Osteoarthritis

Acromioclavicular arthritis (AC joint arthritis) may cause pain at the front of the shoulder, with symptoms that sometimes get better only to return worse later.

The shoulder is a complex piece of anatomy that includes four joints where the humerus (upper arm), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone) meet.

Research suggests many people develop acromioclavicular osteoarthritis (AC joint arthritis) as they age, with most people having 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.

Physicians use a comprehensive approach to rule out other potential sources of pain, including rotator cuff problems or cervical degenerative disc disease.

Degeneration in the ankle between the talus, tibia, and fibula bones where the shin and foot meet can cause osteoarthritis, leading to pain and discomfort.

Ankle osteoarthritis is often preceded by an ankle injury, and may initially feel like the old injury, but there are other determining factors as well.

In order to diagnose ankle arthritis, other causes, such as musculoskeletal injury or rheumatoid arthritis, must be ruled out. Medical imaging may be ordered.

Steroid and hyaluronic acid injections may help reduce symptoms of ankle arthritis. Platelet rich plasma and stem cell injections are recommended less commonly.

Ankle arthritis can make standing and walking painful. Adopting a few new habits can help ease ankle pain and make day-to-day life more enjoyable.