Why Can't I Raise My Arm Without Experiencing Shoulder Pain?

Reviewed by Jason Wilt, MD

Sports Medicine

Shoulder pain when raising your arm can be linked to conditions like diabetes or past treatments, such as radiation therapy.

Explanation

Shoulder pain when trying to lift your arm can be caused by different health issues. One possible reason is having diabetes. People with diabetes can sometimes develop a frozen shoulder, which might make it hard to move the shoulder without pain.

Another possible cause is if you have had radiation therapy in the past. Radiation therapy performed close to a shoulder can sometimes lead to problems with that shoulder or arm, making it painful to move.

If you're experiencing this kind of pain, it's important to talk to a healthcare professional to find out the exact cause and get the right treatment.

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