Periarthritis
Understanding Periarthritis
Periarthritis, also known as frozen shoulder, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. Periarthritis is a term used to describe a condition that involves inflammation and pain in the soft tissues surrounding a joint. It occurs when the connective tissues surrounding the shoulder joint, known as the shoulder capsule, become inflamed and thickened, causing the joint to become stiff and limiting its range of motion. Calcium deposits or crystals may be involved in some cases of Periarthritis, but they are not the sole cause of the condition.
It is more common in people over the age of 40, and in women more than men. Other factors that may increase the risk of developing Periarthritis include diabetes, immobility or inactivity, and certain medical conditions such as heart disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Treatment for Periarthritis typically involves a combination of physical therapy, pain relief medication, and injections into the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation and pain. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to release the stiff joint.
It’s important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing pain or stiffness in your shoulder, as early treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening and improve your quality of life. Your healthcare provider can diagnose Periarthritis and recommend the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
Causes of Periarthritis:
Periarthritis is believed to be related to inflammation of the shoulder joint capsule. Some factors that may increase the risk of developing Periarthritis include:
- Age: Periarthritis is more common in people over the age of 40.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop Periarthritis than men.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes may be at increased risk for developing Periarthritis.
- Immobility: Inactivity or immobilization of the shoulder joint due to injury or surgery can increase the risk of Periarthritis.
- Other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease, may increase the risk of developing Periarthritis.
Symptoms of Periarthritis:
The primary symptom of Periarthritis is pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. The pain may be dull or sharp and may be felt in the front, back, or top of the shoulder. The pain may also be worse at night, making it difficult to sleep. As the condition progresses, the shoulder may become increasingly stiff, making it difficult to perform daily activities such as reaching overhead or behind the back.
Treatment Options for Periarthritis:
There are several treatment options available for Periarthritis, depending on the severity of the condition. These may include:
- Physical therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve the range of motion and reduce pain.
- Pain relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Injections: Steroid injections into the shoulder joint can help reduce pain and inflammation. Traditionally steroid injections are used, however, they give immediate relief of symptoms at the cost of long-term side effects.
PRP therapy, or Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy: PRP Therapy is a treatment option that has been used in the management of Periarthritis. It involves using a patient’s own blood, which is processed to extract a concentrated platelet-rich plasma solution and then injecting it into the affected shoulder joint to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to release the stiff shoulder joint.
Preventing Periarthritis:
While Periarthritis is not always preventable, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the condition.
These may include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Excess weight can put a strain on the shoulder joint and increase the risk of Periarthritis.
- Regular exercise: Regular exercise can help maintain flexibility and strength in the shoulder joint.
- Sugar Level Control: In diabetic patients, maintaining blood glucose levels within normal range can decrease the chances of developing Periarthritis.