Shoulder arthritis is a condition characterized by the gradual degeneration of the articular surfaces of the shoulder. As a degenerative condition, it worsens over time, causing pain and stiffness. A specialized Orthopedic Surgeon in upper limb conditions is the right person to inform you about modern treatment options that can relieve symptoms and improve your shoulder mobility.
What is arthritis, and how does it affect the joints?
Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and restriction of movement. There are various types of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis, which is due to the wear and tear of cartilage, and rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease. The condition can affect one or more joints and limit daily functionality, as the affected joints become more sensitive and stiff. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, arthritis can cause permanent joint damage and worsen quality of life.
What causes shoulder arthritis?
Shoulder arthritis is caused by wear and tear or inflammation of the joints in the shoulder area. The main causes include:
- Physical wear and tear: Osteoarthritis is the result of degeneration of the cartilage covering the joints, usually due to age or repetitive use of the shoulder.
- Injuries: Fractures, dislocations, or other injuries can cause post-traumatic arthritis.
- Inflammatory conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases can cause joint inflammation.
Shoulder arthritis: Symptoms
Shoulder arthritis can cause a variety of symptoms that affect daily functionality and quality of life. The most common include:
- Shoulder pain: It is usually located deep in the joint and worsens with movement or after activities.
- Stiffness: Limitation of the range of motion, particularly after periods of immobility, such as in the morning.
- Swelling: Appearance of swelling in the area due to inflammation.
- Weakness: Decrease in shoulder strength, making activities like lifting objects difficult.
- Grinding or clicking: A sensation of friction or crepitus sounds during movement, due to the wear of the cartilage.
- Tenderness to touch: Pain when pressure is applied to the shoulder area.
Treatment of shoulder arthritis
The treatment of shoulder arthritis aims at pain relief, with the ultimate goal of improving shoulder movement. Options include:
Conservative treatment
- Medications: Analgesics and anti-inflammatories to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Injections: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection can limit the pain.
- Physical Therapy: Specific exercises to improve mobility and strengthen muscles.
- Lifestyle changes: Avoiding activities that strain the shoulder.
- Heat therapy or cryotherapy: Application of heat or ice for relief.
Invasive treatment - Shoulder arthroscopy: A minimally invasive method that allows the removal of inflamed tissue and osteophytes (bone spurs).
- Total shoulder arthroplasty or reverse total arthroplasty: Replacement of the worn joint with artificial implants.
- With the application of joint preservation techniques: This is a specialized surgical option aimed at patients with osteoarthritis and degenerative conditions of the shoulder. Modern arthroscopic surgery offers effective solutions for restoring shoulder functionality and relieving pain.
If you are experiencing symptoms of arthritis or want to learn more about the most modern therapeutic techniques for treating shoulder arthritis, contact Dr. Polyzois for a personalized evaluation and treatment approach.