Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition that affects the shoulder joint. It is characterized by stiffness and limited movement of the shoulder joint.
The exact cause of frozen shoulder is not known, but it is believed to be linked to inflammation and scarring in the shoulder joint. While anyone can develop frozen shoulder, research has found that people with metabolic diseases are at an increased risk.
What are Metabolic Diseases?
Metabolic diseases are conditions that affect the body’s metabolism. Metabolism is the process by which the body converts food into energy. When this process is disrupted, it can lead to a variety of health problems. Some common metabolic diseases include:.
- Diabetes – a group of conditions that affect the body’s ability to produce or use insulin.
- Obesity – a condition in which a person has excess body fat.
- High blood pressure – a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is too high.
- High cholesterol – a condition in which there is an excess of cholesterol in the blood.
- Metabolic syndrome – a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels.
Link between Metabolic Disease and Frozen Shoulder
A number of studies have found a link between metabolic disease and frozen shoulder.
In a study published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, researchers found that patients with metabolic syndrome were three times more likely to develop frozen shoulder than those without metabolic syndrome. Another study published in the Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications found that people with diabetes were also at an increased risk of developing frozen shoulder.
The exact mechanisms behind the link between metabolic disease and frozen shoulder are not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to inflammation. Inflammation is a key component of both metabolic disease and frozen shoulder.
In people with metabolic disease, chronic inflammation can damage tissues throughout the body, including the shoulder joint. This can lead to inflammation and scarring in the joint, contributing to the development of frozen shoulder.
Preventing Frozen Shoulder in People with Metabolic Disease
If you have a metabolic disease, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing frozen shoulder. These include:.
- Maintaining a healthy weight – obesity is a common risk factor for metabolic disease and frozen shoulder. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can reduce your risk of both conditions.
- Eating a healthy diet – a healthy diet can help you manage your metabolic disease and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
- Regular exercise – exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce inflammation throughout the body. It can also help improve shoulder mobility and reduce the risk of frozen shoulder.
- Managing your metabolic disease – properly managing your metabolic disease can help reduce inflammation and minimize the damage to your body.
Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder in People with Metabolic Disease
If you develop frozen shoulder, there are a number of treatment options available. These may include:.
- Physical therapy – exercises and stretches can help improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain.
- Medications – over-the-counter pain relievers may help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to help reduce inflammation.
- Surgery – in severe cases, surgery may be necessary to release the shoulder joint and improve range of motion.
Conclusion
Frozen shoulder is a painful condition that can limit your mobility and quality of life. While anyone can develop frozen shoulder, research has found that people with metabolic diseases are at an increased risk.
By taking steps to manage your metabolic disease and reduce inflammation throughout the body, you can minimize your risk of developing frozen shoulder. If you do develop frozen shoulder, there are a variety of treatment options available to help improve your shoulder mobility and reduce pain.