Overview
Shoulder osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that affects the ability of the shoulder to move and work properly. It occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of the bones in the shoulder joint gradually wears away. With time, this can lead to pain, stiffness and swelling of the joint. Shoulder osteoarthritis is a common chronic condition, particularly in people over 50 years of age and those that are physically active. Treatment of the condition depends on the severity of the symptoms and includes rest, pain relief, physical therapy and exercise. In some cases, surgery may be recommended. Fortunately, in much of the cases of shoulder osteoarthritis, it has been proven that treatment can reduce pain and improve the ability of the shoulder to move.