Shoulder Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatment and Causes

Shoulder arthrosis corresponds to degeneration of the shoulder joint, which leads to pain in the shoulder when certain movements are made and that increases over the years or intensifies during the movements of the arms.

Shoulder arthrosis can happen due to genetic factors or the performance of repetitive or high impact movements, for example. The diagnosis is made through imaging tests, such as the X-ray, in addition to physical evaluation.

The treatment for osteoarthritis is done with the use of pain relief medications, which should be recommended by the orthopedist, and physiotherapy sessions to improve shoulder mobility. Treatment is usually time-consuming and, depending on the case, surgery may be necessary.

Symptoms of shoulder arthrosis

Symptoms of shoulder arthrosis include:

• Pain and swelling in the shoulder;
• Difficulty in making any movement with the shoulder;
• Sensation of sand at the shoulder joint;
• Snaps on the shoulder during the movements.

Often this injury occurs at the same time as others such as tendinitis or bursitis, for example. Here's how to identify and treat shoulder bursitis.

How is the treatment done?

Treatment for shoulder arthrosis is done with the use of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Paracetamol or Diclofenac, to relieve symptoms. In addition, the doctor may recommend the use of crustacean skeletal supplements, as they may aid in the recovery of cartilage, in addition to having no contraindication. Get to know some home remedies for arthritis.

Physical therapy is also indicated with the objective of maintaining the active joint, in addition to promoting its strengthening and, thus, improving the quality of life of the person. To aid treatment, ice, heat, appliances and even bodybuilding exercises can be used, but always with professional guidance.

Arthroscopy may also be recommended, which is a small surgical procedure to remove bone callus, and if the case is very severe, replacement of the damaged joint by a prosthesis may be indicated. Understand shoulder arthroscopy and what the risks are.

Causes of Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder osteoarthritis can be caused by:

• Degeneration of the joint due to the age or type of activity that the person possesses;
• Direct or indirect trauma such as falling and leaning with the hand on the ground;
• Repetitive or high impact movements;
• Chronic rheumatoid arthritis.

The diagnosis of arthrosis in the shoulder is made through the analysis of the X-ray examination, which shows the decrease of the intra-articular space and the wear of the head of the humerus, and of the physical examination where the symptoms related to the disease are observed.