What is Shoulder Arthritis?
By: Assoc. Dr. ancestor
What is Shoulder Arthritis?
It is a joint disease that occurs as a result of cartilage wear or damage in the shoulder joint. shoulder arthritis, It can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and limitation of movement in the joint. The most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While osteoarthritis develops as a result of aging and overuse, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Treatment options include medications, physical therapy and surgery.
What are the Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis?
Constant or movement-triggered pain in the shoulder is the most common symptom. Pain may worsen with use of the shoulder and subside during rest. shoulder arthritis As it progresses, the cartilage in the shoulder joint wears away. This causes reduced mobility. Patients may have difficulty performing daily activities such as lifting their arms and reaching behind them. There may be a feeling of stiffness in the shoulder in the morning or after being inactive for a long time.
Cracking or crunching sounds may be heard in the shoulder joint during movement. In case of inflammation in the joint, swelling and tenderness may occur in the shoulder area. Due to pain in the shoulder, the surrounding muscles can weaken over time. This may cause difficulty in supporting and moving the shoulder. Diagnosis is made through physical examination, patient's history and radiological examinations (such as X-ray, MRI). Treatment, shoulder arthritis It includes pain management, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication, depending on the severity and the patient's health condition.
What Causes Shoulder Arthritis?
As we age, cartilage tissue can naturally wear away and become thinner. This condition is more common, especially in middle-aged and older individuals. Osteoarthritis, the most common type, is caused by the wearing away of cartilage tissue. It may reduce the mobility of the shoulder joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the inner lining of the joint by the body's immune system. This can cause pain and swelling in the joints.
Injuries to the joint (for example, fractures or dislocations), shoulder arthritis may lead to its development. After injury, joint irregularities and cartilage damage may occur. Some diseases or infections such as gout and psoriatic arthritis can also cause it. Each condition can affect the structural integrity and function of the shoulder joint in different ways. Therefore, correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important.
What are the Treatment Methods for Shoulder Arthritis?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to control pain and inflammation. Physical therapy includes exercises and manual therapy techniques to increase shoulder mobility and reduce pain. Physiotherapists design specific exercises to increase the flexibility and strength of the shoulder. Activities that may increase pain should be avoided.
It is important to learn to do daily tasks in a way that does not strain the shoulder. Ice packs or hot packs can be applied to the shoulder to reduce pain and swelling. When pain control is not successful, hyaluronic acid injection is applied to the shoulder joint. If improvement is not achieved with conservative treatments, surgical interventions such as shoulder arthroscopy may be recommended. In severe cases, shoulder replacement surgery (shoulder arthroplasty) may be required. Since each patient's condition is different, the treatment plan should be determined individually by the doctor. shoulder arthritis Early diagnosis and intervention in treatment can slow the progression of the disease. It can also improve quality of life.