Peri-arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joint of the shoulder and those suffering from diabetes are susceptible to this condition. Trauma and exposure to extreme cold can cause a painful shoulder joint. Peri-arthritis is also called as frozen shoulder where the movements are restricted due to mild or severe pain and usually caused by adhesions.
A frozen shoulder causes pain, stiffness and limited range of movement in the affected shoulder. This condition typically occurs after an injury or overuse and can develop if the individual has conditions such as diabetes and stroke. The tissues that are found around the joint become stiff along with the formation of scar tissue and difficulty or pain when moving the shoulder. The condition usually develops in a gradual manner and slowly goes away in a year or more.
Causes of frozen shoulder
The ligaments, tendons and bones which comprise the shoulder joint are enclosed in a capsule of connective tissue. When it comes to frozen shoulder, it occurs when this capsule becomes thick and tight around the shoulder joint, thus resulting to the restriction of movements.
Symptoms of peri-arthritis shoulder pain or frozen shoulder
- Stiffness and pain can be felt on the shoulder
- A gradual development of stiffness and pain in the shoulder and the pain becomes severe when the individual attempts to move the affected shoulder.
- The movement of the shoulder is limited due to the sticking together of the tissues of the shoulder joint. An individual with this condition finds it difficult to perform daily activities at home or at work.
- There is stiffness of the shoulder which delays normal movement and movement only increases the stiffness of the affected area
Treatment and home remedies for frozen shoulder
- Frozen shoulder is a chronic condition and it takes about 5 to 6 months for the condition to fully heal.
- The individual should take pain medications and muscle relaxants in order to minimize the symptoms.
- Regular exercises and physiotherapy are vital to help in minimizing long-term disability. Physical therapy helps in providing relief from pain caused by frozen shoulder.
- Apply a cold compress or warm compress for at least 15 minutes over the affected area several times in a day. The warm compress helps in relaxing the muscles in the shoulders as well as minimizing the pain.
- Apply a heating pad over the affected shoulders before the individual goes to bed at night.
- Put an extra pillow under the affected shoulder in order to reduce pain in case he/she can roll over on the shoulder.
- Proper control of diabetes is important if the individual is diagnosed with the condition.
- The individual should perform regular exercises in order to maintain the strength and flexibility of the shoulder.
- Massage the frozen shoulder after applying a warm compress in order to help increase the mobility and minimize the pain. Massage the armpit area, shoulder and back.
- The individual should include supplements in his/her diet such as fish oil and glucosamine.