Reviewed by Joseph Maloney, MDOveruse or acute trauma to almost any joint can lead to osteoarthritis, a gradual weakening of the cartilage that allows the joint to move fluidly. Although the condition does not occur in the shoulder as often as it does in other joints, especially the knees, hands, and hips, shoulders can become affected by osteoarthritis. Participants in overhead sports, particularly baseball pitchers, and workers in overhead occupations, like painters, are at the highest risk of suffering from osteoarthritis. The condition leads to a stiff, painful shoulder, with significant loss of range of motion. At times, osteoarthritis may cause small pieces of cartilage to break off and float around within the joint. These are known as loose bodies, and can be removed in an arthroscopic or open procedure.
Causes and Risk Factors
Possible Causes
