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AC Joint Arthritis Treatment Pune
Get expert AC joint arthritis treatment in Pune with orthopaedic specialists providing pain management, joint therapy, and surgical options.
Overview
The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in your body, allowing you to reach, lift, and move your arm in multiple directions. However, this flexibility also makes it prone to various conditions, including acromioclavicular joint arthritis (also known as AC joint arthritis). This common condition affects the small joint at the top of your shoulder where your collarbone meets your shoulder blade.
AC joint arthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage that cushions the bones in this joint begins to wear away. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones can rub against each other, causing pain and inflammation. Understanding this condition is essential for anyone experiencing shoulder pain, as proper diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve quality of life.
The acromioclavicular joint (AC joint) is located at the highest point of your shoulder. The AC joint refers to where the acromion (part of the shoulder blade) meets the clavicle (collarbone). This small but important joint helps stabilize your shoulder and allows smooth movement when you raise your arm overhead or across your body.
Symptoms
AC joint arthritis typically causes specific symptoms that can help identify the condition:
Primary Symptoms:
- Pain and tenderness at the top of the shoulder
- Difficulty reaching across your body
- Pain when putting on a seatbelt or hugging someone
- Discomfort when sleeping on the affected side
- Pain that may spread to the neck or arm
Advanced Symptoms:
- Swelling at the joint
- A clicking or snapping sound when moving the shoulder
- Visible prominence of the collarbone due to bone spurs
- Increased pain during overhead activities
It’s important to note that mild AC joint arthrosis or mild acromioclavicular joint arthrosis may be visible on X-rays without causing noticeable symptoms.
Causes and Risk Factors
Acromioclavicular joint degenerative changes can develop for several reasons:
Primary Causes:
- Age-related wear and tear
- Repetitive stress from daily activities
- Previous shoulder injuries
- Inflammatory conditions
Risk Factors:
- Contact sports participation
- Heavy lifting or overhead work
- Previous AC joint injury
- Age (more common in older adults)
- Occupations requiring repetitive shoulder movements
Activities like weightlifting, construction work, and sports involving throwing or contact can accelerate the development of acromioclavicular degenerative changes.
Types of AC Joint Arthritis
AC Joint Arthritis specialist classify acromioclavicular arthritis into several types:
- Primary arthritis: Develops naturally with age and use
- Post-traumatic arthritis: Results from previous injuries
- Inflammatory arthritis: Caused by autoimmune conditions
- Mild AC joint arthropathy: Early-stage changes with minimal symptoms
The most common form is primary acromioclavicular arthrosis, which develops gradually over time.
Diagnosis
Proper diagnosis of AC joint arthropathy involves multiple steps:
Physical Examination: Healthcare providers will check for tenderness over the joint and perform specific tests, such as the cross-body adduction test, to identify acromioclavicular joint arthropathy.
Imaging Studies:
- X-rays: Shoulder arthritis X-ray images can show joint space narrowing and bone spurs
- MRI: Provides detailed images of cartilage and surrounding tissues
- Specialized views: The Zanca view X-ray offers the best visualization of the AC joint
Diagnostic Injection: A steroid injection into the joint can help confirm the diagnosis by temporarily relieving pain.
Treatment Options
Treatment for acromioclavicular joint arthrosis ranges from conservative management to surgical intervention, depending on symptom severity.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Initial Management:
- Activity modification to avoid aggravating movements
- Rest and ice application (10-15 minutes several times daily)
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications
- Prescription pain relievers when necessary
Advanced Conservative Treatment:
- Corticosteroid injections for temporary pain relief
- Physical therapy focusing on AC joint pain exercises
- Acromioclavicular joint pain exercises to improve strength and flexibility
Physical Therapy Exercises:
Common AC joint pain exercises include:
- Pendulum swings for gentle range of motion
- Cross-body stretches to maintain flexibility
- Strengthening exercises for surrounding muscles
- Proprioception training for joint stability
Surgical Treatment
When conservative AC joint injury treatment fails to provide adequate relief, surgery may be recommended. The most common procedure is distal clavicle resection (also called the Mumford procedure)
Surgical Options:
- Arthroscopic surgery: Minimally invasive approach using small incisions
- Open surgery: Traditional approach with larger incision
- Combined approach: Arthroscopy with open technique
During surgery, surgeons remove approximately 5-7 millimeters of the collarbone’s end to create space and prevent bone-on-bone contact.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Recovery from acromioclavicular arthritis treatment involves structured rehabilitation:
Phase 1 – Early Recovery:
- Gentle range of motion exercises
- Pain management strategies
- Gradual return to daily activities
Phase 2 – Strengthening:
- Progressive strengthening exercises
- Acromioclavicular joint pain exercises for stability
- Functional movement training
Phase 3 – Return to Activity:
- Sport-specific or work-specific training
- Advanced strengthening
- Maintenance exercise program
Recovery time varies, but most patients see significant improvement within three months, with continued progress for up to a year.
