Shoulder Joint Pain

Shoulder joint pain is one of the many hot spots for arthritis to manifest. One of the first symptoms to appear is the feeling of joint stiffness and slight pain on movement. The tendency is to limit motion to limit the amount of pain. This is one of the worst things you can do. Once the mobility is decreased, it is very difficult to get it back. If there is pain and swelling in the joint, you should see your doctor for an evaluation.

If the pain in the shoulder is a result of rheumatoid arthritis, it will most likely affect both shoulders. RA (rheumatoid arthritis) usually appears in a symmetrical pattern. If one knee is affected, the other most likely will be also. Likewise, if one wrist is painful, the other usually is equally involved. Equal pain involvement of both shoulders is a big step toward diagnosing RA.

Shoulder Joint Pain Causes

There are other causes of shoulder joint pain besides arthritis. Some pain is a result of joint injury from an accident or sporting event. It can also be from a collection of calcium deposits in the joint. If left unattended, it can lead to virtual loss of range of motion. This means you cannot lift your arm above your head or around your back. Proper diagnostic procedures should be used to determine the exact source of the pain.

One of the best things you can do for shoulder pain is to keep it in motion. A physical therapist, chiropractor, or other healthcare professional can instruct you on exercises specifically designed to work the muscles surrounding the joint. It is important to keep the joint loose even if passive exercises are all that can be tolerated.