Dealing with shoulder and knee pain, clicking, and arm weakness... any advice?

Hey everyone... I've been dealing with some health issues for quite a while now, and I’m hoping someone might be able to help if possible?
I started hitting the gym a few years back, and everything was going great for those first couple of months. Then, during one workout, I suddenly lost all strength in my left arm—specifically my shoulder. Of course, I just assumed it was an inflammation, so I kept training for a bit, though I had to drop the weight significantly on that side, until I realized something was seriously wrong. I eventually decided to stop everything and just rest; I took three months off, which was tough because I work as a waiter, and being able to work through the busy season is huge for me. I went to see a doctor and got some imaging done, but honestly, nothing showed up on the scans, so I didn't take any further action. When the peak season rolled around, everything felt fine—the pain had actually subsided, so I figured it was over. By October, I decided to ease my way back into the gym. After just a few days, I went for a quick lateral raise with my left arm without any weight at all, and I actually heard two distinct clicks right in my shoulder, and then that same injury came rushing back. What could that even be? It feels like something is skipping or catching—maybe a bone or a tendon?
After that happened, I was totally lost, but I didn't want to give up entirely. I bought a new bike and started riding a little bit here and there. I'd been riding for a few months when I started feeling this pain in my left knee, and I began wondering, *what now?* I went to the doctor, but after waiting two whole months just for an appointment, they finally determined I have a meniscus tear. Then, I had to wait another two months for physical therapy, and during that time, my other knee started hurting too—exactly the same way. First, it's that dull clicking sound, then a pop, then it loosens up for a bit before happening again, and I can't even do a simple squat anymore. I'm currently in therapy, but I'm skeptical it's actually going to help me! A little while ago, I was in the shower washing my back—trying to be careful with my left arm by using my right hand—and suddenly, the exact same thing happened as with my shoulder. I heard that click, felt the pain, and now I don't even trust my own body; I'm starting to wonder if this isn't just normal stuff. I recently booked a private consultation and finally saw a specialist yesterday, but they told me I'm perfectly fine and that I probably just walk too much, but I really doubt this is just going to heal itself. My neck keeps seizing up, and my vertebrae click every single time I tilt my head forward. It's constant, so I'm starting to think this isn't just related to my shoulders? When I rotate both shoulders inward, I feel these weird skips or catches too.

I know this is a lot to throw at you guys, and I realize it's hard to answer such an extensive question because it would have been much easier if I'd just asked "what's wrong with you?" But honestly, I don't know what to do next; I just don't see a way out. Should I be doing some light exercises, and if so, who should I talk to? Am I allowed to do some light stretching in the morning, or maybe my neck issues are just a result of being inactive since I haven't moved much outside of work for the last three or four months? I'm only 21...

Look, my advice? Hit up an orthopedic surgeon first. If they can't figure out what's going on, then go see an internist... I mean, does it actually hurt, is there swelling, or is it just making clicking noises?

Jonathan Mendoza31 said:Look, my advice? Hit up an orthopedic surgeon first. If they can't figure out what's going on, then go see an internist... I mean, does it actually hurt, is there swelling, or is it just making clicking noises?

Hey there... here’s the situation: my left knee starts acting up whenever I’m standing for too long or when I drop down into a squat—it's this sharp, pinching sensation. My right knee isn't quite as bad yet, but it feels like it's heading down that same path. As for my left shoulder, it constantly clicks and pops; it doesn't really hurt, but I feel like it tires out way too fast and I'm losing strength there, while the right one just gives a little skip here and there. I actually went to see a private physical therapist yesterday, and he told me everything still looks pretty much okay... he did a bit of manual adjustment on it, so we'll just have to wait a few days to see if there's any actual improvement, though honestly, I'm a bit skeptical about that part.🤷

rapidrider43 said:Hey there... here’s the situation: my left knee starts acting up whenever I’m standing for too long or when I drop down into a squat—it's this sharp, pinching sensation. My right knee isn't quite as bad yet, but it feels like it's heading down that same path. As for my left shoulder, it constantly clicks and pops; it doesn't really hurt, but I feel like it tires out way too fast and I'm losing strength there, while the right one just gives a little skip here and there. I actually went to see a private physical therapist yesterday, and he told me everything still looks pretty much okay... he did a bit of manual adjustment on it, so we'll just have to wait a few days to see if there's any actual improvement, though honestly, I'm a bit skeptical about that part.🤷

You should get into swimming. Stick to freestyle or backstroke. Definitely stay away from breaststroke—I've heard that frog kick can be a nightmare for your knees.

