How do I treat a frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is quite often used as a loose term, and often other ailments that are to do with the shoulder come under its umbrella.

Genuine frozen shoulder is known as adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, and it is when the shoulder joint capsule has scar-like tissue in it, causing it to be literally frozen to varying degrees, making it feel painful and stiff.

Frozen shoulder will go away on its own without treatment, but it can take two or three years, and can be very painful in the meantime. It mostly occurs in the non-dominant shoulder, and in 1 in 5 people can experience it in both shoulders.

The symptoms can be significantly disabling, affecting dressing or driving, and making it difficult to sleep. The first few months are the freezing stage where the pain builds up, then you have several months of pain and stiffness, and movement gets worse, then gradually improves.

Treatment involves painkillers and exercises to minimise the stiffening. How do I know if I am developing arthritis?

There are different types of arthritis, and the symptoms vary. All types of arthritis cause pain, but which joints are affected vary. Some people mistake muscle pain for joint pain, and think that they are developing arthritis.

The two main types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the “wear and tear” arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis. It particularly affects the wrists and small joints of the hands and feet.

There is medication that can slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis, so should be treated as soon as possible. How do I avoid shin splints when I go for a run?

Shin splints is pain at the front and inner lower leg, and occur when there is too much stress on the tibia, or if the muscle next to it is overworked.

To avoid it, alternate training with activities that do not put as much strain on the lower leg, like cycling.

Stretching is very important, and it is important to wear the right shoes and to try training on softer surfaces.

The Doc Replies

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