What is the cause of swelling of the shoulder joint?

Detailed The shoulder is one of the most active joints in the body, and for this reason, it is more prone to injury and inflammation than other joints. When the body produces more joint fluid in response to injury or irritation, this excess fluid accumulates in the joint and causes effusion. Shoulder joint effusion is a condition in which an abnormal amount of fluid accumulates in the shoulder joint. This fluid may be the result of inflammation, injury, infection or underlying diseases. Accumulation of this fluid causes pain, swelling, limited movement and feeling of heaviness in the shoulder.

Shoulder joint swelling is usually caused by inflammation of the joint (arthritis), injury or rupture of tendons or shoulder bursitis. Depending on the cause, treatment may include draining joint fluid, anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, or corticosteroid injections. Understanding the cause and how to treat it is very important to prevent chronic pain, limitation of movement and recurrence.

What is its cause?

Fluid accumulation in the shoulder joint usually occurs for the following reasons:

Inflammation of the shoulder joint (Arthritis)

It is the most common cause of joint swelling. Arthritis can be caused by joint erosion (arthrosis) or autoimmune diseases such as rheumatism. Inflammation causes increased joint fluid secretion and swelling.

Trauma or impact

A direct hit or fall on the shoulder can tear ligaments or damage the tendons, and as a result, inflammatory fluid collects in the joint.

Bursitis

Inflammation of bursae (small sacs filled with fluid around the joint) is one of the common causes of fluid accumulation and pain in the shoulder area.

Joint infection (septic arthritis)

In rare cases, the entry of bacteria or viruses into the joint causes the accumulation of pus and infectious fluid that requires immediate treatment.

Rupture of the rotator cuff tendon

Rupture of the tendons supporting the shoulder causes inflammation and excessive fluid production.

Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)

The gradual erosion of the joint and loss of protective cartilage forces the body to produce more fluid to reduce friction.

causes Special

After shoulder surgery:

Fluid accumulation may be caused by the body's natural reaction to tissue repair, but should be checked if it persists.

After vaccine injection (for example, influenza or covid vaccine):

Temporary inflammation of the soft tissue around the shoulder sometimes causes a feeling of swelling or fluid accumulation, which is usually mild and transient.

After heavy exercise or physical activity. Severe:

Excessive pressure on the joint may cause inflammation of the bursa and accumulation of fluid.

Relation to underlying diseases

Some diseases can cause swelling of the shoulder joint. be:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Infectious arthritis
Shoulder bursitis
Rotator cuff tendonitis
Autoimmune diseases

Knowing these diseases helps in more accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of frozen shoulder

Symptoms usually appear gradually and their severity varies depending on the cause:

Continuous or throbbing pain in the shoulder
Swelling and puffiness around the joint
Heat and redness of the skin on Shoulder
Limited movement or stiffness of the joint
Clicking or clicking sound when moving
Weakness in the arm or inability to raise the arm

Differentiating this condition from other injuries such as muscle tears or tendonitis requires careful examination.

Physical examination:

Examination of the range of motion, swelling, warmth of the skin and the exact location of pain.

Ultrasound:

A quick method to observe fluid accumulation and inflammation of soft tissues.

MRI:

To check the damage tendons, ligaments, and the degree of joint inflammation.

Joint fluid test:

The doctor drains some of the fluid and sends it to a lab to check for infection or inflammation.

X-rays:

To diagnose osteoarthritis or bone changes in the shoulder joint.

Shoulder Tingling Treatment

It depends on the cause and usually includes a combination of home and specialized measures:

Evacuation of joint fluid

If the swelling is high or the fluid contains an infection, the doctor will drain the excess fluid with a sterile syringe. This will both reduce the pressure of the pain and help diagnose the cause.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen reduce inflammation and pain. In certain cases, intra-articular corticosteroid injection is done to control severe inflammation.

Physiotherapy

Special exercises to increase the range of motion and strengthen the shoulder muscles are very useful. Physiotherapy also prevents the recurrence of the problem.

Cold or heat therapy

Cold compress to reduce inflammation in the early stages.
Warm compress to reduce dryness and increase blood flow after the acute stage.

Treatment of the underlying disease

If the cause is diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or infection, specific treatment is required.

Home treatment and shoulder joint care

The following home methods can be used to reduce mild symptoms:

Adequate rest and avoiding heavy activity
Cold compress several times a day in the first 24 hours
Medication Natural anti-inflammatory such as turmeric, ginger or fish oil
Perform gentle stretching movements of the shoulder after reducing the inflammation
Avoid sleeping on the injured shoulder

If the pain or swelling persists for more than a few days, be sure to visit Pain Clinic.

Prevention Dehydration of the shoulder joint

Warming up the body before exercise or heavy activity
Correcting body posture while sitting and working
Avoid repetitive movements or frequently raising the arm above the head
Strengthening the shoulder muscles with gentle exercises
Rapid treatment of primary injuries or inflammation before it becomes chronic

The aim of these measures is to prevent re-inflammation and maintain the health of the shoulder joint.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main cause of swelling of the shoulder joint?

Joint inflammation, trauma or tendon rupture are the main causes.

Is it dangerous to water the shoulder?

In infectious or chronic cases, it may be dangerous and requires immediate treatment.

What are the symptoms of water retention?

Pain, swelling, warmth, limitation of movement and clicking sound are the main symptoms.

How to drain shoulder joint water?

With a sterile syringe by a doctor and in special medical conditions.

What is the home remedy for watery shoulder?

Cold compress, rest, natural anti-inflammatory drugs and avoiding heavy activity.

Does it get better on its own?

If the cause is mild trauma or temporary inflammation, it may heal on its own.

What methods are used to diagnose shoulder joint swelling?

Ultrasound, MRI, physical examination and joint fluid test.

What is the difference between joint inflammation and arthritis?

Arthritis is joint erosion and may cause swelling, but not always.

Is physical therapy helpful?

Yes, physical therapy plays a key role in improving movement and reducing inflammation.

When should you see a doctor?

If swelling, pain, or fever persists for more than a few days, or shoulder movement is limited.

Does exercise cause water retention?

Heavy exercise or repetitive movements can cause inflammation and fluid accumulation.

رابطه بین آب آوردن مفصل شانه و پارگی تاندون چیست؟

Tendon rupture causes fluid leakage and severe inflammation in the joint.

Is there a possibility of return?

Yes, if the underlying cause is not treated or the physiotherapy recommendations are not followed.

Is it more common in the elderly?

Yes, it is more common in old age due to arthritis and tissue weakness.

What medicine is effective for reducing inflammation?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and in severe cases, corticosteroid injections.

Is a cold or warm compress useful?

Cold compresses are useful in the acute phase and warm compresses in the recovery phase.

How to prevent shoulder swelling again?

by warming up before activity, strengthening muscles and correcting body posture.

Is massage therapy useful?

Yes, in the recovery phase, but it is not recommended in the acute inflammation phase.

What is the relationship between shoulder joint swelling and autoimmune diseases?

In autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatism, the immune system causes inflammation and fluid accumulation.

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Dr. Mohammad Hossein Delshad, a super-specialist fellowship in pain control, has years of experience in the field of controlling severe back and spine pain. The process of pain control, procedures and nerve blocks are performed with ultrasound guidance in the operating room using a closed surgery method. In the pain clinic, they treat patients who are unable to perform open surgery for any reason, such as those who have underlying diseases, heart problems, or have undergone surgeries in the past.
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