Jonathan Mendoza31 said:You should get into swimming. Stick to freestyle or backstroke. Definitely stay away from breaststroke—I've heard that frog kick can be a nightmare for your knees.

And honestly, that’s exactly where I’m stuck; I really want to start, but there isn't a decent pool anywhere near me right now, so I’m just biding my time until the weather warms up because I truly believe getting back in the water will make a world of difference for me...

It’s possible you’re dealing with some kind of calcification issue. My cousin went through the exact same thing a few years back, though hers only hit one side of her body—left knee, left hip, and left shoulder. She headed over to a clinic in Boston for surgery, and she's doing great now; they cleared out all the calcified stuff, and thank God it didn't spread any further. Personally, I was struggling with meniscus issues and a cyst in my knee, and I can't recommend Akromion enough. The staff is super professional and friendly—honestly, a perfect ten. Just a month after my surgery, it felt like the problems never even existed! They have a specialist there specifically for shoulders, and Prof. Hašpl is the go-to for knees. You really have nothing to lose by going in for a consultation.

I’m dealing with similar knee issues myself, so I guess I'm wondering just how much weight gain or sitting around too much can actually mess things up.

rapidrider43 said:Hey everyone... I've been dealing with some health issues for quite a while now, and I’m hoping someone might be able to help if possible?
I started hitting the gym a few years back, and everything was going great for those first couple of months. Then, during one workout, I suddenly lost all strength in my left arm—specifically my shoulder. Of course, I just assumed it was an inflammation, so I kept training for a bit, though I had to drop the weight significantly on that side, until I realized something was seriously wrong. I eventually decided to stop everything and just rest; I took three months off, which was tough because I work as a waiter, and being able to work through the busy season is huge for me. I went to see a doctor and got some imaging done, but honestly, nothing showed up on the scans, so I didn't take any further action. When the peak season rolled around, everything felt fine—the pain had actually subsided, so I figured it was over. By October, I decided to ease my way back into the gym. After just a few days, I went for a quick lateral raise with my left arm without any weight at all, and I actually heard two distinct clicks right in my shoulder, and then that same injury came rushing back. What could that even be? It feels like something is skipping or catching—maybe a bone or a tendon?
After that happened, I was totally lost, but I didn't want to give up entirely. I bought a new bike and started riding a little bit here and there. I'd been riding for a few months when I started feeling this pain in my left knee, and I began wondering, *what now?* I went to the doctor, but after waiting two whole months just for an appointment, they finally determined I have a meniscus tear. Then, I had to wait another two months for physical therapy, and during that time, my other knee started hurting too—exactly the same way. First, it's that dull clicking sound, then a pop, then it loosens up for a bit before happening again, and I can't even do a simple squat anymore. I'm currently in therapy, but I'm skeptical it's actually going to help me! A little while ago, I was in the shower washing my back—trying to be careful with my left arm by using my right hand—and suddenly, the exact same thing happened as with my shoulder. I heard that click, felt the pain, and now I don't even trust my own body; I'm starting to wonder if this isn't just normal stuff. I recently booked a private consultation and finally saw a specialist yesterday, but they told me I'm perfectly fine and that I probably just walk too much, but I really doubt this is just going to heal itself. My neck keeps seizing up, and my vertebrae click every single time I tilt my head forward. It's constant, so I'm starting to think this isn't just related to my shoulders? When I rotate both shoulders inward, I feel these weird skips or catches too.

