Adhesive Capsulitis : Symptoms, Reasons And Treatment
Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, can restrict your shoulder movement, causing stiffness and discomfort. It occurs when the tissues around the shoulder joint become thick and tight. This can make simple activities like reaching overhead or behind your back challenging.
The exact cause of adhesive capsulitis is not fully understood, but factors such as immobility after injury or surgery, hormonal imbalances, and certain medical conditions may contribute to its development. Maintaining shoulder mobility through gentle exercises and early intervention can help prevent the progression of this condition.
What Are the Symptoms of Adhesive Capsulitis
Symptoms worsen over time, affecting daily activities like reaching or dressing. The condition typically progresses through three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing. Treatment involves physical therapy, stretching exercises, and sometimes corticosteroid injections to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
- Shoulder stiffness that makes it difficult to raise your arm above your head.
- Persistent shoulder pain that worsens at night or when reaching behind your back.
- Limited range of motion in the affected shoulder, making it hard to perform daily tasks.
- Gradual onset of symptoms, often starting with mild discomfort and progressively becoming more severe.
- Difficulty sleeping on the affected side due to pain and restricted movement in the shoulder.
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Get A Second OpinionCauses of Adhesive Capsulitis
Other contributing factors may include autoimmune conditions, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances. The exact cause of adhesive capsulitis is not fully understood, but these factors are known to play a role in the development of this condition.
- Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, can be caused by prolonged immobility of the shoulder joint, such as after a shoulder injury or surgery.
- Certain medical conditions, like diabetes or thyroid disorders, can increase the risk of developing adhesive capsulitis due to their effects on joint health and mobility.
- Trauma to the shoulder, such as a fall or sports injury, can lead to inflammation and scarring of the shoulder joint capsule, resulting in adhesive capsulitis.
- Genetic predisposition may play a role in the development of adhesive capsulitis, as some individuals may be more prone to developing this condition due to their genetic makeup.
Types of Adhesive Capsulitis
There are two main types of adhesive capsulitis: primary and secondary. Primary adhesive capsulitis occurs with no specific cause, while secondary adhesive capsulitis is usually associated with an underlying condition or injury. Both types can cause stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, making it difficult to move the arm. Treatment typically involves physical therapy and medication to manage symptoms.
- Primary adhesive capsulitis, also known as idiopathic frozen shoulder, is the most common form and typically occurs without a known cause, leading to pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint.
- Secondary adhesive capsulitis can be triggered by underlying conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or previous shoulder injury, causing inflammation and thickening of the shoulder joint capsule.
- Diabetic adhesive capsulitis is a type of secondary frozen shoulder that specifically affects individuals with diabetes, thought to be due to the increased collagen production and decreased joint mobility associated with the condition.
- Post-traumatic adhesive capsulitis can develop following shoulder trauma, such as fractures or dislocations, leading to scar tissue formation and restricted movement in the joint.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for adhesive capsulitis include age over 40, being female, certain medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease, shoulder trauma or surgery, prolonged immobilization of the shoulder, and certain systemic diseases like thyroid disorders. Genetics and hormonal imbalances may also play a role in the development of this condition. Early recognition and intervention are important in managing adhesive capsulitis.
- Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of developing adhesive capsulitis due to the potential impact of high blood sugar levels on joint health.
- Shoulder trauma or injury, such as a fracture or dislocation, can lead to inflammation and subsequent adhesive capsulitis.
- Individuals with thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism, may be at a higher risk for developing adhesive capsulitis.
- Prolonged immobilization of the shoulder joint, whether due to surgery, injury, or medical conditions, can contribute to the development of adhesive capsulitis.
- Age over 40 years old is a significant risk factor for adhesive capsulitis, as the condition tends to occur more frequently in middle-aged and older individuals.
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Book an AppointmentDiagnosis of Adhesive Capsulitis
To diagnose adhesive capsulitis, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical examination to assess your range of motion and pain level. Imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans may be recommended to rule out other conditions. Once diagnosed, treatment options can be discussed to help manage your symptoms and improve shoulder mobility.
- Physical Examination: A healthcare provider may perform a thorough physical examination to assess range of motion, strength, and stability of the affected shoulder in suspected cases of adhesive capsulitis.
- Medical History: Gathering a detailed medical history from the patient can provide valuable information about symptoms, previous injuries, chronic conditions, and other factors that may contribute to the diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), or ultrasound may be recommended to rule out other shoulder conditions and to visualize any structural changes in the shoulder joint associated with adhesive capsulitis.
- Arthrography: This diagnostic procedure involves injecting a contrast dye into the shoulder joint before imaging tests, allowing for a
Treatment for Adhesive Capsulitis
Treatment options for adhesive capsulitis include physical therapy to improve range of motion, pain management with anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation, and in severe cases, surgery may be considered. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for treatment and exercises to help alleviate symptoms and regain function in the affected shoulder.
- Physical therapy is a key treatment option for adhesive capsulitis, involving stretching and strengthening exercises to improve range of motion and reduce pain in the affected shoulder joint.
- Corticosteroid injections can provide significant relief by reducing inflammation and easing pain in the shoulder joint of individuals with adhesive capsulitis, especially in cases where conservative treatments have not been effective.
- Hydrodilatation, a minimally invasive procedure, involves injecting sterile water or saline solution into the shoulder joint to help stretch the capsule and improve mobility in patients with adhesive capsulitis.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and inflammation associated with adhesive capsulitis,
Frequently Asked Questions
How can adhesive capsulitis be identified through its signs?
Adhesive capsulitis can be identified by signs like shoulder pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, and difficulty performing daily activities.
Are there specific things I should or shouldn't do when dealing with adhesive capsulitis?
Do: Gentle stretching exercises, physical therapy. Don't: Forceful movements, neglect pain or stiffness. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Are there any risks associated with untreated adhesive capsulitis?
Yes, untreated adhesive capsulitis can lead to increased pain and stiffness in the shoulder, reduced range of motion, and possible long-term disability.
How is adhesive capsulitis typically managed?
Treatment for adhesive capsulitis includes physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, pain management, and in severe cases, surgery.
Is adhesive capsulitis likely to come back after treatment?
Adhesive capsulitis can recur in some cases even after treatment. Regular shoulder exercises and proper stretching may help prevent recurrence.
