Osteoarthritis Of The Acromioclavicular Joints

Some symptoms of AC joint arthritis include:

• Tenderness to touch at the top of the shoulder where the AC joint is located

• Discomfort in the shoulder when sleeping on the side

• Discomfort with certain shoulder/arm movements

• Decreased range of motion in the shoulder joint

• Localized swelling or visible changes to the joint area

• Popping or crunching noises associated with shoulder movement

The AC joint helps to facilitate the unique range of motion of the shoulder joint; however, due to its complex structure and the heavy and repetitive demand often placed on it, the AC joint is very susceptible to injury and degenerative change.

Let’s look at what some studies have shown

According to an article published in 2013 in the Emergency Medicine International journal, “acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is one of the most common shoulder problems accounting for 9% of all shoulder injuries, in particular during sports activities which involve contact” (Chillemiet al. 2013).

A more recent article, titled Acromioclavicular joint injury, which was published on September 24, 2022, noted that it was estimated that “acromioclavicular joint injuries account for more than forty percent of all shoulder injuries” (Kiel et al. 2022).

An article in Healthline noted that “as many as 67 percent of people will experience shoulder pain in their life and up to 26 percent experience it at any given time” (https://www.healthline.com/).

Diagnosis of AC joint osteoarthritis requires a doctor’s appointment. During this appointment, a detailed medical history will be taken, including information such as the type of symptoms experienced, when and how the symptoms were first presented, what movements or positions provoke pain, and any other relevant medical conditions, injuries, and medications.

A physical examination will assess for tenderness in the AC joint or pain with certain movements. Your physician may request that diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray, be performed to determine if the AC joint is narrowed or if bone spurs are present.

Another diagnostic tool that may be utilized is the injection of a numbing agent into the affected area to determine if the pain temporarily resolves.

After a diagnosis of acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, the approach that is best for you will be dependent on several factors, including your age, the severity of your pain and physical limitation, and your overall state of health.

While arthritic changes are irreversible, there are numerous options available to manage pain and slow or even prevent the progression of degenerative changes.

Some of the options to manage pain include:

• Acetaminophen to reduce pain

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to reduce pain and inflammation

• Other oral medications specific to treating arthritis and inflammation

• Topical creams, such as Lidocaine, Menthol, Traumeel, and Tiger Balm

• Physiotherapy

• Aquatics or pool therapy program

• Hot/cold therapy, using heat and ice to reduce pain and swelling

• Acupuncture and Acupressure

• Massage therapy

• Occupational therapy (including improving the ergonomics of your workstation, if applicable)

• Exercise to improve body mechanics or exercise modification if your workout routine is a source of aggravation to the AC joint

• Dietary changes to reduce inflammation

• Smoking cessation