Shoulder Discomfort Inquiry
I am a 55-year-old female, standing 5'7" and weighing 175 pounds. I do not smoke, drink only occasionally, and do not use any drugs. I am not on any daily medications either. I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my hips and my recent test result showed a positive finding for RNP Antibody Titer at a level of 1:80. While I do not consider this particularly alarming, I’m uncertain whether I should pursue follow-up on that aspect. Currently, I am experiencing significant discomfort in my right shoulder. I find it challenging to reach behind me or raise my arm to the side beyond approximately 45 degrees. When my arm is resting by my side, there is no pain, but even slight movement can trigger sharp discomfort that typically lasts for around a minute before easing off. This pain tends to occur when I inadvertently attempt to move my arm in ways that I have learned are painful. This issue has persisted for 4 to 5 months, and I’m questioning whether it would be beneficial to consult a medical professional regarding my shoulder pain. If so, I’d appreciate guidance on which type of specialist would be most appropriate for this kind of issue. Thank you for any assistance you can offer! :)
Answers (1)
9/9/2025, 1:30:52 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with significant shoulder discomfort that has persisted for several months. Given your existing osteoarthritis and the positive RNP antibody titer, it’s understandable to seek clarity on whether you should pursue further evaluation.
Explanation
Your shoulder pain, particularly the sharp discomfort when moving your arm, may be due to several factors, such as shoulder tendonitis, rotator cuff issues, or other conditions related to arthritis. The range of motion limitations you’re experiencing can significantly impact your daily activities, so it’s important to address them.
Next Steps
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Consult with an Orthopedic Specialist: Given your symptoms and history of osteoarthritis, an orthopedic doctor who specializes in joints will be best suited to evaluate your shoulder. They can provide a thorough assessment and discuss appropriate imaging (like an MRI or X-ray) if needed.
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Pain Management Strategies: While you await your appointment, consider:
- Resting: Avoid movements that trigger pain to allow your shoulder to recover.
- Ice Application: Applying ice packs to the area for 15-20 minutes can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Gentle Stretching: Slowly and gently stretch the shoulder within a pain-free range to maintain some mobility.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a record of your pain levels, movements that cause discomfort, and any changes over time. This information will be helpful for the specialist.
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Explore Physical Therapy: Once evaluated, the specialist may recommend physical therapy to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve flexibility.
Acting on these steps can help you determine the cause of your shoulder discomfort and manage it effectively. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance!
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