Shoulder Arthritis Explained

If you're experiencing pain in your shoulder, it may be due to shoulder arthritis. There are several different types of shoulder arthritis, and the condition can vary in severity. Treatment options include medication, physical therapy, and surgery. In this article, we'll provide an overview of shoulder arthritis, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
What is Shoulder Arthritis?
Shoulder arthritis is the deterioration of the cartilage that cushions the bones in your shoulder joint. The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint, which means that it allows your arm to move in a wide range of motion. The ball (or head) of your upper arm bone fits into a socket in your shoulder blade.
This joint is held together by muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Cartilage is a smooth, rubbery material that covers the ends of the bones and allows them to move smoothly against each other.
With shoulder arthritis, the cartilage breaks down and wears away. This can cause the bones to rub against each other, which can be painful.
There are several different types of shoulder arthritis, including:
Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of shoulder arthritis. It's caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the bones in the joint.
Rheumatoid arthritis: This is a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects the lining of the joints. It can cause the joint to swell and can lead to the destruction of the cartilage and bone.
Post-traumatic arthritis: This form of arthritis can develop after an injury to the shoulder joint, such as a dislocation or fracture.
Avascular necrosis: This condition occurs when the blood supply to the bone is disrupted. This can cause the bone to die and collapse.
Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis
The main symptom of shoulder arthritis is pain in the shoulder joint. This pain may be dull and achy or sharp and stabbing. It may be worse with movement of the shoulder. Other symptoms may include:

• Stiffness in the shoulder joint
  
• Weakness in the shoulder
  
• Crackling or grating sensation when moving the shoulder
  
• Decreased range of motion of the shoulder
  

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms. They may also order X-rays or other imaging tests to look for signs of arthritis in the shoulder joint.
Treatment of Shoulder Arthritis
The goal of treatment for shoulder arthritis is to relieve pain and improve function. Treatment may include:
Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce pain and inflammation, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Corticosteroid injections: Your doctor may inject a corticosteroid medication into the shoulder joint to reduce pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint.
Surgery: If other treatments do not relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair or replace the damaged joint.
Prevention of Shoulder Arthritis
You may be able to reduce your risk of developing shoulder arthritis by:

• Exercising regularly
  
• Maintaining a healthy weight
  
• Wearing proper footwear
  
• Using proper posture and body mechanics
  

If you have had an injury to the shoulder, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions for rest, ice, and physical therapy to help prevent arthritis from developing.
Conclusion
If you're experiencing shoulder pain, it's important to consult with a doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions. However, in many cases, the pain is due to shoulder arthritis. This condition is relatively common, especially among older adults.
There are several different types of shoulder arthritis, each with its own set of symptoms and treatment options. The most important thing is to work with a doctor to develop a treatment plan that's right for you. With the right care, you can manage your pain and maintain your quality of life.
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