Shoulder pain and inability to raise the arm: What causes it? What symptoms warrant a doctor's visit?

Shoulder pain and inability to raise the arm: What causes it? What symptoms warrant a doctor's visit?

Shoulder pain and inability to raise the arm are common problems in both working-age adults and the elderly. Some cases start with mild pain, but if left untreated, it can limit shoulder movement,

affecting daily activities such as dressing, picking up objects, or raising the arm above the head.

Knowing the causes of shoulder pain helps in appropriate care and treatment before the condition worsens.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain and Inability to Raise the Arm:

1. Rotator Cuff Tear: This is a very common cause, often resulting from repetitive shoulder use such as lifting heavy objects, playing sports, or working in the same position for extended periods.

Symptoms include:

• Shoulder pain when moving, raising the arm, or reaching for objects.
• Pain at night.
• Inability to fully raise the arm or feeling weakness.

2. Frozen Shoulder: Common in individuals over 40 years of age or in diabetic patients.

Symptoms include:

• Shoulder pain when moving or raising the arm.
• Gradually limited arm movement, such as difficulty putting on clothes or reaching to scratch one's back.

3. Inflammation of the muscles and tendons around the shoulder: Caused by improper shoulder use, prolonged computer use, or lack of stretching.

4. Injury from accidents: Such as falls, impacts, or sports injuries, which can cause inflammation or tearing of tendons and muscles.

What types of shoulder pain should not be ignored?

You should consult a specialist if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Chronic shoulder pain lasting more than 1-2 weeks.
• Inability to raise your arm, or severe pain when raising it.
• Shoulder pain that worsens at night.
• Weakness or numbness in the arm.
• Shoulder pain after an accident.

Early detection helps reduce the risk of serious injury and leads to more effective treatment.

Treatment Guidelines for Shoulder Pain

Your doctor will carefully assess the cause of your shoulder pain and choose the appropriate treatment plan, such as:

• Medication to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Physical therapy to improve range of motion and strength in the shoulder joint.
• Localized injections in some cases.
• Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery for patients with torn ligaments or severe conditions.

Early and appropriate treatment helps patients regain better shoulder function and reduces the risk of complications.

Proper management of shoulder pain can improve quality of life.

Shoulder pain and difficulty raising the arm should not be taken lightly, as it can significantly impact work and daily life in the long term. Seeking evaluation from a specialist early on allows for

appropriate care tailored to the root cause of the problem.

The Orthopedic and Joint Center

provides comprehensive examination, diagnosis, and treatment for shoulder pain, tendonitis, and bone and joint diseases. Our team of specialist physicians ensures appropriate treatment approaches

while prioritizing patient safety.