[48F] Experiencing sharp right shoulder pain

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, your right shoulder pain could be due to a number of conditions:

1. Rotator Cuff Tendinitis or Tear: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. A rotator cuff injury can cause a dull ache in the shoulder, which often worsens with certain movements or when you try to sleep on the involved side.

2. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): This condition restricts motion in the shoulder. It can start out with mild pain and worsen over time. It might be the result of an injury or come on gradually with no specific cause.

3. Bursitis: Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that can be found near your joints. They act as cushions between your bones and the overlying soft tissues, and help reduce friction between the gliding muscles and the bone. Sometimes, excessive use of the shoulder leads to inflammation and swelling of the bursa between the rotator cuff and part of the shoulder blade known as the acromion. The result is a condition known as subacromial bursitis.

Please note that these are potential causes and it's important to see a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

1. Rest and avoid activities that aggravate your pain: If certain movements or activities seem to worsen your shoulder pain, try to avoid them as much as possible to allow your shoulder to heal.

2. Apply ice: You can apply an ice pack to your shoulder for 15 minutes at a time, several times a day, to help reduce inflammation and ease pain.

3. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation.

4. Physical therapy: Once your acute pain improves, a physical therapist can work with you to strengthen your shoulder muscles and improve your range of motion.

What you should look out for

• If your pain is severe or if it doesn't improve after a week of home treatment, you should seek medical attention.
• If you notice any redness, swelling, or warmth around the joint, or if you develop a fever, these could be signs of an infection and you should seek medical attention immediately.
• If you experience sudden arm weakness or numbness, or if you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, or difficulty speaking or seeing, these could be signs of a stroke and you should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, diagnosis, and treatment.