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Suggest Treatment For Pain And Stiffness In Arm
Question: I have been suffering with pain and stiffness in my right arm for months and my primary doctor said it was rotator cuff tendonitis. I filed a Worker's Comp claim because I was out of work for 6 weeks and my arms felt better (I had it in both arms but my right arm was much worse). The WC doctor said all I had was some age-related arthritis (with no xrays or anything), so no case was opened and he told me to return to work that afternoon. Then my arms got worse again. I then had an MRI. It showed the following: 1. Marked abnormal edema within the rotator interval and involving the inferior glenohumeral ligament. Findings are consistent with adhesive capsulitis. 2. No rotator cuff tendon tear is seen. 3. Mild acromioclavicular degenerative changes. 4. Mild increased fluid in the subacromial bursa possibly due to bursitis. The MRI was done a week following a corticoid injection and it was done without contrast. My job entails a lot of typing; about 8 hours a day. It is meaningful to me that when I was off work for six weeks, my arms felt better, and when I returned my pain returned. My question is whether any of the MRI findings could be explained by my job and should I re-file a Worker's Compensation claim?
Brief Answer:
Typing work not a cause for shoulder arthritis
Detailed Answer:
hi
The findings of MRI show arthritic changes in and around shoulder joint which is manageable and treatable with steroid injections local infilteration, anti-inflammatory pain medicines and physical therapy, pendular and abduction, rotation exercises of shoulder.The pain will subside and typing work generally requires very little of shoulder function but elbow and forearms movements do transmit to shoulder , especially forward slight movement at shoulder and some internal rotation.Typing work, in my opinion may not be a cause for shoulder arthritis.
It is because we do not do shoulder and arm exercises routinely apart from while dressing or lifting during mild daily chores and activities, the shoulder joint depends more on its muscles intactness then on its own function seperately and it is healthier to do shoulder work ups daily to maintain integrity of this joint , in particular.
Anyway, if subjectively you find any related cause, you may discuss with your attending orthopedic surgeon , who after ,examining the shoulder completely may give a final opinion based on physical objective findings
Best wishes
Typing work not a cause for shoulder arthritis
Detailed Answer:
hi
The findings of MRI show arthritic changes in and around shoulder joint which is manageable and treatable with steroid injections local infilteration, anti-inflammatory pain medicines and physical therapy, pendular and abduction, rotation exercises of shoulder.The pain will subside and typing work generally requires very little of shoulder function but elbow and forearms movements do transmit to shoulder , especially forward slight movement at shoulder and some internal rotation.Typing work, in my opinion may not be a cause for shoulder arthritis.
It is because we do not do shoulder and arm exercises routinely apart from while dressing or lifting during mild daily chores and activities, the shoulder joint depends more on its muscles intactness then on its own function seperately and it is healthier to do shoulder work ups daily to maintain integrity of this joint , in particular.
Anyway, if subjectively you find any related cause, you may discuss with your attending orthopedic surgeon , who after ,examining the shoulder completely may give a final opinion based on physical objective findings
Best wishes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
I know that arthritis is probably age related, and not work related, but I think I have something more going on besides that. My pain is on the outsides of my upper arms, not the joints. My right arm will not bend to the side or behind me or across my chest. Even with the injection to my shoulder, it will not move. Holding my arms away from my body, unsupported, to type for hours on end makes everything worse. Can arthritis alone cause that much of a problem?
Brief Answer:
shoulder arthritis almost freezes most of rotatory and lifting movements,pa
Detailed Answer:
hi
thank you for the query.
Adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder is self remitting. You need a physiotherapist also who would make all possible shoulder movement with the guiding exercise regime for shoulder arthritis,The exercises will gradually release the joint, if you dont, it will further deteriorate since adhesions will form more in the joint, which have to be broken with exercises and also build up shoulder muscle strength, which has most important role for shoulder functioning.
yes, it may take some more time for remission and repeat of cortisone infilteration, anti-inflammatory medicines are required, besides physiotherapy.
pain away from shoulder is due to ac joint (collar bone end forming joint with the shoulder blade) ths is restricting your side way liftin of arm. Adhesive capsulitis restricts both roations (internal rotation taking arm across chest and external rotation rotating arm to the back of chest).Lack of exercise wastes the muscle and its power and further restriction occurs So cause is both adhesive capsulitis, AC joint arthritis,and inflammation of bursa(bursitis) and soft tissues out side of joint also.
Arthritis of shoulder causes almost freezing joint,restricting many movements that is why stress is on excercises instead of resting it, as rest further freezes it and vicious cycle is formed
Best wishes,
Regards
shoulder arthritis almost freezes most of rotatory and lifting movements,pa
Detailed Answer:
hi
thank you for the query.
Adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder is self remitting. You need a physiotherapist also who would make all possible shoulder movement with the guiding exercise regime for shoulder arthritis,The exercises will gradually release the joint, if you dont, it will further deteriorate since adhesions will form more in the joint, which have to be broken with exercises and also build up shoulder muscle strength, which has most important role for shoulder functioning.
yes, it may take some more time for remission and repeat of cortisone infilteration, anti-inflammatory medicines are required, besides physiotherapy.
pain away from shoulder is due to ac joint (collar bone end forming joint with the shoulder blade) ths is restricting your side way liftin of arm. Adhesive capsulitis restricts both roations (internal rotation taking arm across chest and external rotation rotating arm to the back of chest).Lack of exercise wastes the muscle and its power and further restriction occurs So cause is both adhesive capsulitis, AC joint arthritis,and inflammation of bursa(bursitis) and soft tissues out side of joint also.
Arthritis of shoulder causes almost freezing joint,restricting many movements that is why stress is on excercises instead of resting it, as rest further freezes it and vicious cycle is formed
Best wishes,
Regards
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
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