The shoulder, like every joint, has a cover or capsule surrounding it. At times, the shoulder capsule thickens and gets inflamed. This condition is frozen shoulder or peri arthritis of the shoulder or stiff shoulder.

This is usually a self-limiting condition. Patients with diabetes or thyroid problems are prone to this. When a patient gets this condition, the shoulder is very painful in the initial stages with significant night pain.

Gradually, the shoulder becomes stiff. The pain and stiffness eventually reduces over a period of 9-12 months. With diabetics, it might take longer.

The management of this problem involves anti-inflammatory medication and gentle exercises in the initial stages. When there is severe night pain, an injection into the shoulder joint might help alleviate the pain.

Occasionally, if the stiffness does not resolve, arthroscopic treatment would be helpful.