[55F] Experiencing shoulder pain with limited mobility

Patient Description

A 55-year-old female presents with dull and aching shoulder pain that began this morning. The pain is described as constant and intensifies with any movement. The patient reports being unable to lift the arm halfway without significant discomfort. There is no history of recent injury; however, the patient was playing with her dog, which involved throwing a toy. No other symptoms were reported alongside the shoulder pain. The exact location of the pain was acknowledged but not specified.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, you may be experiencing one of the following conditions:

  • Rotator Cuff Injury: This is a common cause of shoulder pain, especially in those who perform repetitive overhead activities. It involves damage to the muscles and tendons that help move your shoulder joint. If you have a rotator cuff injury, you may experience a dull ache deep in the shoulder, difficulty raising your arm, and arm weakness.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, physical therapy, and possibly surgery.
  • Frozen Shoulder: This condition restricts your movement due to pain and stiffness in the shoulder. It typically begins gradually, worsens over time and then resolves, usually within a two-year period.

    • Treatment involves range-of-motion exercises and, sometimes, corticosteroids and numbing medications injected into the joint capsule.
  • Bursitis: This is inflammation or irritation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction in your joints. Bursitis can cause pain and limit the range of motion of your shoulder.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers.

What you can do

You should see a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. In the meantime, you can try the following to alleviate your symptoms:

  1. Rest your shoulder and avoid activities that cause pain.
  2. Apply ice to your shoulder for 15 minutes at a time, several times a day.
  3. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and inflammation.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

  • The pain is intense and sudden
  • You have difficulty breathing or chest tightness
  • You have difficulty moving your arm
  • The area around your shoulder is swollen or visibly deformed

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Show More

1
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of a rotator cuff injury?

Common symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include a dull ache deep in the shoulder, difficulty raising the arm, and arm weakness. The pain may worsen with certain movements, especially overhead activities.


How can I differentiate between a frozen shoulder and bursitis?

A frozen shoulder typically involves gradual onset of pain and stiffness, leading to restricted movement over time. Bursitis, on the other hand, often presents with more acute pain and swelling due to inflammation of the bursa, and it may limit the range of motion more suddenly.


What are some initial home treatments for shoulder pain?

Initial home treatments for shoulder pain include resting the shoulder, applying ice for 15 minutes several times a day, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation.


When should I seek immediate medical attention for shoulder pain?

You should seek immediate medical attention if the shoulder pain is intense and sudden, if you experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness, if you have significant difficulty moving your arm, or if the shoulder area is swollen or visibly deformed.


Preview

Post

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback