Difference between rheumatoid arthritis and frozen shoulder

Rheumatoid arthritis and frozen shoulder are two different diseases, the main difference lies in the cause of disease, affected parts and symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic immune system disease, often accompanied by multiple joint pain and morning stiffness, while frozen shoulder is a local joint disease, mainly affecting the movement of the shoulder joint.

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is related to abnormal immune system. Genetic factors may play an important role. It may also be induced by infection, cold and damp environment and other factors. Typical symptoms include symmetrical multi-joint swelling and pain, prolonged morning stiffness, and limited joint movement. In severe cases, it can cause joint destruction and even systemic complications. However, frozen shoulder is more common in middle-aged and elderly people. It is mainly caused by inflammation or adhesion of soft tissues around the shoulder joint. It is often manifested as gradual pain in the shoulder joint and limited range of motion, especially worsening pain at night, but it does not involve other joints and is not accompanied by systemic inflammation. The two can be distinguished during diagnosis based on symptoms, joint imaging examinations and laboratory test results. For example, positive rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP antibodies indicate rheumatoid arthritis, while frozen shoulder has no such abnormal indicators.

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is related to abnormal immune system. Genetic factors may play an important role. It may also be induced by infection, cold and damp environment and other factors. Typical symptoms include symmetrical multi-joint swelling and pain, prolonged morning stiffness, and limited joint movement. In severe cases, it can cause joint destruction and even systemic complications. However, frozen shoulder is more common in middle-aged and elderly people. It is mainly caused by inflammation or adhesion of soft tissues around the shoulder joint. It is often manifested as gradual pain in the shoulder joint and limited range of motion, especially worsening pain at night, but it does not involve other joints and is not accompanied by systemic inflammation. The two can be distinguished during diagnosis based on symptoms, joint imaging examinations and laboratory test results. For example, positive rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP antibodies indicate rheumatoid arthritis, while frozen shoulder has no such abnormal indicators.

In order to better cope with these two types of diseases, patients need to choose appropriate treatment methods according to their symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (such as methotrexate), and biologics (such as adalimumab) can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis; at the same time, attention should be paid to daily warming and regular follow-up visits. The treatment of frozen shoulder relies more on physical therapy and exercise rehabilitation, such as hot compresses and shoulder joint mobilization exercises. When the pain is obvious in the early stage, analgesics can be used in moderation to help relieve it. Both diseases may worsen as the disease progresses, so when obvious joint symptoms occur, you need to seek medical attention in time and follow the advice of a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.