Pain when lifting your arm can stem from several sources, but a common culprit is shoulder impingement.
Understanding Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement is a frequent cause of shoulder pain. It happens when a tendon in your shoulder, specifically the rotator cuff tendon (connecting shoulder muscles to your upper arm), rubs against nearby bone and tissue as you raise your arm. This friction causes inflammation and pain.
Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement
- Pain when lifting your arm, especially overhead.
- Weakness in the shoulder.
- Aching pain at night.
- Limited range of motion in your shoulder.
Other Potential Causes
While shoulder impingement is a common reason, other issues can also restrict arm movement and cause pain:
- Rotator cuff tear: A tear in one or more of the rotator cuff tendons can cause significant pain and limit your ability to lift your arm.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion your shoulder joint) can also lead to pain and restricted movement.
- Arthritis: Degenerative changes in the shoulder joint (osteoarthritis) can cause stiffness and pain.
- Fractures: A broken bone in your shoulder or upper arm would severely limit movement.
- Muscle strain: Overexertion or injury to the muscles surrounding the shoulder can result in pain and limited mobility.
Seeking Medical Attention
If you experience persistent pain when lifting your arm, it's crucial to consult a doctor or physical therapist. They can accurately diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend the appropriate treatment, which may include:
- Rest and ice: Reducing activity and applying ice packs can help reduce inflammation.
- Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen and stretch the shoulder muscles can improve range of motion and reduce pain.
- Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications may be necessary to manage pain and inflammation.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation in the shoulder joint.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair a rotator cuff tear or address other underlying issues.
