SHOULDER, FROZEN (Adhesive Capsulitis) |
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SHOULDER, FROZEN (Adhesive Capsulitis)
DESCRIPTIONFrozen shoulder means pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint that progresses to inability to use the shoulder. In this case, "frozen" does not relate to freezing temperatures. The shoulder tendons, bursa, joint capsules, muscles, blood vessels and nerves are involved. It affects all ages but is most common in athletic adolescents.
Appropriate health care includes:
Self-care after diagnosis.
Doctor's treatment, including manipulation of the child's shoulder to break up adhesions. This is done in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility under general anesthesia.
Physical therapy and exercises.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Early stages:
Pain in the shoulder, often slight, that progresses to severe pain that interferes with the child's sleep and normal activities. Pain worsens with shoulder movement.
Stiffness in the child's shoulder that prevents normal movement. Reduced movement increases stiffness.
Later stages:
Pain in the child's arm or neck.
Inability to move the shoulder.
Intolerable shoulder pain.
CAUSES
Minor shoulder injury or inflammation, such as bursitis or tendinitis, that worsens from lack of use. Adhesions (constricting bands of tissue) form with disuse in 7 to 10 days. Adhesions increase disuse. After 3 weeks of disuse, adhesions grow so severe that the joint cannot move.
RISK FACTORS
Neglect of your child's minor injuries, including bursitis or tendinitis.
Poor nutrition, especially lack of adequate protein.
Poor physical conditioning and occasional athletic activity.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCEObtain medical treatment for your child's bursitis and tendinitis, including exercises to prevent formation of adhesions.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
X-rays of the child's shoulder.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSPermanent shoulder disability and pain without treatment or with delayed treatment.
PROBABLE OUTCOME
Usually curable with treatment and rehabilitation.
TREATMENT
HOME CAREAfter treatment and rehabilitation begin, your doctor will prescribe ice treatment and exercises for your child.
MEDICATION
Your doctor may prescribe:
--Pain relievers.
--Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
--Injections of cortisone and local anesthesia into the child's joints to reduce pain and inflammation.
For minor pain, use non-prescription drugs such as aspirin.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
ACTIVITY
Your child can resume normal activities as soon as symptoms improve.
DIET & FLUIDS
No special diet. Vitamins and mineral supplements don't help unless your child can't eat a normal, well-balanced diet.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?When appetite returns and alertness, strength, and feeling of well-being will allow.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your child has symptoms of a frozen shoulder.
Your child has persistent shoulder pain, indicating possible bursitis or tendinitis.
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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