Joint Stiffness
Have you noticed that your shoulders have been significantly more stiff than usual? It could be a sign that you’ve developed shoulder arthritis. As your body ages, sometimes the joints show signs of wear and tear, and stiffness is one of the calling cards of arthritis. Your shoulders can become stiff as the cartilage in the joint breaks down, making it hard to move and limiting your range of motion. If your shoulders have stiffened, doing stretches or applying ice and heat may help some.
Limited Range of Motion
Another sign you may be dealing with shoulder arthritis is if you cannot move your shoulder into specific positions. A limited range of motion in your joints indicates that they are starting to break down. Some experts believe that light exercise of the joint can help restore some strength to the area, but this is contingent upon the medical opinion of a professional.
Causes of Shoulder Arthritis
The reason arthritis develops varies for each case, but general wear and tear of the joints are a common cause of many arthritis cases. Some arthritis cases occur when the body’s immune system attacks the joints, resulting in lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and gout.
Also, other factors can increase the likelihood of developing arthritis, which can include:
- Your age
- Weight
- Gender
- Occupation
- Injury history
- Genetics
Although arthritis can wreak havoc on your quality of life, we are happy to help design a treatment plan that fits your needs. For more on how we can help, please get in touch with us to schedule a consultation at one of our 8 locations. Call us today at 631.689.6698.