Shoulder Arthritis: Everything You Need to Know
Shoulder arthritis occurs when the cartilage inside the shoulder joint wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving your arm. Cartilage normally cushions the bones, but as it deteriorates, the bones rub together, causing arthritis. Orthopedic Institute offers various treatment options to help relieve shoulder arthritis pain and restore movement.
Symptoms: What Does Shoulder Arthritis Feel Like?
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Deep aching pain, sometimes triggered by weather changes
- Pain radiating from the top of the shoulder to the neck
- Limited range of motion
- Grinding, clicking, or snapping sounds when moving the shoulder
- Difficulty lifting your arm
- Night pain that can make sleep difficult
Causes: What Leads to Shoulder Arthritis?
There are several types of shoulder arthritis, each with different causes:
- Osteoarthritis: The “wear-and-tear” type, common in people over 50.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune condition that attacks joint lining.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Develops after an injury like a shoulder fracture.
- Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy: Arthritis after a long-term rotator cuff tear.
- Avascular Necrosis (AVN): Loss of blood supply to the bone, leading to arthritis.
Evaluation: Diagnosing Shoulder Arthritis
Doctors at Orthopedic Institute will discuss your symptoms and perform a physical exam to check for muscle weakness, tenderness, and injury signs. X-rays help confirm the diagnosis by showing joint space narrowing, bone changes, or bone spurs. In some cases, an injection of anesthetic into the joint can confirm arthritis if it temporarily relieves your pain.
Feeling anxious about an injection?
Getting the care you need should not be stressful. Orthopedic Institute now offers nitrous oxide to help you relax during your procedure. Ask your provider today if nitrous oxide could be right for you.
Treatment: How is Shoulder Arthritis Treated?
Orthopedic specialists in offer both non-surgical and surgical treatments for shoulder arthritis. Non-surgical treatments include:
- Rest and physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
If these do not work, surgery may be recommended. Surgical options include:
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgery where the doctor cleans out the joint using tiny instruments.
- Shoulder Replacement (Arthroplasty): Replaces the damaged parts of the shoulder with artificial components.
- Hemiarthroplasty: Replaces only the head of the humerus.
- Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Replaces both the head of the humerus and the socket (glenoid).
- Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: Switches the ball and socket sides of the shoulder joint.
- Resection Arthroplasty: Removes a small part of the collarbone to create space that fills with scar tissue, reducing pain.
Recovery: What to Expect After Treatment
Recovery depends on the type of surgery performed. Most shoulder replacement surgeries require a one or two-night stay at a hospital. Physical therapy usually starts soon after surgery to keep your shoulder loose and help with healing. You should be able to return to regular activities within a few weeks, although full recovery may take several months.