What Are the First Signs of Frozen Shoulder?
If you are suffering with shoulder pain, it might be one of the first signs of Frozen Shoulder. This common condition affects mobility of the arm, while also causing pain and inflammation.
Like all shoulder conditions, Frozen Shoulder presents specific symptoms that patients can look out for. So, what are the first signs of Frozen Shoulder and what exactly is it? Learn everything you need to know below.
What are the early signs of Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen Shoulder is a condition that worsens gradually over time. This means it is easy to miss the early warning signs that something is wrong. If the condition is to be treated as early as possible, it is important to be aware of the early signs to look out for. So, what are they?
The early signs of Frozen Shoulder include:
- A dull pain or aching in the shoulder
- Stiffness in the shoulder
- Trouble sleeping due to pain in the shoulder
- Pain when you try and move the shoulder
Initially, you may notice there is a slight ache or dull pain in the outer area of the shoulder. Occasionally this pain is also felt in the upper arm. Stiffness in the shoulder is also common, though in the early stages it will be more of a mild stiffness.
You may also start to notice it is more painful at night. This can lead to sleep disturbances, as well as increased pain when you try and lie on the affected side. Again, in the early stages the pain will mostly be on the mild side.
What are the advanced signs of Frozen Shoulder?
There are three different stages of Frozen Shoulder, and each presents its own set of symptoms. We’ve discussed the early signs you should look out for, but what about the more advanced stages?
Advanced symptoms of Frozen Shoulder include:
- Increased pain
- Inability to move the arm
- It is impacting your daily life
As Frozen Shoulder worsens, the pain begins to intensify. The stiffness within the joint will also increase, making it very difficult to move the arm. If the pain and stiffness are impacting your daily life, it could be a sign of Frozen Shoulder.
Is Frozen Shoulder treatable?
Frozen Shoulder is also referred to as Adhesive Capsulitis. It is a common condition that eventually results in extreme stiffness of the joint. However, whilst most people find that it gets better, the whole process from start to finish can take 18 months to three years. Treatment is largely non-operative and can include physiotherapy and injections before surgery needs to be considered. It is important to confirm the diagnosis with appropriate investigations.
The cause of Frozen Shoulder isn’t known, though women between the ages of 40 and 60 are most at risk. It is more common in diabetic patients and there may be a hormonal association.
There are many different causes of shoulder pain and stiffness. Book a consultation now to discover if Frozen Shoulder is the cause of your shoulder issues.
