What Causes And Increases The Risk Of Frozen Shoulder?

Adhesive capsulitis, otherwise known as frozen shoulder, is a condition defined by pain and stiffness in the shoulder. The symptoms usually appear and progress gradually before resolving. Frozen shoulder's progression tends to last between one and three years. A number of conditions and circumstances can increase the risk of an individual developing frozen shoulder. The treatment for this condition, which often relies on understanding the cause, typically involves exercises to increase the patient's range of motion. In some cases, patients are treated with numbing medications injected into the affected joint. Corticosteroids are also sometimes helpful. There are rare cases in which an individual may undergo arthroscopic surgery to loosen their joint and allow a freer range of motion.

Thickening Of Connective Tissue Capsule

The shoulder is made up of a group of tendons, ligaments, and bones. These are encased in a capsule made of connective tissue. When there's a thickening of this connective tissue capsule, the tissue tightens around the shoulder, restricting the overall movement of the joint. Doctors haven't yet discovered what physical process triggers the tightening of this capsule, though they have identified a number of risk factors. The condition also occurs more commonly in patients over forty years old, especially women over this age. If an individual is at risk of developing frozen shoulder, it's important for them to talk to a doctor about how to preserve their shoulder's range of motion.

Diabetes Patients

Diabetes patients seem to have a higher likelihood of developing frozen shoulder than others, although doctors aren't sure why this is. Diabetes is a disease that causes the levels of sugar in the blood to be too high or low. The body produces a hormone called insulin, which helps sugar enter the cells to give energy. Individuals with type 1 diabetes don't produce insulin, so their bodies can't process sugar the way they're supposed to. Type 2 diabetes is the more common type, in which the body can make insulin, but it has trouble using it or making the correct amount. Diabetes can cause a number of problems aside from frozen shoulder, including damaging the nerves, kidneys, and eyes. In addition, it can cause stroke, heart disease, and problems with the feet.