Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a fairly well-known problem that many may come to face in their lifetime.
Can RA affect shoulder pain? Absolutely! Among many other parts of the body.
Since this diagnosis is a common one that many may have to deal with, let’s talk about it a bit more.
We’re going to discuss the basics of RA, how it can specifically affect shoulder pain, and the best ways to manage the problem.
Let’s go!
The Basics of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Simply put, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a broad inflammatory problem in the body.
RA happens when the body’s immune system essentially turns on itself. More specifically, when the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints in the body, called the synovium.
While the joints in the hands are the most well-known for being affected by RA, any other joints could still be susceptible. It may also be the likely case that multiple joints will be affected by RA. It can be a very widespread issue throughout the body.
You typically will notice the presence of joint deformities with RA. This is especially obvious in the hands when you see the wrists, hands and fingers become bent and out of sorts, if you will. These deformities can, unfortunately, be very painful and limit your ability to move the affected area/s.
If it becomes severe enough, RA has the potential to affect your organs. For the purposes of this article though, we’re focusing on RA’s effect on the musculoskeletal system, particularly in the shoulders.
Speaking of, let’s move on to talk about the relationship between RA and shoulder pain a bit more.
How Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Affect Shoulder Pain
When an RA flare-up is happening in the shoulder specifically, there are some common signs and symptoms you might notice:
Swelling
Constant pain
Warmth
Redness
Limited use of the shoulder and arm due to pain
Due to the inflammatory nature of RA, swelling, warmth and redness are some common things to look out for in the affected area, such as the shoulder. As a result of the above inflammatory response, this will lead to increased pressure on the surrounding structures, such as your nerves, tendons, muscles and the joint itself.
When unnecessary and stressful pressure occurs within the shoulder joint, this will definitely keep you from using your shoulder how you normally would. You might notice decreased range of motion, weakness in the shoulder and arm, trouble sleeping, and more of a challenge with your day-to-day tasks. Don’t be surprised if something even as small as getting dressed, washing your hair, putting on your seatbelt, etc. will be more painful and challenging to accomplish.
Top Ways to Manage Shoulder Pain with Rheumatoid Arthritis
First of all, if you have a known diagnosis of RA, you should be following closely with a rheumatologist. This chronic condition needs to be regularly monitored, and it’s important to have a go-to specialist in case you experience a flare-up, such as with the shoulder joint.
Your rheumatologist may already have you on medication for your RA, but it’s still important to contact them if you are having a specific pain flare-up, as your medication may need to be adjusted. They can also provide you with additional suggestions for management of your pain, such as initially resting the painful area, but also eventually consulting with a rehab specialist.
Seeing a physical or occupational therapist will be helpful for pain management and to address your functional limitations. They can include hands-on therapy, such as massage, and use other tools and equipment to keep your pain and inflammation more controlled.
As your inflammation calms down, then your therapist will have a better chance of helping you regain your shoulder range of motion, strength, and stability. Before you know it, you’ll be back to your normal self in no time!
When RA is in the picture, flare-ups can happen. Whether it’s in the shoulder or any other joint, you’ll want to know how to best manage it. It’s important to remember, like with any chronic condition, that RA pain is indeed very manageable, even when flare-ups occur, and having a good healthcare team on your side is essential for success.