Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
FACT SHEET – Musculoskeletal Service Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Information for patients What is osteoarthritis (OA)? Osteoarthritis is a condition which affects joints in the body. The surface of the joint (cartilage) gets thinner and the surrounding bone grows thicker. 'Osteo' means bone and 'arthritis' means joint swelling (inflammation). Other words used to describe osteoarthritis are 'osteoarthrosis', 'arthrosis' and 'degenerative joint disease'. What are the symptoms? The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain in the shoulder and upper arm, stiffness (which is worse when you wake up in the morning but improves within about 30 minutes when you start to move) and difficulty moving your affected joint. Other common symptoms include: an increase in pain and stiffness when you haven’t moved your joint in a while difficulty reaching behind your back or head a grating or crackling sound when moving your joints weakness and muscle wasting joint tenderness and warmth How common is it? Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK affecting an estimated 8.5 million people. How is it diagnosed? Diagnosis is mainly made on your symptoms and confirmed by a physical examination. Not everyone needs an x-ray. What should I do? Although there is no cure for arthritis there are many ways in which you can help relieve your symptoms. Discuss pain relieving medication with your GP or pharmacist. A corticosteroid injection may also be beneficial to relieve pain short term, and can be repeated up to three times a year. FACT SHEET – Musculoskeletal Service Reduce the stress on your joints by pacing your activities through the day – spread physical jobs such as housework or gardening at intervals through the day rather than trying to tackle them all at once, adopt the ‘little but often’ approach. Protect your joints by avoiding unnecessary activities or using assistive devices such as jar openers. Think about ways you may be able to modify your home. Your physiotherapist might also suggest other techniques, such as heat, ice, mobilisations, TENS, acupuncture and manual therapy. Will rest or exercise help? Exercise and weight management have been shown to help people with osteoarthritis – this includes helping to reduce pain. Exercise should include muscle strengthening/stretching as well as aerobic exercise (that is, moderate exercise that increases your heart rate – for example, swimming, cycling or brisk walking). Your physiotherapist can help advise you about exercise, but it is then up to you to continue it as part of your daily routine. For most people with arthritis the best advice is “little and often” – a little exercise/activity followed by a little rest. If there is an occasion when you need to do a little more it may help to take a painkiller before you start. Pain does not mean damage. If you would like further support in adopting a healthy and active lifestyle, you can access Zing (sport and activity finder), Fresh Steps (health trainers) and health walks (see links below). Your GP and physiotherapist can also refer you to a physio led class or Proactive, a supported programme at your local gym. Living with arthritis: Arthritis may be painful and upsetting, but it usually does not cause crippling arthritis or severe deformity of joints. For most people it will be more of a nuisance than a major problem. However, if it is affecting your general activities, quality of life or emotional wellbeing, please discuss this with your physiotherapist or GP as they can support you and organise referral to the appropriate specialist if required. You can also self refer to Talking Therapies (see link below). What does the future hold? The pain sometimes does get easier as time goes by, and most people with osteoarthritis have little disability. People with arthritis can do a lot to help themselves and often only need occasional advice from doctors and therapists. FACT SHEET – Musculoskeletal Service For the few who do get severe arthritis and symptoms which interfere with their quality of life, surgery may be an option. You may be referred to the Orthopaedic Assessment Service for investigations and possible surgical referral. The surgical options may include different types of shoulder replacement, or a nerve block. Further Information There are a number of organisations which provide further detailed information. Much of the information on this leaflet has been gathered from the Arthritis Research Council (ARC) who produce a number of excellent leaflets. These can be found at: www.arthritisresearchuk.org/ Other useful sources of information are: NHS Choices website about Arthritis www.nhs.uk/conditions/arthritis/Pages/Introduction.aspx Shoulderdoc.co.uk website www.shoulderdoc.co.uk/ NICE website about Osteoarthritis www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG177/InformationForPublic Our website about Talking Therapies www.sompar.nhs.uk/what-we-do/mental-health/talking-therapies/ Tone website, health walks and exercise referral: www.toneleisure.co.uk/programmes/ Zing (sports and activity finder) www.zingsomerset.co.uk This factsheet has been written to help you understand more about the problem with your joints. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice and should be used in conjunction with verbal information and treatment given in the Physiotherapy Department. Headquarters: Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust 2nd Floor, Mallard Court, Express Park, Bristol Road, Bridgwater TA6 4RN Tel: 01278 432 000 Fax: 01278 432 099 Email: [email protected] Web: www.sompar.nhs.uk Date Issued: December 2015 Review Date: December 2017 Author: Musculoskeletal Service Version: 2