Causes of acute shoulder pain:
- Damage to muscles and tendons in the rotator cuff: This is the most common cause of acute shoulder pain. The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and tendons that provide stability to the shoulder joint during arm movement. Repetitive activities or injuries can cause microtrauma and inflammation in these structures, resulting in severe pain.
- Irritation of mucous sacs: Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs around the shoulder joint that allow muscles and tendons to slide smoothly. Irritation or inflammation of these sacs can cause shoulder pain.
- Formation of calcifications: Calcifications are deposits of calcium that can form within the tendons of the rotator cuff. These calcifications can cause pain and tendon damage.
- Irritation or inflammation of the tendon of the long head of the biceps: The tendon of the long head of the biceps connects the biceps muscle to the shoulder joint. Inflammation or irritation of this tendon can cause pain in the front of the shoulder.
Symptoms of acute painful shoulder:
- Extremely strong pain in the shoulder: The pain is usually intense and interferes with basic daily activities.
- Limited mobility: People with acute shoulder pain are usually unable to move their arm without additional pain.
- Pain when moving the arm away from the body: Pain usually occurs when moving the arm away from the body in a certain range, which is called the "pain arc".
- Difficulty performing daily activities: Patients often have difficulty with dressing or personal hygiene.
Therapy of acute painful shoulder:
- Application of ice: Ice packs or ice massage can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physiotherapy: Physical therapists can perform exercises that help strengthen the rotator cuff muscles and improve shoulder joint mobility.
- Analgesics: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to relieve pain.
- Local application of corticosteroids: In some cases, the doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection into the painful area to reduce inflammation.
- Armpit pad: Placing a pad under the armpit and gradually moving it away from the trunk helps to increase a slight and normal range of motion.
It is important to note that prompt diagnosis and timely treatment are key to recovery from acute shoulder pain. If you experience severe shoulder pain that does not subside or worsens, be sure to consult a doctor or physical therapist for a precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Frozen Shoulder: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Frozen shoulder syndrome, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that affects the shoulder joint and is characterized by severe pain, stiffness and significant limitation of movement. This condition can be caused by various factors, and it often develops gradually, imperceptibly, over time leading to serious problems in everyday life. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms and treatments of frozen shoulder.
Causes of frozen shoulder:
Frozen shoulder syndrome can be primary or secondary:
- Primary syndrome: It develops without a known cause and cannot be associated with other medical conditions. It most often affects people aged 40 and older, and is more common in women than in men.
- Secondary syndrome: It often occurs in the context of other diseases or conditions such as diabetes, stroke, lung cancer, tuberculosis, myocardial infarction, thyroid disease, trauma or after breast amputation. In these cases, frozen shoulder often affects only one side of the body.
Symptoms of frozen shoulder:
Frozen shoulder syndrome goes through three stages:
- Pain stage: In this phase, diffuse shoulder pain occurs that can last for months. The pain gradually increases, and patients notice that they are unable to perform simple daily activities such as buttoning the clothes on their back or reaching into the back pocket of their pants.
- Stiff phase: In this phase, the pain disappears, but the stiffness of the shoulder joint increases. Night pains usually disappear, but there is difficulty moving the arm away from the trunk, external rotation, and raising the arm above shoulder level.
- Recovery phase: In this phase, there is a spontaneous improvement or, with treatment, an improvement in the range of motion in the shoulder. However, 7 to 15 percent of patients never achieve full recovery of shoulder function, even with treatment.
Frozen shoulder therapy:
Treating a frozen shoulder can be challenging and time-consuming, but it can significantly improve the patient's quality of life:
- Physiotherapy: This is a key therapeutic method that includes a series of exercises that improve the mobility of the shoulder joint. Therapists work with patients to achieve the greatest possible range of motion.
- Application of ice: Cold compresses can help reduce pain and inflammation in the early stages of the disease.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medicines such as ibuprofen can be used to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroid injections: A doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection directly into the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation.
- Shoulder manipulation: In some cases, the doctor may perform shoulder manipulation under general anesthesia to achieve a greater range of motion.
It is important to note that patience is key in the treatment of frozen shoulder, as recovery is often gradual and can last from several months to years. Early access to treatment can significantly improve outcome and reduce the duration of frozen shoulder symptoms. If you have symptoms of frozen shoulder, consult a doctor or physical therapist to begin the appropriate treatment and relieve your discomfort.