HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Pain In The Humerus?

Posted on Mon, 20 Oct 2014

Question: I am 57 with a history of osteoporosis on Forteo injections for approximately 8 months. I have started having shoulder pain and got a cortisone injection in the shoulder joint. My shoulder does not hurt anymore. My Humerus burns and hurts is a deep pain. How can I tell if this is related to a possible rotator cuff issue, or bone pain related to the Forteo?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Forteo is highly unlikely the cause

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. I have following suggestion for you- X-ray of humerus to rule out bony lesion.
In rotator cuff lesion there is difficulty in lifting the arm over head and it's painful. There is restriction of shoulder movement. Do you have that?

Forteo (teriparatide) is similar to natural hormone in your body (parathyroid hormone).It works by increasing bone mass and strength. Hence decrease in bone pain of osteoporosis.
Hence, Forteo is highly unlikely to cause rotator cuff issue and bone pain.
Is pain is more in the night with difficulty in dressing up and combing of hairs? Do you have chronic disease like diabetes?

Looking forward to your reply.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (6 minutes later)

Thank you for your reply. To answer your question. I can lift my arm over my head without pain, its a little stiff but no pain. I can't move my arm back as in to hook my bra. That causes sharp pain and burning but I don't make that movement anymore :) I don't have any chronic diseases. No diabetes or heart issues. I have recently in March had a cervical fusion and lumbar fusion due to a slip and fall a few years ago and conservative management was not working anymore. I have recovered from that surgery. If I lay on the hurt side at night, it is painful. I work on a computer all day and it is hurting me to move my arm at all. Thanks for the reassurance about the Forteo. Scary stuff but I did have a history of ulcers so the oral meds were not advised. Is a sling helpful or movement? Should I get an MRI or plain X ray? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Rotator cuff inflammation is the cause

Detailed Answer:
Hello
You are welcome
I have gone through your reply and it is suggestive of inflammation of rotator cuff leading to night pain and difficulty in dressing up.I have few suggestions for you like-
1.Hot water fomentation, gentle Shoulder exercises,pain killer medicine at bed time.
2.Physiotherapy in form of TENS and short wave diathermy helps.
It usually takes few weeks time to recover.Plain x ray reports are usually normal and hence if required MRI may be done after few weeks time.
Hope this suffices.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (14 minutes later)

Thank you appreciate it

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the nice words.You are welcome.Wishing you good health.
For any future query you may reach me directly at http://bit.ly/drmchugh
Take care

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar