What Causes Pain In The Shoulder And Upper Arm When I Wake Up?

Posted on Thu, 1 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 1 Dec 2016 Answered on

Thu, 22 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Every moring I wake up with my left shoulder and back side of the left upper arm in pain. Throughout the day if I make any sudden movements with the left arm I get a sharp pain from the shoulder down to the wriast. Sometimes even my right elbow is in pain.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rotator cuff tendinitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Thanks for the query.

You seem to be having Rotator cuff tendinitis or injury.

You need to avoid overhead movements, lifting weights or sound any strenuous activity.

Please get an ultrasound or better to get an MRI of the shoulder to look for Rotator cuff tendon tears.

According to the report we can plan if physiotherapy or surgery as required.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee