Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common condition that limits movement in the shoulder joint. A shoulder has three bones, including the upper arm (humerus), shoulder blade (Scapula), and collarbone (Clavicle), which together form a ball and socket joint. These are connected with the help of a strong tissue called the shoulder capsule. It is because of the frozen shoulder that this capsule becomes so thick and tight, making it difficult for the shoulder to move. The less you move the shoulder, the thicker the capsule becomes; therefore, the condition is called ‘frozen.’
In this article, Dr. Vishav Goyal, Consultant Orthopedics Joint Replacement & Arthroscopic Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Patiala, helps us understand why the problem of frozen shoulder is so common among women, and what they can do to stay safe.
Frozen Shoulder: Why Is It Common In Women?
Although frozen shoulder is very common in both men and women, it mostly affects people between the ages of 40 and 60. However, it happens because of menopause and hormonal imbalances in women, but one of the major risk factors is diabetes. There are few studies that suggest a link between diabetes and an increased risk of a frozen shoulder. Moreover, thyroid disorders or any recent surgery could also be a contributing factor to the development of frozen shoulders in women. For some people, the pain gets worse at night, causing disturbances in their sleep.
Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder That Shouldn’t Be Ignored!
For the unversed, frozen shoulder, it mostly develops in three stages:
- Freezing stage: In this stage, which lasts from 2–9 months, you get the first symptom, which is severe pain in the shoulder, affecting its ability to move.
- Frozen stage: Pain might start to get better in this stage, but the shoulder becomes stiffer, making it a little difficult to use. This stage lasts from 4 to 12 months.
- Thawing stage: This is the last and final stage, which lasts from 5 to 24 months, where all the symptoms slowly begin to improve.
Treatment Options In India
Most of the time, a frozen shoulder gets better on its own, but if the symptoms are intense, one should consult the doctor. The treatment usually begins after the physical exam, which includes an X-ray, or MRI, to diagnose the root cause. Depending on the condition, a corticosteroid injection in the shoulder joint to reduce the pain or lubricate the joint with saline injections to help with the movement can be suggested. In a few cases, surgical treatment is recommended, like shoulder arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive procedure to release the capsule.