Concerns About Shoulder Bulge
Hello! I'm a 23-year-old female weighing 198 pounds, and I've been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I've been dealing with shoulder problems for several years now. In 2022, I underwent a capsular release procedure, but unfortunately, it didn't provide any relief; I feel it may have actually worsened my condition. Lifting my arm to the side is quite difficult, and when I manage to do so, I quickly experience a loss of sensation underneath, accompanied by a painful tingling sensation, similar to pins and needles. I suspect that there might be a muscle protruding in that area, but I'm uncertain why this is happening or how to address it. Before seeking consultation with a specialist, I’m hoping to gather some insights regarding whether this is something I should be worried about. For context, my left shoulder is functioning perfectly fine, while my right shoulder, which I am concerned about, exhibits noticeable issues. Although I can raise my arm higher, it requires an awkward maneuver that feels like it might dislocate my shoulder, resulting in a noticeable dimple beneath it when elevated. Additionally, I have observed what seems to be a winged scapula on the same side. If anyone has any thoughts or explanations regarding my shoulder problems, I would greatly appreciate your input!
Answers (1)
7/28/2025, 3:40:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort and functional limitations with your right shoulder, particularly given your diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and the previous surgery. It’s important to address these concerns, as they can indicate underlying issues that may need further investigation.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms, including difficulty raising your arm and the tingling sensation, could result from joint instability, nerve compression, or muscle weakness, especially given your Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
- The noticeable dimple and winged scapula suggest possible muscle imbalances or scapular instability, which can impact shoulder function.
Explanation:
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome affects connective tissues, leading to joint hypermobility and increased risk of soft tissue injuries. The symptoms you're experiencing, such as tingling and difficulty with movement, could indicate nerve irritation due to joint instability or muscle tension. The winged scapula, often caused by weakness in the muscles that stabilize the shoulder blade, can also contribute to visible changes in shoulder movement and position.
Next Steps:
-
Symptom Tracking: Monitor your symptoms closely. Keep a journal noting when symptoms occur, their intensity, and any activities that may worsen or alleviate your discomfort.
-
Gentle Exercises: Focus on gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for your shoulder and scapular muscles. This can help improve stability and reduce discomfort:
- Stretching: Include gentle pectoral and upper back stretches to relieve tightness.
- Strengthening: Focus on exercises targeting the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers, like isometric exercises, which you can do without straining.
-
Postural Awareness: Pay attention to your posture, especially when sitting or engaging in activities that involve your upper body. Maintaining good posture can support shoulder alignment and reduce strain.
-
Rest and Ice: If you notice increased pain or swelling, take small breaks during activities, and consider using ice packs for 15–20 minutes to reduce inflammation.
-
Assistive Devices: If lifting your arm is painful, consider using tools or aids to assist with overhead tasks to prevent excessive strain on your shoulder.
-
Prepare for Specialist Consultation: When you do see a specialist, be prepared to discuss all your symptoms in detail. Bring your symptom journal, as this may provide valuable insights for diagnosis and treatment options.
If there are any changes in your symptoms, such as increased pain or loss of function, it will be important to address those promptly with a healthcare professional. You're doing the right thing by seeking information and being proactive about your health. Let me know if you have further questions or if there are specific aspects you want to explore!
Related Questions
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.
28-Year-Old Male Experiencing Scalp Sensations Post-Amitriptyline Treatment
I am a 28-year-old man in generally good health, without any cardiac concerns. Approximately a month ago, I encountered intense pain localized to one side of my head, which was unresponsive to paracetamol. However, a single dose of a migraine treatment provided substantial relief. Following that, I began a regimen of amitriptyline, starting at a nightly dose of 10 to 25 mg. While my head pain has diminished significantly—by about 90 to 95%—I now experience occasional uncomfortable sensations on my scalp. These feelings include pins and needles, a cooling sensation, and some crawling feelings near my hairline and ears. There are fleeting moments where I feel brief throbs lasting a second, but I do not have any persistent headaches. To clarify, I do not experience any of the following: - Nausea - Weakness in my limbs - Numbness - Changes in my vision - Coordination difficulties - Seizures The symptoms I have are transient, shifting around and often intensifying when I become conscious of them or as the day progresses. I would like to know: Is it common to experience these sensations during the recovery stage following episodes of neuralgia or migraine-like discomfort? Additionally, could the amitriptyline potentially be causing these temporary paresthetic sensations? I am seeking some reassurance or advice on what is typically observed during this healing process. Thank you.
Concerns About My Toes
Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!
Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound
I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.
Understanding Tuberculosis Exposure Risk
A 26-year-old male, who neither drinks alcohol nor smokes, seeks to understand the implications of exposure to tuberculosis (TB). As an anesthesia technician, I became concerned after I encountered a TB-positive patient about a month ago. I had to enter the patient’s room several times to perform blood gas tests. On my first entry, I mistakenly wore my N95 mask incorrectly due to the hectic nature of attending to multiple rooms. From my research, it appears that TB is quite transmissible; direct exposure can pose a serious risk of infection. Transmission usually requires prolonged contact with an infected individual, particularly in a close or face-to-face setting. In this case, the patient was lying face down and appeared to be sleeping when I entered. I have already undergone testing for TB, but I am eager to deepen my understanding of the risks involved in these situations.