[46M] With chronic shoulder pain and muscle cramps

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, here are some possible explanations for your shoulder pain and associated symptoms:

• Rotator Cuff Injury: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Injuries to the rotator cuff can cause sharp pain, limited range of motion, and a crunching sound when moving the arm. This type of injury can occur suddenly or develop over time due to repetitive movements.

  • Treatment: Rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, corticosteroid injections. Severe cases may require surgical intervention.

• Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: This occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become irritated and inflamed as they pass through the subacromial space, causing pain and limited range of motion.

  • Treatment: Rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain. In some cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be necessary.

• Labral Tear: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket. A tear in the labrum can cause pain, a crunching or popping sound, and limited range of motion.

  • Treatment: Rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. Severe cases may require surgical repair.

• Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the shoulder, causing pain, stiffness, and a crunching sound due to the breakdown of cartilage.

  • Treatment: Pain management with medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be considered.

What you can do

While it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan, here are some steps you can take to manage your symptoms:

1. Rest: Avoid activities that exacerbate your shoulder pain, especially those involving circular arm movements.
2. Apply Heat: Continue using a heating pad to help relieve muscle cramps and reduce pain.
3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Consider using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain and inflammation.
4. Gentle Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Engage in gentle shoulder exercises to maintain range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder. A physical therapist can guide you on the appropriate exercises.
5. Posture: Maintain good posture to reduce strain on your shoulder.
6. Journal Your Symptoms: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your progress, and share your notes with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe Pain: If your pain becomes unbearable or significantly worsens.
• Swelling or Redness: If you notice swelling, redness, or warmth around the shoulder.
• Numbness or Tingling: If you develop numbness or tingling in your arm or hand.
• Weakness: If you experience significant weakness in your shoulder or arm.
• Inability to Move the Shoulder: If you are unable to move your shoulder at all.

Remember, while this information can help you understand your symptoms, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.