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Differential Diagnosis for Bilateral Shoulder Pain

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder): This condition is common in older adults and can cause bilateral shoulder pain and stiffness. The gradual onset of pain over one month also supports this diagnosis.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Osteoarthritis: A common condition in older adults, osteoarthritis can cause bilateral shoulder pain, especially if there is a history of trauma or repetitive strain.
  • Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: This condition can cause chronic shoulder pain and is common in older adults, especially if they have a history of heavy lifting or repetitive arm movements.
  • Polymyalgia Rheumatica: This inflammatory condition can cause bilateral shoulder pain and stiffness, especially in older adults.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Multiple Myeloma: Although rare, multiple myeloma can cause bilateral shoulder pain due to bone lesions. It's essential to consider this diagnosis to avoid missing a potentially life-threatening condition.
  • Metastatic Cancer: Cancer that has spread to the bones can cause bilateral shoulder pain. A thorough evaluation is necessary to rule out this possibility.
  • Infectious Arthritis: Septic arthritis or infectious arthritis can cause severe shoulder pain and requires prompt treatment to avoid serious complications.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Amyloidosis: A rare condition that can cause bilateral shoulder pain due to amyloid deposits in the joints.
  • Hemochromatosis: A genetic disorder that can cause joint pain, including shoulder pain, due to iron accumulation in the joints.
  • Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause joint pain, including shoulder pain, due to inflammation and dryness in the joints.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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