Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Shoulder Pain Upon Lifting The Arm With History Of Frozen Shoulder?
I have had a frozen shoulder before and this shoulder pain is in shoulder joint and only hurts when I try to lift arm straight out front or across front of body. It doesn t hurt if just hanging down it also hurts to reach behind to help take off clothing. Ideas? I m 70 and not athletic.
Mon, 20 Feb 2017
Hello,
I read your message carefully and understood your medical issue.
This type of pain is characteristic about the conditions related to the rotator cuff of the shoulder joint. Pain can be due to tendinitis which is due to the irritation or damage of the joint tendons.
The joint bursa can be inflamed and may collect excessive fluid inside it. The pressure inside the articulation may contribute to nerve stimulation and causes pain.
Another condition is impingement. This happens when the acromion bone impinge on or rubs against the tendon and/or the joint bursa when you lift your arm to the shoulder height. This irritates these structures and causes pain.
You can manage this situation by resting, using NSAID medicines, and physical therapy. If no benefits are seen then steroid injections are advised.
Anyway, before deciding for the treatment you need to do some examinations to identify the exact cause and how affected the shoulder joint is.
X-rays of the shoulder are the first thing to be done. If necessary MRI and ultrasound must be done too.
I can be also due to a muscle strain in the shoulder. The exact cause and the level of the damage can be discovered just by a proper physical examination by your doctor.
Considering your age, do not forget to mention to your doctor if you have any chronic diseases that may interfere or not with the health of bones and tendons like arthritis, kidney disease, any trauma etc.
Hope this is helpful for you.
Dr.Albana
I read your message carefully and understood your medical issue.
This type of pain is characteristic about the conditions related to the rotator cuff of the shoulder joint. Pain can be due to tendinitis which is due to the irritation or damage of the joint tendons.
The joint bursa can be inflamed and may collect excessive fluid inside it. The pressure inside the articulation may contribute to nerve stimulation and causes pain.
Another condition is impingement. This happens when the acromion bone impinge on or rubs against the tendon and/or the joint bursa when you lift your arm to the shoulder height. This irritates these structures and causes pain.
You can manage this situation by resting, using NSAID medicines, and physical therapy. If no benefits are seen then steroid injections are advised.
Anyway, before deciding for the treatment you need to do some examinations to identify the exact cause and how affected the shoulder joint is.
X-rays of the shoulder are the first thing to be done. If necessary MRI and ultrasound must be done too.
I can be also due to a muscle strain in the shoulder. The exact cause and the level of the damage can be discovered just by a proper physical examination by your doctor.
Considering your age, do not forget to mention to your doctor if you have any chronic diseases that may interfere or not with the health of bones and tendons like arthritis, kidney disease, any trauma etc.
Hope this is helpful for you.
Dr.Albana
I find this answer helpful
it may be from frozen shoulder which you have already been diagnosed as it seems. but there are chances of subacromial bursitis. it will need a physical examination. kindly see an orthpedician for further evaluation.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....