The most likely cause of pain when lifting your arm to the side is rotator cuff tendonitis, an inflammation of the tendons in your shoulder.
Understanding Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common cause of shoulder pain. The "rotator cuff" is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. These tendons can become irritated and inflamed, leading to pain.
Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
- A dull ache deep in the shoulder.
- Pain that worsens with overhead reaching.
- Pain when lifting your arm to the side.
- Pain when pushing or pulling.
- Pain that may disrupt sleep, especially when lying on the affected shoulder.
What to Do
If you are experiencing shoulder pain when lifting your arm to the side, consider the following:
- Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
- Ice: Apply ice packs to the shoulder for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- See a doctor: If the pain is severe or doesn't improve with home treatment, see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment options. A doctor can rule out other potential causes and recommend appropriate treatment.
Potential Treatment Options from a Doctor
A doctor may recommend:
- Physical therapy: To strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and improve range of motion.
- Cortisone injections: To reduce inflammation and pain.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the rotator cuff tendons.
