.
- Zreik NH, Malik RA, Charalambous CP. Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder and diabetes. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J 2016.
- Walker-Bone K, Palmer KT, Reading I, et al. Prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb. Arthritis Rheum 2004.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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