Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder
| Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Frozen shoulder |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Orthopedics, Rheumatology |
| Symptoms | Shoulder pain, stiffness |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | Gradual |
| Duration | Months to years |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Often unknown, sometimes injury or surgery |
| Risks | Diabetes, thyroid disorders, Parkinson's disease |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis, physical examination, imaging |
| Differential diagnosis | Rotator cuff tear, osteoarthritis, bursitis |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Physical therapy, pain management, corticosteroid injections |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good, but recovery can be slow |
| Frequency | 2-5% of the population |
| Deaths | N/A |
Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder
Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It involves the thickening and tightening of the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint, leading to restricted movement.
Signs and Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptoms of adhesive capsulitis are pain and restricted range of motion in the shoulder. The condition typically progresses through three stages:
- Freezing Stage: This initial stage involves a gradual onset of pain, which worsens over time. As the pain increases, the shoulder's range of motion becomes limited.
- Frozen Stage: During this stage, the pain may begin to diminish, but the shoulder becomes stiffer, significantly limiting movement.
- Thawing Stage: In the final stage, the shoulder's range of motion begins to improve, and the pain continues to decrease.
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of adhesive capsulitis is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be associated with:
- Injury or Surgery: Shoulder injuries or surgeries can lead to immobilization, which may contribute to the development of adhesive capsulitis.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and cardiovascular disease, are associated with a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder.
- Age and Gender: The condition is more common in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60 and is more prevalent in women than men.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis is primarily based on clinical evaluation. A healthcare provider will assess the patient's medical history and perform a physical examination to evaluate the range of motion and pain in the shoulder. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI, may be used to rule out other conditions.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for adhesive capsulitis aims to relieve pain and restore movement in the shoulder. Options include:
- Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches are designed to improve range of motion and reduce stiffness.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Surgical Intervention: In severe cases, procedures such as manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic surgery may be considered to release the tightened capsule.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for adhesive capsulitis is generally favorable, with most individuals experiencing a gradual improvement in symptoms over time. However, the condition can persist for several months to years before full recovery is achieved.
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