I know this is a lot to throw at you guys, and I realize it's hard to answer such an extensive question because it would have been much easier if I'd just asked "what's wrong with you?" But honestly, I don't know what to do next; I just don't see a way out. Should I be doing some light exercises, and if so, who should I talk to? Am I allowed to do some light stretching in the morning, or maybe my neck issues are just a result of being inactive since I haven't moved much outside of work for the last three or four months? I'm only 21...

It's impossible to give a real answer through a forum.
You have to consider the systemic nature of this since multiple joints are involved, though, based on your description, it doesn't seem extremely likely (I don't know what lab work you've had done), and you mentioned getting imaging done (X-ray, Ultrasound??—what does the report actually say?)
It's possible you injured your rotator cuff (if you jumped back into gym sessions too aggressively after a long period of inactivity, especially if you AREN'T warming up your joints, ligaments, and muscles for at least 10 minutes BEFORE every workout—that imbalance between intense muscle activity and "unwarmed" joints and ligaments is a super common scenario) and potentially a nerve (you didn't specify how the pain felt during the initial trauma, only that there was a loss of strength in the left arm; if I understood correctly, you only started mentioning the pain stopping AFTER resting, but you didn't say how the pain actually started—was it sharp, dull, burning, stabbing? Where does it start, where does it radiate, what triggers it, and what makes it better? You haven't given enough data).
We’re flying blind here since there's zero info on any past injuries. Are you someone who's always dealing with aches and pains, or is this clicking sound a new thing? Also, what's your build like—are we talking tall and lanky, stocky, or maybe a bit more compact?
The knees can really take a beating if you suddenly hop onto a bike without knowing what you're doing. If your technique is off, one knee usually starts acting up first, then you instinctively try to compensate by putting all the weight on the other side, and before you know it, both knees are trashed. So, we're likely looking at some kind of potential muscle imbalance in your lower body—could be something you were born with or just something that developed over time.
Look, I'm just spitballing here, though. You really need to head back to your doctor so they can decide on the next steps, whether that's running an EMG on your arm, getting some basic blood work done, or setting up a consultation with an orthopedist, a physiatrist, or a neurologist.
It definitely makes sense to get an opinion from a specialist who actually understands the mechanics of sports medicine too.

mistyhound94 said:I’m dealing with similar knee issues myself, so I guess I'm wondering just how much weight gain or sitting around too much can actually mess things up.

Yeah, carrying extra weight can definitely mess things up. And honestly, sitting way too much is just as bad—especially if you're sitting with your legs locked out straight, crossing them at the knees, or even just constantly sitting with one leg tucked under you.
That being said, none of that is necessarily the whole story or even the main culprit for everyone... Not getting enough movement or just having a totally inactive lifestyle fits right into the mix too... Plus, there's always the genetics factor... That plays a role more often than people think.

velvetmoose9 said:Yeah, carrying extra weight can definitely mess things up. And honestly, sitting way too much is just as bad—especially if you're sitting with your legs locked out straight, crossing them at the knees, or even just constantly sitting with one leg tucked under you.
That being said, none of that is necessarily the whole story or even the main culprit for everyone... Not getting enough movement or just having a totally inactive lifestyle fits right into the mix too... Plus, there's always the genetics factor... That plays a role more often than people think.

Out of all those factors, I'd say my weight (around 6'0" and 210 lbs), being inactive, and sitting way too much are the main culprits. I should probably add that I used to play soccer on concrete courts all the time, which might have trashed my knees given how hard that surface is. I didn't really think twice about it then, and now I'm paying for it. I'll likely head to my doctor to see if they think it's serious enough for a specialist. 😢

mistyhound94 said:Out of all those factors, I'd say my weight (around 6'0" and 210 lbs), being inactive, and sitting way too much are the main culprits. I should probably add that I used to play soccer on concrete courts all the time, which might have trashed my knees given how hard that surface is. I didn't really think twice about it then, and now I'm paying for it. I'll likely head to my doctor to see if they think it's serious enough for a specialist. 😢

