Shoulder Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Treatment
Arthritis can affect any joint, causing pain and stiffness. There are over 100 types of arthritis, many that can impact the shoulder joints, including the most common, osteoarthritis. If you have shoulder arthritis, there are treatments and therapies that can provide relief. Jonathan L. Glashow, MD orthopedic surgery and sports injury center provides shoulder arthritis and osteoarthritis treatment at our facility in Miami, FL.
Arthritis is inflammation within joints which can cause damage and painful symptoms. There is no cure for arthritis, but there are ways to relieve the pain and slow the progression of the disease. While shoulder arthritis is not as prevalent as weight-bearing joints, it still affects millions of people every year. Osteoarthritis in particular is common in the shoulder due to wear and tear from repetitive arm/shoulder movements and previous injuries.
Symptoms of Shoulder Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a slow and progressive disease that causes inflammation within the joints. In the shoulder, it can occur in either the glenohumeral or AC joints, or both. Wear and tear over the years can result in osteoarthritis, especially in individuals who perform physical labor using their shoulder joint or play sports that wear on the shoulder. Injuries to the shoulder can increase the risk of shoulder osteoarthritis. Symptoms of this disease include:
- Pain at the top of the shoulder (AC joint)
- Pain in the back of the shoulder (glenohumeral joint)
- Stiffness when moving the arm and shoulder
- Reduced range of motion
- Popping, clicking or grinding during movement
- Increased pain with movement
Osteoarthritis can progressively become worse, impacting your ability to perform daily tasks. In the shoulder joints, it usually only affects one side, the predominant arm or the side that has been injured in the past.
There are many possible treatments for shoulder arthritis management. The goal is to minimize pain and slow the damage to the joint to delay or avoid joint replacement. Conservative treatments may include medications, injections and physical therapy. If the disease progresses and non-surgical treatments are ineffective, there are surgical options to relieve pain and improve shoulder function.
If you have shoulder arthritis symptoms and want to explore ways to slow the progression of your disease, come see us at Jonathan L. Glashow, MD orthopedic surgery and sports injury center. Contact our facility in Miami, FL, to schedule your appointment.
