- Much like the other large joints, the shoulder may also be affected by arthritic conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout related arthritis and other less common arthritic diseases. The smooth lining of the joint surface is damaged or destroyed with increasing pain, stiffness and dysfunction of the joint.
- Persisting malfunction or deficiency of the rotator cuff muscle group, may also lead to shoulder arthritis.
- There is a high incidence of shoulder arthritis following injury of the joint cartilage due to trauma or infection.
- Early and intermediate stage arthritis of the shoulder may be successfully treated by nonsurgical means, but advanced arthritis with pain and stiffness usually require joint replacement surgery.
- Dr Bothma will assess your arthritic shoulder and advise you on the appropriate treatment options.
