Symptoms and Additional Information about Shoulder Joint Osteoarthritis
The glenohumeral (GH) joint, also known as the ball-and-socket shoulder joint, can be affected by osteoarthritis (OA), a condition that occurs over time as cartilage wears down, leading to pain and limited range of motion. GH osteoarthritis is a common issue, affecting around 50% of adults over 65 years old.
GH osteoarthritis can lead to several complications, including decreased range of motion, pain, malalignment, and injury or damage to nerve roots in the shoulder. Some of the risk factors for this condition include aging, repetitive motion, obesity, certain genetic factors, and past joint trauma or surgery.
One of the main complications of GH osteoarthritis is the formation of bone spurs. These spurs can rub against tendons and muscles in the rotator cuff, potentially leading to nerve compression, tendinitis, and rotator cuff tears. Joint inflammation and physical damage from overuse or injury can also exacerbate symptoms and the severity of osteoarthritis.
As the condition progresses, cartilage loss can result in bone-on-bone contact, causing irregular joint motion, inflammation, pain, and limited mobility. This cartilage breakdown can lead to symptoms such as deep, activity-worsened pain, loss of shoulder movement, weakness, crepitus (a grinding sensation or sound), and difficulty using the arm. In advanced stages, many patients experience night pain that disrupts sleep.
Stiffness or loss of motion is another common complication, either from the disease or post-surgical recovery efforts like cartilage restoration procedures. If surgery is performed, additional complications might include infection, graft failure, persistent pain, blood clots, nerve or vessel injury, and potential prosthesis failure in joint replacement (usually after many years).
The diagnosis of GH osteoarthritis involves a physical exam, imaging scans (X-rays, scans, ultrasounds), blood tests, synovial fluid analysis, and a review of personal and family medical history. Treatment for GH osteoarthritis includes avoiding overuse of the joint, regular exercise, occupational therapy, weight loss, using supportive equipment, medication (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen), joint injections, and surgery.
It is crucial for individuals to discuss their individual outlooks and treatment options with a medical professional. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, treatment can help people manage and reduce symptoms. Surgeries such as joint replacement may improve a person's outlook, but surgeons may need to replace prosthetic joints within a certain period, and surgery may also result in complications.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Osteoarthritis of the shoulder. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis-of-the-shoulder/symptoms-causes/syc-20357636
[2] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Osteoarthritis of the shoulder. [online] Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16530-osteoarthritis-of-the-shoulder
[3] Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021). Osteoarthritis of the shoulder. [online] Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/osteoarthritis-of-the-shoulder
[4] American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2021). Shoulder replacement. [online] Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/shoulder-replacement/
[5] Arthritis Foundation. (2021). Common complications of osteoarthritis. [online] Available at: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-management/common-complications-of-osteoarthritis
- Other joint pain and other pain can be symptoms of various medical-conditions, such as chronic-diseases like osteoarthritis, and may require attention from a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Science has made significant advancements in understanding the causes and effects of chronic-diseases such as osteoarthritis, leading to the development of various treatment options, including fitness-and-exercise, health-and-wellness strategies, and even surgery in severe cases.
- In addition to joint pain, osteoarthritis can lead to complications in mental-health, such as stress, anxiety, and depression due to the limitations and physical discomfort that accompany the disease.
- While skin-care may not directly correlate with osteoarthritis in the shoulder, maintaining overall health and wellness through proper nutrition, hydration, and skincare routines can indirectly support the body's efforts to manage and reduce osteoarthritis symptoms.
