Can shoulder periarthritis cause numbness in the hand?

Jun 20, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, I suddenly developed pain in the shoulder area, along with numbness in my hand. I suspect I might have periarthritis of the shoulder (frozen shoulder). Can periarthritis of the shoulder cause hand numbness?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xu Shuai
Shoulder periarthritis may, to some extent, cause numbness in the hand. Shoulder periarthritis primarily manifests as stiffness, pain, and restricted movement in the shoulder joint. Although it mainly affects the muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues of the shoulder joint, inflammation may spread to adjacent nerve structures—particularly when the inflammation is severe or located close to nerves. Additionally, muscle tension and limited joint mobility caused by shoulder inflammation may interfere with normal nerve conduction, leading to a sensation of numbness in the hand. It should be noted that hand numbness is not a typical symptom of shoulder periarthritis. In most cases, hand numbness may be related to other conditions such as cervical spondylosis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, when experiencing hand numbness, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.