Diabetes and Frozen Shoulder

Among the numerous complications frequently connected with diabetes, one of the foremost mystifying and painful is the frozen shoulder. Adhesive capsulitis, the condition’s biological term, is a pathological condition of the shoulder joint which causes the painful and gradual loss of motion. The connective tissue of the shoulder joint inflames and stiffens, causing chronic pain, limiting mobility and disturbing sleep. The associated pain varies between sharp stings that radiate through the bicep to dull ache.

Link between diabetes and frozen shoulder:

There’s no conclusive connect link between the shoulder condition and the disease. Few studies indicate frozen shoulder is caused by glycosylation of the collagen in the shoulder joint. 

What Happens to the Shoulder?

Adhesive capsulitis is characterized by three stages, in spite of the fact that the severity and length of the stages may vary from individuals to individuals.

·         Stage One: Freezing - The most painful stage of the condition. During this stage, there’s a slow onset of pain coinciding with a progressive reduction in the range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder. Even simple movements like behind the back or reaching above the head are accompanied by tremendous pain and cramping.

·         Stage Two: Frozen- There’s a slow reduction of pain during this stage, but stiffness remains.

·         Stage Three: Thawing- During this final stage, there’s a gradual enhancement in ROM, as well as a lessening of stiffness and pain.

Treatment:

Frozen shoulder sees a wide extend of treatments. Diagnosis for the condition involves a physical exam, MRI, and x-ray, which is best for distinguishing soft tissue issues. Once diagnosed, physicians can advise an assortment of approaches, including physical therapy, surgical manipulation, steroid injections, and even supervised neglect.

Physical therapy is the foremost treatment for frozen shoulder. Therapists devise a particular exercise and stretching regimen to address the limited motion, restricted rotation, pain and strength. The regimen frequently utilizes heat and can take few weeks or even months for recognizable improvement.

Frozen shoulder proceeds to confuse health experts, and, surprisingly, there’s no way to prevent it. Early detection and proper treatment can allow a patient with diabetes to avoid the most painful and consequences of the condition.