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Osteoarthritis of the shoulder
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that causes the joints to become painful and stiff. It is more common in weightbearing joints but it can also affect the shoulder.
The severity of osteoarthritis symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. For some people, the symptoms may be mild and may come and go, whereas others can experience more continuous and severe problems.
How do we treat osteoarthritis at the Mansfield Clinic?
Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition which cannot be cured, but it doesn't necessarily get any worse over time and it can sometimes gradually improve. A number of treatments are available to reduce the symptoms. Dr Allfree may choose to use one or more of the following treatment strategies to help your joint pain:
- painkilling medication
- osteopathic treatment to preserve and improve the function of the shoulder joint.
- a structured supervised exercise plan
- steroid injections into the affected joints can help
- in osteoarthritis of mild to moderate severity, hyalgan injections into the affected joint may be beneficial
- In a small number of cases, where the above treatments haven't helped or the damage to the joints is particularly severe, surgical advice may be required.
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Shoulder osteoarthritis
The shoulder is actually made up of two separate joints:
- the acromioclavicular (AC) joint - located at the tip of the shoulder, where the collarbone meets the shoulderblade.
- the glenohumeral joint - where the top of the arm bone, or humerus, meets the shoulder blade, or scapula.
Osteoarthritis can affect both joints, but it is more commin in the AC joint.
Who gets osteoarthritis of the shoulder?
Osteoarthritis most often occurs in people over the age of 50. It can affect younger people if there has been a history of injury or trauma, such as a fracture, or a dislocation of the shoulder. Falls onto the tip of the shoulder, such as in rugby, or horseriding, can damage the AC joint.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the shoulder?
The main symptoms are pain and stiffness. There may also be a sensation of grating when the joint is moved - this is called crepitus. The pain of AC joint osteoarthritis is usually felt at the tip of the shoulder, whereas osteoarthritis in the glenohumeral joint radiates down the arm towards the elbow.
How is osteoarthritis of the shoulder diagnosed?
Dr Allfree will normally be able to diagnose osteoarthritis by taking a medical history, and examining your shoulder. He may require tests such as x-rays to confirm the diagnosis, and these will be arranged for you if necessary. Blood tests may be required to rule out other types of arthritis.
How is osteoarthritis of the shoulder treated?
Treatment will include:
- 1. Rest. This may mean that you may have to modify your activities.
- 2. Anti-inflammatory tablets such as ibuprofen. These medications will reduce inflammation and pain.
- 3. Osteopathic mobilisation as recommended.
- 4. Exercises may be used to improve flexibility.
- 5. Applying ice to the shoulder. This helps to decrease inflammation and pain. Custom made ice packs are available from the Mansfield Clinic
- 6. Corticosteroid injections can be very effective in reducing the inflammation within the arthritic joint. Both the AC joint and the glenohumeral joint can benefit from steroid injections.
- 7. Hyalgan injections can sometimes help in mild to moderate osteoarthritis.
If non-surgical treatments do not work effectively, it may be necessary to obtain the advice of a shoulder surgeon. Dr Allfree will be able to help you with the referral arrangements.