Arthritis implies inflammation of a joint, but in common usage usually means wearing out of that joint - either the joint surfaces (cartilage) or the muscles and capsule of that joint have degenerated.
Symptoms
Grating with joint movement as the joint surfaces are irregular.
Night pain due to the accompanying inflammation - a reaction to the wear and tear particles within the joint over a life time.
Movement restriction as the capsule has shrunk and the joint is too painful to move because of above.
Investigations
X-rays show the changes in the bone structures and the "joint" space between the bones.
CT.Scan: may show the 3 dimensional structure of the bones and the state of the muscles - whether replaced by fat or good contracting muscle which will work to move the joint after a joint replacement.
MRI: also to show the state of the muscles to predict the eventual functional recovery after a shoulder joint replacement.
Treatments
Conservative
Anti inflammatory tablets
Physiotherapy: to reduce inflammation, maintain movement and muscle status.
Cortisone (or hydrocortisone or steroid) injections into the joint may help to settle a flare up of the arthritis.
Operative - minimally invasive
This procedure is done with the arthroscope to remove any loose bodies, any cartilage flaps,inflamed synovium (joint lining). Noxious enzymes or wear particles can be washed out of the joint. Postoperatively the patients are encouraged to undergo a rehabilitation programme.
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Grating with joint movement as the joint surfaces are irregular. 
