Are you wondering about shoulder pain and how it relates to rheumatoid arthritis? You're definitely not alone — up to 70% of people with RA experience shoulder pain at some point.
RA can affect two key joints in the shoulder:
- Acromioclavicular (AC) joint — where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade, causing pain at the Show Full Answer
Are you wondering about shoulder pain and how it relates to rheumatoid arthritis? You're definitely not alone — up to 70% of people with RA experience shoulder pain at some point.
RA can affect two key joints in the shoulder:
- Acromioclavicular (AC) joint — where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade, causing pain at the top of the shoulder or radiating toward the neck
- Glenohumeral joint — where the upper arm bone meets the shoulder blade, causing a deep, aching pain in the back of the shoulder
RA can also inflame the sternoclavicular (SC) joint, where the collarbone meets the breastbone, which may feel like collarbone or upper chest pain. Common symptoms myRAteam members describe include:
- Pain that shifts between shoulders
- Stiffness more than pain
- Clicking or grinding sounds when moving
- Difficulty sleeping due to shoulder discomfort
- Trouble lifting arms overhead There are several ways to help manage shoulder pain:
- Heat therapy — warm showers, heating pads, or warm compresses to loosen muscles
- Cold therapy — ice packs for 20–30 minutes, two to three times daily to reduce swelling
- NSAIDs — over-the-counter options like ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation
- DMARDs or biologics — prescribed medications that slow RA progression
- Corticosteroid injections — short-term relief during flares (note: these can be uncomfortable initially)
- Surgery — considered when other treatments haven't provided relief
One myRAteam member shared that combining heat, cold compresses, and a pain-relieving spray like Biofreeze, along with wearing a sling, helped them manage their discomfort.
It's always a good idea to speak with your rheumatologist about finding the right combination of treatments for your specific situation.
4 days ago
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