Osteoarthritis is a type of degenerative arthritis that occurs when the cartilage that acts as padding between the joints breaks down. Osteoarthritis is characterized by pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joint that is worse after periods of inactivity.
Treatment for osteoarthritis begins with a combination of physical therapy for exercises for arthritis and medication to control pain. In late stages of the disease, surgery is also a possibility.
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People who have acromioclavicular arthritis (AC joint arthritis) may report pain at the front of the shoulder and pain with certain motions. These and other symptoms tend to progress gradually. Sometimes symptoms get better only to return worse later.
Research suggests many people develop acromioclavicular osteoarthritis (AC joint arthritis) as they age. Most people who develop AC joint arthritis have one or more risk factors.
Before diagnosing a person with acromioclavicular osteoarthritis, a physician must perform a thorough examination and may order medical imaging, such as x-rays. AC joint arthritis rarely happens alone, and the diagnostic process often reveals more than one problem in the shoulder.
A combination of treatments may be recommended for acromioclavicular arthritis (AC joint arthritis). Physical therapy is not always beneficial but may be recommended to treat other problems in the shoulder. Surgical resection of the distal clavicle is somewhat controversial.
