OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE SHOULDER

Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder

Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder refers to a condition where the cartilage of the shoulder joint wears away, causing the bones to rub directly against each other, leading to pain and movement restrictions. This condition is often caused by aging, overuse, or trauma, and results in the structural deformation of the shoulder joint, leading to chronic pain and reduced range of motion.

[Main Causes]
・Aging: The natural wear and tear of joint cartilage with age leads to a decrease in the cushioning function of the joints.
・Overuse: Long-term strain from jobs or sports that frequently use the shoulder (e.g., baseball, tennis) accelerates joint wear.
・Trauma: After injuries such as shoulder fractures or dislocations, joint deformation can progress.
・Inflammation and Shoulder Disorders: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative changes associated with rotator cuff tears can also be causes.

[Symptoms]
・Shoulder Pain: Initially, pain is felt during movement, and as it progresses, pain may also occur at rest or at night.
・Restricted Range of Motion: Movement in the shoulder is limited, making it difficult to raise or rotate the arm.
・Joint Stiffness: The joint may feel stiff in the morning or after maintaining the same position for a long time.
・Joint Noise: A grating sound may be heard when the cartilage wears away and the bones rub against each other.

[Treatment Methods]
・Conservative Treatment: Initial treatment includes medication (pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs), rehabilitation, and physical therapy (heat therapy, icing) to reduce pain and inflammation. Incorporating moderate exercise and shoulder stretching is also important to maintain joint mobility.
・Joint Injections: Hyaluronic acid injections or steroid injections are administered to reduce inflammation in the joint and improve lubrication.
・Surgery: If conservative treatment is ineffective, arthroscopic surgery or shoulder joint replacement surgery (replacing part or all of the shoulder joint with an artificial one) may be considered.

Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder is a progressive disease, and early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to maintaining joint function.

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