shoulder pain

[Jfw24]

I’ve always had problems with my right shoulder with RA but since having a vaccination in it in October 2024 it has got a lot worse. I’m able to move it more now than previously but something is catching in it and it becomes more painful when this happens. I’ve read on here about various shoulder issues, other than going to physio how do you get a shoulder problem diagnosed?

[helenlw7]

I’ve had shoulder pain for a long time, now getting considerably worse. Last year my rheumatologist organised an ultrasound scan for my left shoulder, which was the worst one at the time. It showed considerable were. She has referred me for a nerve block, but I haven’t heard anything yet. Prior to this I have had steroid injections in both shoulders. I have real trouble brushing my hair.

[Jfw24 in reply to helenlw7]

I have to raise my right elbow with my left hand to brush my hair with my right hand

[zen4]

Hello I have had a lot of problems with my right shoulder lately I went to the GP who requested an xray then the GP thought I had a fracture so referred me to fracture clinic Then I had an mri scan.Turned out that it wasn't a fracture but a tear in the rotator cuff muscles and my tendons were not working properly plua degenerative changes in the shoulder.It was like a frozen shoulder I was referred to physio to work with me to improve things This all took 5 months but the physio is really helping me now I could bearly lift my right arm but now I can reach up much better drive more easily Still need to jmprove as I cannot wash my hair properly yet but I am confident I'll get there It felt like things were stopping it moving All these things may help you to find out what is going on with your shoulder but nothing gapping quickly !

[Chockyuk in reply to zen4]

Same as me. My rheumatologist sent me for an ultrasound and it was indeed a rotator cuff injury, she said as much as I couldn’t move my arm backwards and she wasn’t convinced it was part of my RA.

A year later I was still in a bit of pain and had an X-ray, the clinic said I probably needed a full shoulder replacement. I actually ignored that as I wasn’t that bad. Three years later my shoulder is absolutely fine, I can now do my bra up at the back instead of the front and swivelling it around 😂

I’m so glad I didn’t actually heed the shoulder replacement advice.

I hope yours improves, it took a long while for me, but it did eventually heal naturally.

[zen4]

That should be happens not gapping! I have also had arthroscopies in each shoulder a few years back and they really helped too Scans and xrays will help you and a consultant to decided what will help you The Gp can start things off

[Blackberrywine]

Could it be a rotator cuff tear (maybe partial? I tore both mine...hurt like heck! Couldn't even brush my hair. It was hellish until I had a guided steroid shot into both shoulders. I've been fine since, but I'm really careful!