SHOULDER ARTHRITIS

Shoulder arthritis is a degenerative disease characterized by the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the shoulder joint. This condition often results in joint stiffness, pain, and a reduced range of motion, as well as sensations of clicking or grinding. The associated pain and stiffness can significantly impair the ability to raise the arm, thereby hindering daily activities. Shoulder arthritis primarily affects the ball-and-socket joint, known as the glenohumeral joint, where the head of the humerus articulates with the socket of the scapula. As the disease progresses, cartilage loss occurs.

The most common types of shoulder arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of shoulder arthritis. It is a degenerative joint disease caused by wear and tear of the cartilage over time. As cartilage gradually breaks down, the bones of the joint begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, inflammation, and reduced shoulder mobility. It typically develops with ageing or repetitive joint use.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial lining of the shoulder joint. This leads to chronic inflammation, pain, swelling, and eventual destruction of cartilage and bone. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can affect both shoulders and may occur at a younger age. It often presents with periods of flare-ups and remission.

What are the common signs of shoulder arthritis?

Symptoms of shoulder arthritis vary among individuals, and the severity of symptoms does not always correspond to the degree of cartilage degeneration.

Common signs include:

• Shoulder pain
• Reduced range of motion and shoulder stiffness
• Cracking, grinding, or popping sensations in the shoulder.
• Difficulty sleeping

What does shoulder arthritis feel like?

Shoulder arthritis can cause mild to severe pain accompanied by significant stiffness. The pain often originates on the lateral aspect of the shoulder and is typically described as a deep, internal discomfort.

What are the treatment options for shoulder arthritis?

Initial management of shoulder arthritis typically involves conservative measures, including home-based interventions, lifestyle modifications, and non-operative treatments. Corticosteroid injections may also be administered to temporarily reduce joint inflammation and pain.

If conservative management is ineffective, surgical interventions may be considered.

• Shoulder replacement involves replacing damaged bone components in the shoulder joint with prosthetic materials composed of plastic and metal.
• Arthroscopic shoulder debridement utilizes minimally invasive instruments inserted through small incisions to remove loose fragments of damaged cartilage.