Complications
While complications are rare, they can include:
Conservative Treatment:
- Persistent pain and stiffness
- Muscle weakness from reduced activity
- Continued joint degeneration
Surgical Complications:
- Incomplete bone removal
- Joint instability
- Infection (very rare)
- Prolonged stiffness
Prevention
While you cannot completely prevent mild AC joint arthrosis, you can reduce your risk:
- Maintain good shoulder strength and flexibility
- Use proper technique during sports and activities
- Avoid repetitive overhead motions when possible
- Seek prompt treatment for shoulder injuries
- Practice joint protection techniques
Living with AC Joint Arthritis
Managing acromioclavicular joint arthropathy involves understanding your limitations and working with healthcare providers to develop an effective treatment plan. Many people successfully manage their symptoms through conservative treatment, while others benefit from surgical intervention.
The key is early recognition and appropriate treatment.
Mild acromioclavicular joint arthrosis often responds well to conservative management, preventing progression to more severe stages.
When to Seek Medical Care
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Persistent shoulder pain lasting more than a few days
- Pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities
- Visible swelling or deformity
- Loss of shoulder function
- Pain that doesn’t improve with rest and over-the-counter medications
Key Takeaways
- AC joint arthritis is a common cause of shoulder pain affecting the joint where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade
- Symptoms include pain at the top of the shoulder, difficulty with cross-body movements, and potential swelling
- Risk factors include age, repetitive activities, contact sports, and previous shoulder injuries
- Diagnosis involves physical examination, imaging studies, and sometimes diagnostic injections
- Treatment typically begins with conservative measures including rest, medications, and physical therapy
- Surgery may be necessary for severe cases that don’t respond to conservative treatment
- Most patients experience significant improvement with appropriate treatment
- Prevention focuses on maintaining shoulder strength, proper technique, and avoiding repetitive stress
At Sancheti Hospital, we understand the impact that AC joint arthritis can have on your daily life and activities. Our experienced orthopedic specialists and physiotherapy team work together to provide comprehensive care for patients with acromioclavicular joint arthropathy.
From accurate diagnosis using advanced imaging techniques to personalized treatment plans that may include conservative management or minimally invasive surgical procedures, we’re committed to helping you regain pain-free shoulder function.
Our rehabilitation programs are specifically designed to optimize recovery and prevent future complications, ensuring you can return to the activities you enjoy most.
Meet Our Shoulder Specialists
Patient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for AC joint arthritis to develop, and can it happen suddenly?
AC joint arthritis typically develops gradually over months or years due to normal wear and tear. However, it can also develop more quickly following a shoulder injury or trauma. Most people don’t notice symptoms until the condition has progressed significantly, which is why mild AC joint arthrosis is often discovered incidentally on X-rays taken for other reasons.
Will AC joint arthritis get worse if I continue my normal activities?
Continuing high-impact activities or repetitive overhead motions may accelerate the progression of acromioclavicular joint arthritis. However, gentle movement and appropriate exercises are actually beneficial. The key is modifying activities that cause pain while maintaining overall shoulder mobility. Complete rest isn’t recommended as it can lead to stiffness and muscle weakness.
Can AC joint arthritis affect both shoulders at the same time?
Yes, acromioclavicular arthritis can affect both shoulders, especially if you regularly perform activities that stress both joints equally, such as weightlifting or overhead work. However, it’s more common for one shoulder to be affected first or more severely than the other. If you develop symptoms in one shoulder, it’s important to protect both sides to prevent bilateral problems.
Is there a specific age when AC joint arthritis typically starts, and does gender matter?
AC joint arthritis most commonly begins to cause symptoms in people over 40, though mild acromioclavicular joint arthrosis can be seen on imaging in younger individuals. Men tend to develop this condition slightly more often than women, particularly those involved in contact sports or heavy manual labor. However, anyone can develop this condition regardless of age or gender.
How can I tell the difference between AC joint arthritis and other shoulder problems?
Acromioclavicular joint arthritis has some distinctive features that help differentiate it from other shoulder conditions. The pain is typically located specifically at the top of the shoulder where you can feel the bony prominence. Unlike rotator cuff problems, AC joint arthritis pain is often worse with cross-body movements (like reaching across to the opposite shoulder) rather than overhead reaching. Also, you can often pinpoint the exact spot of tenderness by pressing on the joint itself.
