Other Disorders of the Lower Limbs

Disorders of the Shoulder

True, arthritis in the shoulder is uncommon. Pain and loss of movement occur when structures around the joint are affected. The innervation’s of the shoulder joint and surrounding structures is mainly through the 5th cervical root (issuing from the vertebrae of the neck) lying in the area of the deltoid muscle extending over the shoulder, upper arm and hence pain is often felt over the deltoid region.

Frozen shoulder is the commonest ailment in the 50–70 age group, with women affected twice as often as men. The trigger factors are painful external conditions, which lead to immobilization of the shoulder. These include heart attack, removal of breast, cerebro–vascular accidents and any other major surgery in the chest region.

The ailment starts with pain and soreness in the upper arm. With increase in severity, it often disturbs sleep.

Osteoarthritis in the shoulder, though rare, is termed as periarthritis and at times crepitation is heard on movements of the shoulder.

Treatment

• Gentle massage to the shoulder area followed by hot and cold fomentation or affusion.
• Exposing the painful area to infrared rays, followed by colds compresses or direct mud application.
• Cold packs for 45–60 minutes in the night regularly.
• Exercises–movement of the shoulder joints in all directions.