6 Min Read
In our busy lives, we commonly ignore our bodies' warning signs. One such issue that often gets overlooked is sharp pain and stiffness in the shoulder, which could be due to a condition known as frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder is a common health condition that worsens over time and can affect anyone. However, it is more prevalent in individuals between 40 to 60 years of age and more common in women. It can unexpectedly disrupt daily activities and cause considerable discomfort by limiting the shoulder’s motion. Understanding the alarming signs and taking timely treatment is crucial for their effective management.
Synopsis
What is a Frozen Shoulder?
A frozen shoulder is a condition that causes pain and stiffness and limits the movement of the shoulder joint. Also known as adhesive capsulitis, the tissues in the shoulder joint get tight and thicken, making it hard to move. Over time, scar tissue can develop, and the synovial fluid in the shoulder joint may decrease, leading to limitations in shoulder motion. Although this condition tends to worsen over time, certain symptoms can appear early on, indicating the onset of a frozen shoulder.
Stages of Frozen Shoulder
It typically develops slowly in three stages:
-
Freezing stage: The movement of the shoulder becomes limited and causes pain. It usually lasts for 2 to 9 months.
-
Frozen stage: The shoulder becomes stiff and is difficult to move, though the pain reduces. It lasts from 4 to 12 months.
-
Thawing stage: The shoulder's ability to move gets restored, and this stage lasts between 5 to 24 months.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
The exact cause of the frozen shoulder is still unclear, but certain factors may contribute to its development, including:
-
Previous shoulder injury
-
Shoulder surgery
-
Reduced mobility of the shoulder
-
Diabetes, thyroid, and other systemic conditions
-
Autoimmune disorders
-
Cervical
-
Heart disease
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
Let's understand the frozen shoulder symptoms that you should never ignore and get an immediate evaluation from an orthopaedic specialist for prompt treatment.
-
Hurting shoulder pain: If a sudden onset of pain in the shoulder joint limits shoulder mobility, it should be evaluated immediately. The pain can be mild, moderate, or severe, but if it continues even after rest, it needs doctor intervention.
-
Limited range of motion: It is the most notable sign of a frozen shoulder. It limits the ability to raise your arm, reach behind your back, or rotate the shoulder. Even so, you may not be able to perform normal daily activities.
-
Stiffness or soreness: You may experience increased stiffness and soreness in your shoulder with time. Moving the arm freely becomes challenging, and there is a sensation of the shoulder joint being locked or frozen.
-
Shoulder pain at night: There may be discomfort and shoulder pain during the night that affects your sleep quality. Get your shoulder pain evaluated to prevent it from worsening.
-
Difficulty with daily activities: You may find it difficult to perform everyday tasks like reaching for objects on high shelves, reaching your back, putting on clothes, or combing your hair. It can affect your quality of life.
You may also experience more symptoms, like weakness in your arms or shoulders and sudden swelling. As a frozen shoulder develops and progresses with time in stages, make sure to get an early evaluation and accurate diagnosis done by an orthopaedician in Kolkata when you experience any of these symptoms.
Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder
A prompt diagnosis is essential to preventing the worsening of the injury. The frozen shoulder is usually diagnosed through its signs and symptoms during a physical examination. But, to rule out other conditions, imaging tests such as X-rays and MRIs may be done.
Frozen Shoulder Treatment
The treatment of a frozen shoulder mainly includes providing pain relief and enhancing its mobility. The options include:
-
Medications such as pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs to manage its symptoms.
-
Physical therapy includes gentle stretching and exercises to improve range of motion.
-
Steroid injections are injected into the joint to reduce inflammation.
-
Injecting sterile water, called Joint Distension, into the joint capsule to stretch it and improve mobility.
-
In severe cases, surgery may be considered to loosen the tightened capsule.
Consult our orthopaedic hospital in Kolkata if you need Frozen Shoulder Treatment.
Self-Care
These self-care measures for frozen shoulder disease can help manage its symptoms and promote recovery:
-
Using ice packs
-
Heat therapy
-
Performing prescribed exercises
-
Rest
Conclusion
Caring for your shoulder is very important to living a normal life. Thus, the sudden onset of shoulder pain and stiffness, along with mobility issues, should never be ignored, as it could indicate the development of a frozen shoulder. Schedule a consultation with our specialist at Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, for early evaluation and personalised treatment of frozen shoulder to prevent its long-term complications.
FAQ's
Though a frozen shoulder may resolve on its own over time, it takes longer to heal. Thus, getting the appropriate treatment will speed up its recovery and improve outcomes.
However, it can happen to anyone at any time. Still, people over 40 years of age, women, individuals with diabetes, and those who have experienced shoulder trauma or surgery are at higher risk.
Just like any other condition, its recovery time varies depending on the severity and the treatment approach used. Generally, it can take several months to years to recover completely.
Yes, certain exercises that may strain the shoulder should be avoided. Consult our physical therapist to get appropriate exercise recommendations.
The recurrence of a frozen shoulder is possible but less common with proper management and rehabilitation. Improve your quality of life after getting appropriate treatment and follow-ups for a frozen shoulder at Manipal Hospitals, Broadway.
Share this article on:
