With the onset of winter, complaints of joint pain increase. Frozen shoulder, in particular, becomes more common. This is a condition in which there is severe pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Moving the shoulder becomes difficult. Doctors say that this problem is more troublesome during the cold weather. Women and patients with heart disease are at the highest risk. Let’s learn more about it in detail.
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is medically known as adhesive capsulitis. In this condition, the membrane surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and hardens, causing inflammation in the joint and reduced movement. This problem is seen in 3 to 5 percent of the general population, but in patients with diabetes or heart disease, this figure rises to 10 to 20 percent.
Why is the problem more common in winter?
The main reason for the increase in frozen shoulder cases during winter is the cold. In cold weather, muscles contract and blood circulation in the joints decreases. This increases pain and stiffness. People tend to move less to avoid the cold, which further aggravates the problem.
What are the symptoms of this disease?
Frozen shoulder starts gradually. Initially, there is mild pain in the shoulder, followed by increasing stiffness. The pain is worse at night and disrupts sleep. Lifting the shoulder, moving it backward, or rotating it becomes difficult. Even everyday tasks like changing clothes, combing hair, or lifting objects become very painful.
Why are women and heart patients at higher risk?
According to Dr. Vaishya, Senior Consultant Orthopedics and Joint Replacement Surgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in Delhi, this problem is more common in people aged 40 to 60 years. It is seen more often in women than in men. The reasons for this may include hormonal changes and reduced physical activity. Patients with heart disease are also at higher risk because cardiovascular problems affect the joints. This problem is 5 to 10 times more common in patients with diabetes.
How is it treated?
In most cases, frozen shoulder can be treated with medication, physiotherapy, and exercise. Pain relievers, warm compresses, and gentle stretching are helpful. In severe cases, injections or surgery may be necessary.
These tips can help:
- Keep your shoulder warm in the winter. Use a scarf or shawl.
- Do light exercises daily, such as shoulder rotations or wall climbs.
- Keep diabetes and heart disease under control.
- Avoid staying in the same position for too long.
- Take warm baths and apply warm compresses.
