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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
Related Questions
Severe Pain in the Left Side of My Chest: Seeking Guidance
For several years, I’ve experienced chest discomfort predominantly located centrally. Numerous tests including ECGs, blood tests, and X-rays, along with a CT scan, were conducted, all returning normal results at that time. However, the past six months have brought on intense pain in the left side of my chest, specifically around the pectoral region and under my left arm, radiating downwards. This discomfort has been unrelenting for the last five days, and right now, the pain is again at a debilitating level. Two weeks ago, I returned to the emergency room for the fourth time. Despite undergoing tests such as ECGs and blood work, the results were again normal. The attending physician assured me that my heart is in healthy condition, attributing my symptoms to either anxiety or a muscular issue. While I do struggle with significant anxiety, the pain occurs unpredictably and can persist for weeks, providing no relief regardless of what I do. Pressing down on the area feels similar to applying pressure on a bruise. At times, the intensity of the pain is so overwhelming that it resembles a heart attack. As I write this, I find myself in agony, feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope. My general practitioner consistently points to anxiety as the primary cause. I even requested a referral to a specialist in musculoskeletal issues, but was once again met with the same diagnosis. Currently, I am undergoing therapy and taking medication; remarkably, I often do not feel anxious. I am reaching out for help: I am concerned that something regarding my heart may have been overlooked or if anxiety could indeed be the sole culprit. I am genuinely desperate for assistance and uncertain how much longer I can endure these symptoms. I’m a 28-year-old male seeking any insights or advice on this matter.
Inflammation and Discomfort in the Clitoris Due to Testosterone Treatment
As a trans man who has been receiving testosterone injections for eight years, one notable change is that my clitoris has grown, resembling a small penis for some individuals. In my case, it has become prominent, partially influenced by weight loss. Recently, I’ve been experiencing some discomfort; it has turned inflamed, sore, and itchy. The sensitive area beneath the head is tender, and retracting the clitoral hood reveals inflammation surrounding the tip, reminiscent of balanitis. To alleviate the discomfort, I’ve been applying Vaseline. While I tend to be vigorous during masturbation, I’ve never incurred any injuries. However, my last session was particularly intense, and I believe that marked the beginning of these symptoms about four days ago. The seams of men’s boxers tend to rub against the area, which has been problematic in the past, but the irritation seems to be heightened now. Seeking medical advice could be challenging, as my primary healthcare providers are also my colleagues, but I would consider it if necessary. I understand I cannot share images here; however, I have uploaded some on my profile. Please note, it's my adult content page, but it might provide useful context regarding the previous state of my clitoris.
Discomfort in My Toes: Seeking Relief
For the past few days, I've been experiencing a persistent dull ache around my toes and the area where they connect to my foot. Does anyone have any insights into what could be causing this? I'm a 25-year-old male and would appreciate any advice.
Persistent Sinus and Jaw Concerns Starting to Cause Anxiety
Hi there! For approximately the past six months, I've been struggling with severe sinus difficulties. Initially, I believed they were merely due to allergies. However, as the condition worsened, my doctor prescribed a nasal spray which helped for a time. Unfortunately, I began experiencing discomfort in my jaw and ears, and now, the sensation of fullness in my ears has become a constant issue. This morning, I noticed I woke up with phlegm that was vividly yellow and reddish-orange, and one of the lymph nodes beneath my chin has become quite firm and is painful when I apply pressure. What steps should I take next?
Understanding Muscle Atrophy and Symptoms of Pain: A Personal Journey
I am a 30-year-old man, standing 6 feet tall, and I have been grappling with the fear of Motor Neuron Disease (MND) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) for several years. This concern ignited when I unexpectedly began experiencing atrophy in my left calf. Coincidentally, I was already consulting a neurologist for migraines, and I was referred for an electromyography (EMG) test. The results indicated abnormalities that were significant enough for the neurologist to diagnose it as radiculopathy. However, after a subsequent MRI revealed no signs of a compressed nerve, I became quite anxious about my condition. Over the years, I have developed a range of symptoms: noticeable atrophy in my left calf, persistent pain in my shoulder and trunk on the left side, and discomfort in my lower back. My left hand experiences pain, and while I don’t feel particularly weak, tasks requiring strength in my left leg and hand cause a strain, making movements painful. I also frequently notice muscle twitches throughout my body, and from my viewpoint, my left hand appears smaller, even though the neurologist did not observe this. My left arm has indeed shrunk, but this observation remains unconfirmed by medical professionals. Recently, I began to feel numbness and pain on the left side of my face, making it feel like I have to exert effort just to achieve a full smile. The intensity is manageable, but it caught me off guard, leading to significant confusion regarding my health. An EMG showed abnormalities in my calf and at the paraspinal region at S1. Despite these findings, my neurologist assured me that I did not have ALS, claiming that I likely did not even require the MRI. Nevertheless, I opted to proceed with the MRI, which resulted in no visible signs of nerve compression. I was subsequently referred to a specialist in neuromuscular disorders. During my regular check-ups, my tests indicated no clinical weakness, and he confirmed the earlier observed calf atrophy, noting hyperreflexia as well. He performed his own EMG, describing my calf as “slightly irritated,” and mentioned that theoretically, I could still regenerate muscle in that area. However, this wasn’t particularly encouraging as I had hoped for a perfectly normal EMG. He reassured me by stating, “No ALS at this time,” but also cautioned that he could not predict the future. He recommended an MRI of the brain and neck as a final assessment for other conditions, yet I found the cost prohibitive. So, if ALS is not the diagnosis, what could be the underlying issue? I continuously endure pain and all my symptoms are present on the left side of my body, while my right side is dominant. My muscles experience frequent twitching, which typically follows movement or stretching, though it can also occur while at rest; most commonly, I can provoke these twitches through stretching. I am putting forth considerable effort to move past my worries regarding ALS for the sake of my mental well-being, yet it proves difficult with the constant pain and the emergence of new symptoms.