Arthritis can affect the joints in different parts of your body. There are two joints that make up the shoulder, which are the acromioclavicular (AC) joint and the glenohumeral joint. The AC joint is where the clavicle meets the shoulder blade, and the latter is where the head of the humerus meets the scapula. Shoulder arthritis can occur in these joints when the cartilage between them degenerates and the bones rub against each other, causing inflammation and pain.
Arthritis of the shoulder causes pain in the back and top of the shoulder as well as stiffness and weakness. The pain is often felt deep in the joint and travels to the neck and the rest of the shoulder. Patients with shoulder arthritis can have trouble sleeping due to the bothersome symptoms.
The prospect of getting arthritis is worrying. Nobody likes to feel pain. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help prevent or manage arthritis early on.
Here are the most common causes of shoulder arthritis:
Being Overweight
Being overweight increases your risk of developing arthritis in many parts of the body, including the lower back, knees, and shoulders. Excess weight limits your shoulder’s range of movement and contributes to the degeneration of the joints.
History of Trauma and Injury
A sports injury, such as a fracture, sprain, or strain, may cause shoulder arthritis later on down the road. An athlete has a much higher risk of developing arthritis due to the injuries sustained while playing sports.
Repetitive injuries of the shoulder due to your occupation can also come back to haunt you later on in the form of shoulder arthritis – especially if it did not heal properly. Repeated injuries can weaken the soft structures in your shoulder, which can accelerate the development of arthritis.
One thing you can do to protect yourself is to keep your shoulder joints healthy. Don’t overuse your shoulders and don’t ignore any signs of pain or symptoms. If you play sports or have hobbies, make sure to follow safety precautions, use the right equipment, take frequent breaks, and take your time when increasing intensity of the activity.
While you cannot change what’s already happened, seeing a sports medicine doctor can help you delay the progression of shoulder arthritis. A huge part of sports medicine involves working with a physical therapist to strengthen the muscles around the site of injury in order to reduce strain on the joint.
Autoimmune Disorder
Another cause of shoulder arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks your cartilage, which lines your shoulder joints. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent the development of rheumatoid arthritis, but a doctor can help you manage the condition so you have less symptoms.
Shoulder Arthritis Treatment in North Dakota
The Bone & Joint Center is a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder and elbow arthritis in the Upper Midwest region. Our orthopedic team has the training and experience to use effective nonsurgical and surgical treatments to alleviate your symptoms. Have our bone and joint specialists examine your condition and recommend a highly individualized plan that you are comfortable with.
To schedule a consultation, call the Bone & Joint Center at (701) 946-7400 or (866) 900-8650 or send us an appointment request now.
