Do You Have Diabetes? Frozen Shoulder May Be a Problem

Frozen shoulder is also known as adhesive capsulitis.
This condition can make simple tasks such as buttoning a shirt or getting dressed seems almost impossible and can render you almost helpless.
Reaching over your head can become difficult.
Frozen shoulder usually begins with a dull ache in the shoulder.
If the shoulder is not used, it will result in stiffness and more pain.
When the joint becomes stiff, the shoulder becomes immoveable.
It is hard to say what causes frozen shoulder.
It can develop after an injury or can begin for no reason whatsoever.
You may be more susceptible if you have had a stroke or heart disease.
Another risk factor is diabetes; frozen shoulder is common for those with diabetes.
If you have diabetes, frozen shoulder can become very painful.
One theory says that glucose molecules attach themselves to collagen, which is an important part of ligaments that hold the bones together in a joint.
In people with diabetes, frozen shoulder happens because of excess deposits of collagen in the cartilage and tendons of the shoulder.
The buildup causes stiffness in the shoulder.
In people with diabetes, frozen shoulder occurs in 20% of this group.
People who do not have diabetes only have an incidence rate of 5%.
People who are 40 to 60 years of age are more prone to frozen shoulder and are seen more often in women.
Starting treatment early is very important.
This is really true of people who have developed diabetes, because they are less likely to have a complete recovery, even if they have physical therapy.
The basic treatment for frozen shoulder is physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medicines.
If anti-inflammatories don't help, an injection of cortisone may be required to ease the pain.
Ice therapy and heat therapy, along with ultrasound treatments may be added.
Surgery should be a last resort.