Hi all
Wondering if shoulder inflammation and pain for over a month in both shoulders is normal with psoriatic arthritis or if I should be contacting my RA or something. Haven’t had this before, been on RA meds since 2016 and on Cimzia a biologic for a couple years. Advice appreciated!
I get this, my GP ordered X-rays and part of one shoulder has osteoarthritis but also showed inflammation so this was reported to my RA team.
How do you know your shoulder is inflamed. Can you see it? I think pain in your shoulders for a month is a long time. I would make an appointment with your family doctor or rheumatologist.
can’t see it but both shoulders are hurting for no real reason— I didn’t strain anything. When I ice them and use Kalaya ointment it helps. Been doing that regularly
It's normal for me. I've had seriously painful shoulders for around two years. Strong pain killers and a prescription ibuprofen gel help, (over the counter gels like Voltarol are next to useless) but the only real relief I get is by having my RA under control. I've had shoulder problems for several years and think much of the pain is due to joint damage as does my rheumatologist though they've never been x-rayed.
thx Wishbone: I was taking naproxen but it was giving me bad stomach aches so I’m kind of stymied there 
Same here, though I do take a small dose of naproxen but only when the pain is really bad. Pity as it's pretty effective. I sit upright in bed and stick one of those horseshoe shaped pillows around my neck which helps keep pressure off my shoulders, and sometines when sat in my armchair.
Good luck getting it sorted.
You need to contact your rheumy nurse and explain. Good luck.
speak to rheumatology, I have had a guided steroid injection in mine which worked well.
thx Gilliancheche will ask about steroid shots
Definitely contact your rheumatologist. It’s possible it’s inflammation, but inflammation can also cause joint damage which may be causing the pain. When mine trouble me my rheumatologist does an ultrasound to confirm inflammation, then steroid injection. The injections have settled mine down for about a year.
It may be your meds need tweaking. My GP always says if pain is bilateral and not associated with any injury, then it suggests it’s systemic and likely related to my rheumatology issues
Hi RichDC,
As many have already advised, you should reach out to your rheumatology team. Ongoing high levels of pain which cannot be managed with pain management techniques (pharmaceutical or non-pharmaceutical e.g. ice packs, heat, ibuprofen, paracetamol e.g.) can be indicative of a lack of control over your condition. This may mean your medications need altering so it's definitely worth touching base with your rheumatology team.
You can also check out these articles which offer some information about pain management:
nras.org.uk/resource/managi...
nras.org.uk/resource/managi...
Best wishes,
Hannah - NRAS Information and support coordinator
Thx Hannah the articles look very helpful— about to read now
Shoulder pain
Shoulder/arm pain
Shoulder and neck pain
Awful pain in right shoulder and arm
Shoulder pain! Argh
