Difficulty Reaching to the Side – Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Difficulty Reaching to the Side – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment at Emirates Hospital Group

Difficulty reaching to the side, also known as lateral arm weakness, is a condition that affects the ability to extend the arm to the side. It can affect one or both arms and can range from mild to severe.

Causes of Difficulty Reaching to the Side

• Shoulder impingement: Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons, which are the muscles that control shoulder movement, become compressed. This can cause pain and weakness when reaching overhead or to the side.

• Rotator cuff tear: A rotator cuff tear is a tear in one or more of the rotator cuff tendons. This can cause severe pain, weakness, and loss of range of motion in the shoulder.

• Arthritis: Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. Shoulder arthritis can cause pain and stiffness that makes it difficult to reach to the side.

• Nerve damage: Damage to the nerves that control arm movement can also cause difficulty reaching to the side. This can be caused by a number of factors, including stroke, spinal cord injury, or certain medications.

• Frozen shoulder: Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, making it difficult to move the arm in any direction.

• Bursitis: Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. Shoulder bursitis can cause pain and tenderness when moving the arm, especially when reaching overhead or to the side.

• Tendinitis: Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, which is the rope-like tissue that connects muscles to bones. Shoulder tendinitis can cause pain and weakness when moving the arm, especially when reaching overhead or to the side.

If you are experiencing difficulty reaching to the side, especially if it is accompanied by pain or swelling, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications and improve range of motion.