The shoulder allows your arm to go a lot of directions. Sometimes you can lift your arm out in front of you but you have pain, weakness or difficulty moving it out to the side. This difference may be a result of different muscles, tendons and parts of the shoulder joint working together for each movement.
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help keep the shoulder stable and support movement and is heavily depended on for side-to-side arm movement. If these structures are not functioning properly, pain or difficulty with some movements can result.
Why Is It Hard To Move Your Arms To The Side?
Rotator Cuff Issues
Rotator cuff injuries or tears often cause pain and weakness when lifting the arm, especially to the side. Movement may also be painful if the tendons in the rotator cuff are irritated. Problems can develop after an injury, from repetitive overhead activity or from wear and tear over time.
Shoulder Impingement And Inflammation
Shoulder impingement is when certain parts of your shoulder get pinched together with certain motions. This can cause pain with lifting the arm, especially during part of the sideways movement. Inflammation of the shoulder can produce similar symptoms.
Another possibility is a frozen shoulder. It may cause stiffness, pain and difficulty moving the arm in a number of directions, but the pattern may be different from rotator cuff problems.
Signs To Look For
Common symptoms might include:
- Pain when raising the arm sideways
- Weakness of the shoulder
- Difficulty reaching overhead or behind your back
- Pain that is worse at night
- Limited shoulder motion
- Pain during sports, work or daily activities
When To Consult An Orthopedic Specialist?
If shoulder pain is persistent, suddenly severe, related to an injury, or interferes with your normal activities, consider an orthopedic evaluation. Also, prompt evaluation is required for sudden weakness after injury or inability to lift the arm.
How Do You Know What The Problem Is?
A specialist may examine your shoulder, test its strength and range of motion, and ask about your symptoms and activities. Depending on the suspected cause, an X-ray, ultrasound or MRI may be recommended to examine the bones, tendons and other soft tissues.
What Treatments Can Help?
Treatment varies with the underlying problem and its severity. Options include rest or activity modification, pain-relieving medicines when appropriate, physical therapy, exercises or other non-surgical treatments. Surgery isn’t necessary for every shoulder problem, but some large rotator cuff tears may require surgery.
If you still experience pain or limited range of motion when moving your arm to the side, finding the cause can lead to the right treatment. An orthopedic specialist can determine if you need conservative treatment or further evaluation for Rotator Cuff Repair Treatment in Indore depending on your shoulder condition.
FAQs
Why does it hurt when I lift my arm out to the side?
Shoulder pain can be caused by irritation of the rotator cuff, tendinitis, impingement, inflammation or other shoulder problems. A test can help identify the cause.
Is it hard to raise the arm if you have a torn rotator cuff?
Yes. A large tear can make your arm sore, feel weak and difficult to lift, particularly when you reach overhead or out to the side.
Is shoulder pain always a rotator cuff problem?
No. Shoulder pain can be caused by frozen shoulder, arthritis, bursitis, tendon problems or injuries.
Do I need a shoulder MRI for shoulder pain?
Not all of the time. Physical examination may give important information. If more detailed assessment is needed your doctor may suggest an X-ray, ultrasound or MRI.
Do shoulder problems improve without surgery?
Many shoulder problems can be managed non-surgically with activity modifications, medication when appropriate, and physical therapy. Treatment will depend on the specific diagnosis.