MedDroidSymptom guide
Shoulder pain: causes, warning signs & what to do
Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS · Last reviewed
Medically reviewedMost shoulder pain comes from the muscles and tendons around the joint. A stiff, painful shoulder is particularly common in people with diabetes. Rarely, left-shoulder pain is a sign of a heart problem.
Possible causes
Common causes of shoulder pain
- Rotator cuff strain or tear — pain lifting the arm overhead
- Frozen shoulder — gradual pain and stiffness, more common in diabetes
- Pain spreading from the neck (cervical spondylosis)
- Dislocation after a fall or injury
- Heart pain felt in the left shoulder or arm
- Gallbladder problems can cause right-shoulder pain
Self-care
What you can do now
- Keep the shoulder gently moving — complete rest can make stiffness worse
- Use a cold or warm pack for short periods
- Avoid sleeping on the painful side and heavy overhead lifting for a while
- Check your posture when using phones and laptops
Red flags
When to see a doctor urgently
- Shoulder or arm pain with chest pressure, sweating or breathlessness — call your local emergency number now (108/112 in India)
- A deformed shoulder or inability to move the arm after a fall
- A hot, swollen shoulder with fever
- Weakness or numbness spreading down the arm
Checks
Tests a doctor may suggest
Depending on your history and examination, a doctor may suggest some of these. Your doctor decides which, if any, you need.
Explore more
Related pages
References
Sources & further reading
Frequently asked questions
Can shoulder pain be a heart attack?
Sometimes. Pain in the left shoulder or arm together with chest discomfort, sweating, nausea or breathlessness needs emergency care immediately.
What is frozen shoulder?
The joint capsule becomes inflamed and stiff, slowly limiting movement over months. It is more common in people with diabetes and usually improves with time and physiotherapy.
Why does my shoulder hurt when I lift my arm?
Pain lifting the arm, especially overhead, is typical of rotator cuff tendon irritation. Exercises and posture correction usually help.