What are the commonly used medications for shoulder periarthritis?
Disease description:
I have been experiencing persistent shoulder pain recently, with limited range of motion, especially severe pain at night. I suspect I might have periarthritis of the shoulder (frozen shoulder). Could you please tell me what are the commonly used medications for periarthritis of the shoulder?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
The medications for treating periarthritis of the shoulder are mainly divided into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, topical agents, and corticosteroid injections used in specific situations.
1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Such as ibuprofen capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, and loxoprofen sodium. These medications can significantly reduce shoulder inflammation, inflammatory edema, and pain by inhibiting cyclooxygenase and thereby decreasing prostaglandin synthesis.
2. Immune-modulating medications: Such as tacrolimus capsules, which have anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects and can suppress tissue inflammatory responses.
3. Muscle relaxants: Such as cyclobenzaprine, which can help relieve muscle tension and spasms, although potential side effects should be noted.
4. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations: Such as Yunnan Baiyao capsules and Dracaena cochinchinensis capsules, which have functions including promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, relieving pain, and reducing swelling.
5. Topical medications: Such as Shangtongsu or Huoxue Zhitong plasters, which can be applied externally to the affected area to enhance blood circulation and alleviate shoulder discomfort.
6. Corticosteroid injections: For some patients with persistent pain, local injections into the shoulder joint or surrounding areas may be administered to rapidly reduce inflammation and pain. However, this treatment should not be used frequently to avoid potential soft tissue damage.
