Frozen shoulder

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Anyone had frozen shoulder? Can it be linked to RA? Is there anything I can I do about it? 

2

who said you've got frozen shoulder?

3

I'm guessing osteo, but they can confirm that with an x-ray which would be done before a steroid shot that could last you for awhile before repeating.

4

Also get a prescription forVoltarin gel, that will help you sleep along with some advil

5

I use tens unit and if too intense get shot. I've also had scar tissue removed and manipulation under anesthesia. The struggle is real - hurts like the dickens.

6

I didn't have a frozen shoulder but after 18 months I had an MRI that showed damage from RA. I had a total shoulder replacement. I wish I had pushed for the MRI sooner. Meanwhile a friend suggested lidocaine patches. I wore them at night. I love them and use them on my wrists. Good luck.

7

I had frozen shoulder starting in November 2011. Was in pt for 10.5 months before I could finally move enough to get dressed myself. 

I was diagnosed with RA this past February. 

I have wonders if the frozen shoulder was a precursor to the RA. 

8

Do you know for sure you have RA? If so do you have a rheumatologist? 

I ask these questions because you were somewhat vague in your original post.

 

9

Really doesn't matter what arthritis you have, or if it's something else, steroid shots work really well.  Most orthopedic offices will x-ray your shoulder though before they give you a shot.  My husband has arthritis, (osteo) and has just gone in for his 2nd shot.  They last several months.  In time he will have to have replacement surgery and that is something you want to know about beforehand, because I am told it is harder to get that new shoulder working than even TKR, which I am working on currently.  Plan to dedicate at least three months to getting your new shoulder fully healed.  For working men, that has to be a predicament.

10

I had frozen shoulder in the spring.  It was one of my first ra symptoms.  I was given a steroid injection and some light pt.  It worked like a charm.  An added bonus was that my other ra symptoms went away temporarily after the shot too.  Unfortunatly they came back later but the shoulder never bothered me again.

11

I just posted that I occasionally get seriously frozen joints. It's a result of very slight bad posture or poor use of my body. I fix mine with two days of 5mg prednisone then tapering. But it is extremely painful while it lasts, and normal painkillers don't work. My rheumatologist frowns on the use of prednisone, although he knows I need it occasionally so he does write a script once in a while. He didn't recognise my description of these events (as I call them) but he said if my treatment is two or three days of 5mg, and then tapering over the next week or two, that is safe. 

12

Yes. And yes. But the shoulder just feels different.

13

i agree.. i been suffering for 3 yrs and only just had the blood tests and comfirmed i have RA.. i also suffered a frozen shoulder 2 yrs ago...oh my the pain! i think this was connected so does my consultant.. I blame my local GP for not persuing my pain problems as they told me wrist pain was HTCC and gave me physio..I have just taken my 1st MTX treatment and feel very sick....oh joy! another issue to deal with.. although this site has answered many of my questions and im really pleased i came onto this site....its brilliant for info...