Frozen shoulder is a condition in which the shoulder becomes stiff, painful, and immobile due to inflammation. The causes of frozen shoulder are still not fully understood, but some factors may contribute to the development and worsening of the condition. In this article, we will discuss what makes frozen shoulder worse and how to manage the condition.
Causes of Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder can be caused by a number of factors including an injury or surgery, overuse of the shoulder joint, age-related wear and tear, or a medical condition such as diabetes. It is believed that frozen shoulder is more common in people with diabetes, as this condition can damage the small blood vessels that supply the shoulder joint with nutrients.
What Makes Frozen Shoulder Worse
There are several things that can make frozen shoulder worse, including:
• Lack of movement: When the shoulder is not used, the muscles and connective tissues can become weak and stiff. This can increase pain and limit range of motion.
• Repetitive activities: Repetitive use of the shoulder can cause further irritation and damage to the joint.
• Cold weather: Cold weather can cause the muscles and connective tissues to become stiff and painful.
• Stress: Stress can increase muscle tension, which can worsen pain and limit range of motion.
• Sleeping on the affected shoulder: Sleeping on the affected shoulder can cause further irritation and pain.
Managing Frozen Shoulder
To manage frozen shoulder, it is important to take steps to control the pain and improve range of motion. These include:
• Rest: Resting the shoulder and avoiding activities that cause pain is important to allow the joint to heal.
• Exercise: Gentle stretching exercises can help improve range of motion and reduce pain.
• Heat and cold therapy: Heat and cold therapy can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain medications can help to manage pain.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.
Frozen shoulder is a painful and frustrating condition, but it can be managed with the right treatment and lifestyle changes. If you are experiencing the symptoms of frozen shoulder, speak to your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.