Frozen shoulder, also known as capsulitis, is an inflammation of the joint capsule, the strong fibrous sheath of connective tissue surrounding the shoulder bone. In 50% of cases, it occurs in both shoulders.

Causes

This inflammation can be caused by tiny, repeated traumas (knocks, repetitive motion, stretching or falls), a violent trauma or inflammatory diseases. In some cases, it is impossible to determine the exact cause.

Aging also plays a role in the onset of this condition. As a person ages, joint cartilage deteriorates and heals more slowly. By the early forties, there is a noticeable decrease in muscle mass, which can weaken the joint. Moreover, because of the decline in the body’s ability to repair itself, old problems in the muscles and bones sometimes reappear.

Frozen shoulder and diabetes

A person with diabetes is more susceptible to joint problems in the upper limbs. Frozen shoulder most often appears 20 years after the onset of diabetes.

In a person with diabetes, hyperglycemia can also cause a complication knows as neuropathy. This loss in sensitivity to pain can mask the pain (the body’s alarm system) of inflammation and compromise an early diagnosis of frozen shoulder.

When to consult your doctor

It is important for people with diabetes to be vigilant. You should visit your doctor as soon as you notice a restriction in your shoulder movements, and be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations.