Shoulder Arthritis – Treatments, Symptoms, Causes

Arthritis of the shoulder is a condition that occurs when the cartilage in the shoulder joint wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, and arthritis in this area can significantly impact your ability to perform daily tasks. In this article, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and available treatments for shoulder arthritis to help you better understand and manage the condition.

What Is Shoulder Arthritis?

Arthritis is a broad term used to describe inflammation of the joints. In the shoulder, there are two primary joints affected by arthritis:

1. Glenohumeral joint: This is the main ball-and-socket joint where the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) fits into the glenoid (shoulder socket).
2. Acromioclavicular (AC) joint: This joint is located where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the highest point of the shoulder blade (acromion).

Arthritis can affect one or both of these joints, leading to pain and loss of function.

Types of Shoulder Arthritis

There are several types of arthritis that can affect the shoulder, including:

1. Osteoarthritis (OA): This is the most common form of shoulder arthritis, caused by wear and tear on the cartilage that cushions the joints. Over time, the cartilage erodes, causing bones to rub together, leading to pain and stiffness.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, including the lining of the shoulder joint. This causes inflammation, pain, and eventual damage to the joint.
3. Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This can develop after an injury to the shoulder, such as a fracture or dislocation, which accelerates the wear and tear of the joint.
4. Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy: This form of arthritis develops after a long-standing rotator cuff tear, where the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint deteriorate, leading to joint instability and arthritis.
5. Avascular Necrosis: This occurs when the blood supply to the bones in the shoulder is disrupted, causing bone tissue death and joint damage, eventually leading to arthritis.

Causes of Shoulder Arthritis

Several factors can contribute to the development of arthritis in the shoulder:

• Age: As we age, the cartilage in our joints naturally wears down, making arthritis more common in older adults.
• Injury: Previous shoulder injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, can lead to post-traumatic arthritis.
• Repetitive Stress: Activities that involve repeated use of the shoulder, such as heavy lifting or overhead movements, can contribute to cartilage breakdown.
• Genetics: A family history of arthritis increases your risk of developing the condition.
• Inflammatory Diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation that damages the shoulder joint.

Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis

The symptoms of shoulder arthritis typically develop slowly over time and can worsen as the condition progresses. Common symptoms include:

• Pain: Pain is often the first symptom and may be felt deep in the shoulder joint. It may worsen with movement, such as lifting or reaching overhead, and can occur at rest or at night.
• Stiffness: As the arthritis progresses, the shoulder may become stiff, limiting your range of motion. Simple tasks like combing your hair or reaching for objects may become difficult.
• Swelling and Tenderness: Inflammatory arthritis can cause visible swelling and tenderness around the shoulder joint.
• Grinding or Clicking Sensation: As the cartilage wears down, you may hear or feel grinding, clicking, or popping sensations during shoulder movement.
• Loss of Strength: Over time, shoulder arthritis can weaken the muscles around the joint, making it difficult to lift objects or perform overhead activities.

Diagnosis of Shoulder Arthritis

To diagnose shoulder arthritis, your doctor will conduct a thorough physical exam and review your symptoms and medical history. They may also order imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis, such as:

• X-rays: X-rays can show the narrowing of the joint space, bone spurs, and other signs of arthritis.
• MRI or CT scans: These imaging techniques provide detailed views of the shoulder’s soft tissues, such as cartilage, muscles, and tendons, and may be used if other conditions are suspected.

Treatment Options

While there is no cure for arthritis, several treatments can help manage symptoms, improve function, and prevent further damage. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of your condition and your individual needs.

1. Non-Surgical Treatments

• Rest and Activity Modification: Limiting activities that aggravate the pain, such as heavy lifting or overhead movements, can help reduce symptoms.
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises that improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion can help stabilize the shoulder and alleviate pain.
• Ice and Heat Therapy: Applying ice packs to the shoulder can help reduce inflammation, while heat can help relax the muscles and improve mobility.
• Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief from inflammation and pain in the shoulder joint.

2. Surgical Treatments

When non-surgical treatments fail to relieve symptoms, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options for shoulder arthritis include:

• Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure where small incisions are made, and damaged tissue is removed or repaired using a camera and surgical tools.
• Shoulder Joint Replacement: In severe cases, total shoulder replacement (arthroplasty) may be recommended. The damaged joint is replaced with artificial components to restore function and relieve pain.
• Reverse Shoulder Replacement: This surgery is typically used in patients with rotator cuff tear arthropathy. It changes the mechanics of the shoulder joint to rely on different muscles for movement.

Preventing Shoulder Arthritis

While it’s not always possible to prevent arthritis, you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

• Stay Active: Regular exercise can strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and help maintain joint flexibility.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing excess body weight can relieve stress on your joints, including the shoulders.
• Avoid Repetitive Stress: Try to minimize activities that strain your shoulder joints, and take breaks to avoid overuse.

Arthritis of the shoulder can be debilitating, but with the right approach to treatment and lifestyle adjustments, it’s possible to manage symptoms and maintain an active life. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual condition.