Periarthritis is inflammation of the tissues in a joint. Periarthritis of the shoulder, or periarthritis scapulohumeral, is one of the most common. There are many possible causes. We speak of calcifying periarthritis when the inflammation is due to the presence of crystals in the joint. Management is generally based on physiotherapy and the prescription of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Definition of periarthritis

Periarthritis is a medical term used for various inflammations occurring in the joints. It is said to be a non-specific term because inflammation can affect different joints, have multiple causes, and affect multiple structures in the joint.

Inflammation can occur in many movable joints. We distinguish in particular:

• periarthritis of the shoulder, or scapulohumeral periarthritis;
• periarthritis of the hip, which is more often called painful syndrome of the greater trochanter;
• periarthritis of the knee;
• periarthritis of the elbow;
• periarthritis of the hand.

The most common periarthritis is those of the shoulder and hip.

Causes of periarthritis

The origin of periarthritis can be very different depending on the case. The causes are all the more numerous as the inflammation can affect different structures of the joint. We can talk about periarthritis in case of:

• bursitis, which is an inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled pockets around the joints) involved in the lubrication and sliding of joint structures.
• tendonitis, or tendinopathy, which is an inflammation that occurs in the tendons (fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones);
• tendon rupture, which may be partial or total;
• adhesive capsulitis which is an inflammation of the joint capsule (fibrous and elastic envelope surrounding the joints);
• ligament inflammation, that is, inflammation of the ligaments (fibrous, elastic, resistant tissues that unite the bones to each other);
• Calcifying periarthritis which is an inflammation caused by the presence of crystals in the joint.

Diagnosis of periarthritis

Periarthritis is usually diagnosed by physical examination. The healthcare professional assesses the symptoms perceived and examines the possible causes. In particular, he will study the medical history and find out if the joint may have experienced a particular trauma.

To confirm and deepen the diagnosis of periarthritis, the physical examination is usually supplemented by medical imaging examinations. An x-ray, ultrasound, or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may be done. 

People affected by periarthritis

Periarthritis can happen in many people. However, the incidence of these inflammations increases with age.

For example, the prevalence of periarthritis of the hip is estimated to be between 10% and 25% in the general population. The incidence increases between 40 and 60 years and is higher in women (ratio of 4 women affected to 1 man).

Inflammatory pain

Periarthritis is characterized by the occurrence of inflammatory pain which may be localized or radiating. These painful sensations can appear during certain movements.

Other signs

Depending on the case, other symptoms may accompany the pain. Problems in performing certain movements may occur. For example, it is possible to notice a stiffening of the shoulder (or “frozen shoulder”) during scapulohumeral periarthritis (periarthritis of the shoulder).

Immobilization and rest

The first step in treating periarthritis is usually immobilization of the joint.

Anti-inflammatory treatment

Anti-inflammatory drugs are usually prescribed to relieve pain in periarthritis. Depending on the case, treatment may be based on steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (corticosteroids) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Kinésithérapie

Physiotherapy sessions can be offered to regain the mobility of the joint. They can be based on adapted exercise programs, as well as other techniques such as cryotherapy, hydrotherapy and electrotherapy.

Surgical treatment

In the most severe forms of periarthritis and when previous treatments have been ineffective, surgery may be considered in the affected joint.

The prevention of periarthritis is primarily based on maintaining a healthy lifestyle with good eating habits and regular physical activity.