What type of joint disease is indicated when a patient has full range of motion without pain but experiences pain when attempting to lift the arm?

When a patient exhibits a full range of motion without pain but experiences pain specifically when lifting the arm, it indicates a condition that is likely related to the structures outside of the joint itself. This pattern typically suggests an extra-articular issue, such as a muscle, tendon, or ligament injury, rather than a problem originating within the joint.

In extra-articular conditions, the joint move freely, yet activities that engage nearby tissues, like lifting the arm, may elicit pain due to strain or irritation of those tissues. This is distinct from intra-articular problems, where joint fluid, cartilage, or intra-articular ligaments would generally cause pain during movement at all levels of activity.

Understanding this distinction is crucial, as it helps healthcare providers determine the proper course of treatment and further diagnostic evaluations.