severe shoulder pain and knot on elbow

Hello. Shoulder pain that is severe and disrupts sleep, combined with a history of a solid mass on your elbow, definitely warrants careful attention. Here are a few points to consider:

1. Shoulder Pain Causes: Shoulder pain can be due to a variety of reasons, including muscle strain, tendonitis, arthritis, or even referred pain from other areas like the neck or back. The fact that your pain is severe and intermittent suggests it might be more than just a simple strain.

2. Relation to Elbow Mass: The knot on your elbow, which was initially a solid mass and is now smaller and movable, could be related to your shoulder pain, especially if it involves the same arm. It's possible that this mass could be affecting nerves or muscles that lead to the shoulder.

3. Importance of Medical Evaluation: Given the complexity of your symptoms, a thorough medical evaluation is important. This might include imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to get a clearer picture of both your shoulder and the mass on your elbow.

4. Treatment Options: Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your pain. This could range from physical therapy, medication for pain and inflammation, or, in some cases, surgical intervention. The approach will be tailored to your specific condition.

5. Pain Management: In the meantime, managing your pain is important, especially to improve your quality of sleep. Over-the-counter pain medications, ice packs, or heat therapy might provide temporary relief. However, it's important to use these methods as advised by a healthcare professional.

6. Monitoring Changes: Keep an eye on any changes in your symptoms, especially if the pain increases, if you notice changes in the mass on your elbow, or if you develop new symptoms.

7. Seeking Specialist Care: Depending on the findings, you might be referred to a specialist, such as an orthopedist or a rheumatologist, for more focused care.

Best regards.