Categories

Understanding the Five Types of Shoulder Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

This is the most common type of arthritis, it is also often referred to as wear-and-tear arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage that serves as cushions at the end of your bones progressively breaks down, causing inflammation, irregular motion within the joint, and the development of bone spurs [2].

Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, there may not be any serious symptoms at the early stages of it, and you would usually only experience stiffness and aches. As the condition progresses, however, it can cause a significant amount of pain that decreases shoulder joint mobility and makes everyday tasks, particularly those that require you to reach over your head harder to perform. You may also experience a grinding sensation or hear popping or crunching sounds like the bones in your shoulder joint rub against one another.

The condition can happen to anyone. However, it is most common in adults past the age of 50. It can also develop in younger people following a shoulder joint injury, such as a dislocation or a bone fracture.