Download Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder

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