CHENNAI: The shoulder is a ball and socket joint between the humerus which is the upper arm bone and the scapula, which is the shoulder blade. There are various ligaments, muscles, and tendons connecting these bones, and a liquid called synovial fluid within the joint acts as a lubricant making the movement at the joint smooth. The joint surfaces with the synovial fluid and synovium (tissue producing the synovial fluid) are enclosed in a connective tissue covering, which surrounds the joint and holds all this together called the shoulder capsule.
In some people, this capsule becomes inflamed and painful. If left untreated at this stage it becomes very thick, hard and rigid, and over some time, the capsule shrinks. Bands of scar tissue develop around the joint and capsule while the synovial fluid reduces in quantity. All these create a condition wherein the person is unable to move the shoulder easily or painlessly. There is enormous pain, stiffness, and discomfort while moving the upper arm and shoulder. This condition is called adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder.
MAIN CAUSES
It’s still not clear what causes these developments, but there are various risk factors or people at risk.
SYMPTOMS
The condition can last anywhere between few months to two years and goes through three stages freezing, frozen and thawing with moderate or severe symptoms such as:
DIAGNOSIS
The orthopaedic doctor will undertake one or more of the following:
TREATMENT
Depending on the nature, severity and stage of your condition, the orthopaedic specialist may prescribe one or more of the following:
(The author is Senior Consultant- Institute of Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai.)
CONSULT FOR CARE
If you or any of your dear ones are displaying any of the symptoms of frozen shoulder, do not panic. Consult a reputed hospital. Such hospitals have some of the best orthopaedic specialists in Chennai, with enormous expertise or experience in treating frozen shoulder. He/she will diagnose your condition
correctly and design the best course of treatment.