Understanding Shoulder Arthritis: Symptoms and Causes

Shoulder arthritis is a debilitating condition that affects the smooth functioning of the shoulder joint. The primary symptoms include:

• Pain and Tenderness: Individuals often experience aching or sharp pain in the shoulder, which may intensify with activities like lifting, reaching, or even resting.
• Stiffness: The shoulder joint may feel tight, especially in the morning, limiting the ability to move the arm through its full range of motion.
• Swelling: Inflammation in the joint can lead to visible swelling, making the shoulder appear enlarged or distorted.
• Joint Crepitus: A grinding or clicking sensation is common when moving the shoulder, indicating the roughening of the joint surfaces.

Causes of shoulder arthritis are varied, including age-related wear and tear (osteoarthritis), inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis following an injury, and rotator cuff tear arthropathy. Understanding these causes helps in tailoring the treatment and managing the condition effectively.

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