What are the reasons my shoulder hurts when I move it?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Shoulder pain when moving is often caused by rotator cuff injuries, tendonitis, frozen shoulder, arthritis, bursitis, or diabetes-related conditions. Identifying the underlying cause is essential, as treatments vary widely depending on the specific issue.

Because shoulder pain can stem from many overlapping conditions, guessing the cause can delay proper care and worsen symptoms. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you quickly understand what may be behind your pain and guide your next steps—empowering you with clearer information before seeing a doctor.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover likely causes of shoulder movement pain Learn if shoulder pain needs urgent care See whether movement pain suggests injury Find OTC relief for shoulder pain Find a doctor for shoulder pain Understand medically proven shoulder pain home remedies Find out what is causing shoulder pain

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Explanation

Shoulder pain during movement can happen for several reasons. One common cause is problems with the rotator cuff, which is a group of muscles and tendons that help lift and rotate your arm. These issues can be due to wear and tear or injury.

Another reason for shoulder pain can be related to diabetes. People with diabetes may experience shoulder problems more often, which can include stiffness and pain.

Here are some possible causes of shoulder pain:

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: This is when the tendons in the shoulder become irritated or damaged, leading to pain, especially when moving the arm.
Diabetes-Related Issues: Diabetes can lead to conditions like frozen shoulder, where the shoulder becomes stiff and painful.
Other Injuries: Injuries from falls or overuse can also cause shoulder pain.

If you're experiencing shoulder pain, you can use this free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine whether you should talk to a healthcare provider for the right treatment.

(References)

Greenberg DL. (2014). Evaluation and treatment of shoulder pain. The Medical clinics of North America, 24758957.
Garcilazo C, Cavallasca JA, & Musuruana JL. (2010). Shoulder manifestations of diabetes mellitus. Current diabetes reviews, 20701586.
Seitz AL, McClure PW, Finucane S, Boardman ND 3rd, & Michener LA. (2011). Mechanisms of rotator cuff tendinopathy: intrinsic, extrinsic, .... Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon), 20846766.

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