Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common condition that affects approximately 2-5% of the general population.
The condition is characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, which can be severe enough to limit the person’s range of motion.
Frozen shoulder is more common in people over the age of 40, and it is more common in women than in men. The exact cause of the condition is not known, but there are several risk factors that have been identified, including metabolic disorders.
What are metabolic disorders?
Metabolic disorders are conditions that affect the way the body processes food and nutrients.
These conditions can affect various metabolic processes in the body, including the way the body produces energy from food, the way the body stores and uses carbohydrates and fats, and the way the body regulates insulin levels.
There are several different types of metabolic disorders, including:.
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome
- Hypertriglyceridemia
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
How do metabolic disorders increase the risk of frozen shoulder?
Metabolic disorders can increase the risk of frozen shoulder by affecting the body’s inflammatory processes and by increasing the likelihood of developing chronic diseases.
One of the ways that metabolic disorders can increase the risk of frozen shoulder is by causing chronic inflammation in the body.
Chronic inflammation can cause damage to the tissues in the shoulder joint, which can lead to the development of adhesive capsulitis.
Metabolic disorders can also increase the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
These chronic diseases can cause damage to the tissues in the shoulder joint, which can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.
Diabetes and Frozen Shoulder
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing frozen shoulder. In fact, studies have shown that people with diabetes are three times more likely to develop frozen shoulder than people without diabetes.
One of the reasons for this increased risk is that diabetes can cause chronic inflammation in the body, which can lead to damage to the tissues in the shoulder joint.
In addition, people with diabetes are at risk for developing nerve damage, which can lead to a loss of sensation in the shoulder joint. This loss of sensation can make it more difficult for people with diabetes to detect the early symptoms of frozen shoulder.
Obesity and Frozen Shoulder
Obesity is another metabolic disorder that can increase the risk of frozen shoulder. Studies have shown that people who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop frozen shoulder than people who are of a healthy weight.
One of the reasons for this increased risk is that excess weight can put additional strain on the shoulder joint, which can lead to damage to the tissues in the joint.
In addition, people who are overweight or obese are more likely to have chronic inflammation in the body, which can increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.
Metabolic Syndrome and Frozen Shoulder
Metabolic syndrome is a combination of conditions that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels.
People with metabolic syndrome are at an increased risk of developing frozen shoulder.
One of the reasons for this increased risk is that metabolic syndrome can cause chronic inflammation in the body, which can lead to damage to the tissues in the shoulder joint.
In addition, people with metabolic syndrome are more likely to develop chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, which can also increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.
Hypertriglyceridemia and Frozen Shoulder
Hypertriglyceridemia is a condition in which there are high levels of triglycerides (a type of fat) in the blood. People with hypertriglyceridemia are at an increased risk of developing frozen shoulder.
One of the reasons for this increased risk is that high levels of triglycerides can cause chronic inflammation in the body, which can lead to damage to the tissues in the shoulder joint.
In addition, people with hypertriglyceridemia are more likely to develop other metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity, which can also increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.
Hypothyroidism and Frozen Shoulder
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. People with hypothyroidism are at an increased risk of developing frozen shoulder.
One of the reasons for this increased risk is that low levels of thyroid hormone can cause muscle and joint pain, which can lead to damage and inflammation in the shoulder joint.
In addition, people with hypothyroidism are more likely to be overweight or obese, which can also increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.
Hyperthyroidism and Frozen Shoulder
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. People with hyperthyroidism are also at an increased risk of developing frozen shoulder.
One of the reasons for this increased risk is that high levels of thyroid hormone can cause muscle weakness and fatigue, which can lead to damage and inflammation in the shoulder joint.
In addition, people with hyperthyroidism are more likely to have osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle), which can also increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.
Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder
The treatment for frozen shoulder typically involves a combination of physical therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgery.
Physical therapy is used to help improve range of motion in the shoulder joint, and medications are used to help manage pain and inflammation.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to help loosen the tissues in the shoulder joint. This is typically done through a procedure called arthroscopic capsular release.
Conclusion
Frozen shoulder is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including metabolic disorders.
People with diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypertriglyceridemia, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism are all at an increased risk of developing frozen shoulder. By managing these metabolic disorders and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, people can reduce their risk of developing frozen shoulder.