Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) is known for causing all-over inflammation and pain.
It happens when the immune system malfunctions and attacks thesynovium, the lining of the joints.
RA can target the synovial lining of the shoulder joint.
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People with RA have an increased risk of shoulder problems as a consequence of ongoinginflammation.
What Are the Symptoms of RA in the Shoulders?
Night pain is common and makes it harder to sleep.
Does RA Affect One Shoulder or Both?
Shoulder RA may cause erosion and deformity of the shoulder joints over time.
The acromioclavicular joint is located where the highest point of the scapula meets the clavicle.
The glenohumeral joint is the ball and socket joint between the scapula and humerus.
A combination of muscles and tendonscalled the rotator cuffkeeps the arm centered into the shoulder socket.
What Causes RA in the Shoulders?
It is not known what causes RA in the shoulders specifically or why some people develop this chronic condition.
This includes rotator cuff degeneration and tears, frozen shoulder syndrome, and bursitis.
Rotator Cuff Degeneration
The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint.
These tendons connect to four muscles that help to move the shoulder in various directions.
Symptoms will begin gradually and eventually get worse.
Over time, frozen shoulder causes shoulder movement to become harder.
The condition tends to resolve within three years.
Bursitis
Bursitiscauses inflammation of thebursae, the small, fluid-filled sacs found near the joints.
Bursitis of the shoulder causes painful inflammation of the shoulder joint extending into the upper arm.
Bursitis pain increases with movement, especially with lifting the arms above the head.
RA is known for causing bursitis because of the ongoing inflammation it produces.
How Is RA in the Shoulders Diagnosed?
Another method of diagnosis involves injecting a local anesthetic into the shoulder joint.
If the injection helps relieve pain, then a diagnosis of RA in the shoulder joint can be made.
How Is RA in the Shoulders Treated?
This might mean changes to yourRA treatment plan.
Shoulder symptoms will also be treated separately.
There are also assistive devices that can help you get dressed, such as zipper pulls and dressing sticks.
Pain Control
Pain control can be accomplished in several ways.
Shoulder RA is triggered by the immune system attacking the lining of joints, including the shoulder.
Since these symptoms can get worse with time, you shouldnt ignore them.
Your practitioner can order imaging and bloodwork to help determine the source of shoulder pain and symptoms.
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