I’m totally with you on that one—there’s definitely a certain love affair between knees and solid concrete. Honestly, if you've ever spent a long afternoon kneeling around on a subfloor trying to get something just right, you know exactly what I mean. It's that satisfying feeling of having a surface that doesn't budge an inch under your weight, even if it does leave you feeling a little creaky by dinner time. There’s nothing quite like the stability of a rock-solid foundation when you're deep in the middle of a project.
Honestly, you’ve gotta go to the doctor with a specific game plan. Don't just show up and wait for them to tell you what to do. You need to walk in there with actual, targeted questions—things like, "Look, what can I do on my own to fix this?" or "What steps can I take right now to at least slow down the progression?" It’s much better to be proactive about it.
If it turns out to be that benign variant—which, honestly, is looking like the most likely scenario—you’ll probably just be prescribed some anti-inflammatories to take whenever you need them. I always tell people it’s worth being pretty proactive with those pain meds during an acute flare-up, too. It sounds a bit counterintuitive to some, but there's actual logic to it: every single time that inflammation kicks in, it triggers a little more scarring. Just picture what happens when you keep adding layers of unnecessary tissue inside your knee joint; eventually, you're just crowding the space with stuff that shouldn't be there, which totally messes with how the joint actually moves. Taking those anti-inflammatories really helps dial back that whole process so you aren't just building up extra junk in there.
If you end up getting some hands-on physical therapy, honestly, there’s zero point in just going through the motions while you're on the table. You really want to soak up those exercises so you can actually keep doing them at home once you're cleared. If I were you, I'd just pull the therapist aside and ask them straight up—like, "Hey, what are the absolute essentials I should keep doing on my own after I finish my sessions here?" It's way better to get the inside scoop from the pros on what'll actually stick long-term.

velvetmoose9 said:I’m totally with you on that one—there’s definitely a certain love affair between knees and solid concrete. Honestly, if you've ever spent a long afternoon kneeling around on a subfloor trying to get something just right, you know exactly what I mean. It's that satisfying feeling of having a surface that doesn't budge an inch under your weight, even if it does leave you feeling a little creaky by dinner time. There’s nothing quite like the stability of a rock-solid foundation when you're deep in the middle of a project.
Honestly, you’ve gotta go to the doctor with a specific game plan. Don't just show up and wait for them to tell you what to do. You need to walk in there with actual, targeted questions—things like, "Look, what can I do on my own to fix this?" or "What steps can I take right now to at least slow down the progression?" It’s much better to be proactive about it.
If it turns out to be that benign variant—which, honestly, is looking like the most likely scenario—you’ll probably just be prescribed some anti-inflammatories to take whenever you need them. I always tell people it’s worth being pretty proactive with those pain meds during an acute flare-up, too. It sounds a bit counterintuitive to some, but there's actual logic to it: every single time that inflammation kicks in, it triggers a little more scarring. Just picture what happens when you keep adding layers of unnecessary tissue inside your knee joint; eventually, you're just crowding the space with stuff that shouldn't be there, which totally messes with how the joint actually moves. Taking those anti-inflammatories really helps dial back that whole process so you aren't just building up extra junk in there.
If you end up getting some hands-on physical therapy, honestly, there’s zero point in just going through the motions while you're on the table. You really want to soak up those exercises so you can actually keep doing them at home once you're cleared. If I were you, I'd just pull the therapist aside and ask them straight up—like, "Hey, what are the absolute essentials I should keep doing on my own after I finish my sessions here?" It's way better to get the inside scoop from the pros on what'll actually stick long-term.

I just need to get this sorted ASAP because the pain is getting worse, and the clicking in my knee is happening more often now, which worries me. I didn't pay much attention to it before, but back when my knee wasn't quite seated right, a sudden movement to the side popped it back into place with a loud click. 🤦 Now I'm reading these articles and seeing stuff, and I'm starting to worry that I might have been making things worse just by going about my daily routine. 😢
And it looks like I'll have to drop at least 30 pounds, if not more, to take the pressure off my knees since I can't stand for long, let alone walk. I'm heading to the doctor tomorrow, so we'll see what they say. Thanks for the info. 👍