What is Shoulder Arthritis?

Shoulder arthritis affects approximately 20% of the older adult population, leading to chronic shoulder joint pain, stiffness, and weakness. If you are in Kerala and suffering from shoulder arthritis, Dr. Khaleel, Senior Consultant Arthroscopic Shoulder and Sports Surgeon at Kims Alshifa, Perintalmanna, Kerala, India, specializes in orthopedic shoulder treatments and is dedicated to helping you manage this condition and regain a pain-free lifestyle.

Causes of Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis results from the wear and tear of the shoulder joint, leading to the degeneration of articular cartilage. Cartilage is the smooth, white coating on the ends of bones within the joint, facilitating pain-free movement. As cartilage wears down, bones rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness.

Two key shoulder joints affected by arthritis:

• Acromioclavicular (AC) joint: Located where the clavicle (collarbone) meets the acromion (bony roof of the shoulder joint).
• Glenohumeral joint: Located where the ball of the humerus (upper arm bone) meets the glenoid (shoulder socket).

Types of Shoulder Arthritis

• Osteoarthritis: A gradual degeneration of cartilage due to normal wear and tear, more common in active athletes and older individuals.
• Post-traumatic arthritis: Develops after a joint injury (e.g., falls, blunt trauma), leading to mechanical changes that result in arthritis over time.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks cartilage, leading to joint inflammation and degeneration.

Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis

The primary symptom of shoulder arthritis is chronic pain caused by bone-on-bone friction. This pain can range from mild, long-lasting discomfort to sharp, intense bursts of pain.

• Joint stiffness
• Weakness in the shoulder
• Grinding or clicking sensation
• Difficulty lifting or moving the arm

Diagnosing Shoulder Arthritis

Dr. Khaleel will perform a thorough medical evaluation to diagnose shoulder arthritis. This includes:

• Assessing the shoulder’s range of motion and pain points.
• Conducting X-rays to check joint space narrowing and bone damage.
• Performing an MRI to evaluate soft tissue damage and cartilage loss.

Seeking Treatment for Shoulder Arthritis

If you suspect you have shoulder arthritis, consult Dr. Khaleel, Senior Consultant Arthroscopic Shoulder and Sports Surgeon at Kims Alshifa, Perintalmanna, Kerala, India. He will provide a comprehensive evaluation and create a personalized treatment plan to help manage your condition and improve your quality of life.