SHOULDER ARTHRITIS

Although not a weight-bearing joint, the shoulder can wear out and develop severe arthritis. The cartilage erodes, bone spurs form, the soft tissues contract and the shoulder becomes painful and stiff.

Early treatment such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and therapy can help to relieve pain and preserve range of motion. When the degeneration and symptoms become severe, the joint surfaces must be surgically replaced in order to restore motion and stop the pain.