It can be difficult to tell the difference between frozen shoulder and rheumatoid arthritis as both conditions can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder. However, there are several key differences that can help differentiate between the two conditions.
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful, causing reduced range of motion. It is usually caused by an injury or a condition such as diabetes or a thyroid disorder. Symptoms of frozen shoulder include pain in the shoulder joint, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Treatment usually involves physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes steroid injections.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness. It typically affects multiple joints in the body, including the shoulder. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include joint pain, fatigue, and swelling. Treatment typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of the disease, as well as physical therapy to maintain range of motion.
The main difference between frozen shoulder and rheumatoid arthritis is the cause of the condition. Frozen shoulder is caused by an injury or another medical condition, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis typically affects multiple joints in the body, whereas frozen shoulder usually affects only the shoulder. Finally, treatment for the two conditions is different, with rheumatoid arthritis typically requiring medications to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of the disease, and frozen shoulder typically requiring physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes steroid injections.