Millions of people across the world are diagnosed with arthritis every year. This means that one or more of their joints is inflamed which eventually turns into the loss of cartilage. Cartilage helps facilitate smooth movement of our joints. So once it has deteriorated, we no longer have the range of motion necessary for daily tasks. The question before us: do I have shoulder arthritis? Let’s find out.
What Are Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis?
Some of the symptoms of arthritis in the shoulder joint can be from other injuries like a fall, or sports injury. So it is critical to have an experienced orthopedic specialist like the ones at Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic evaluate the symptoms to make a diagnosis before any treatment begins.
Typical symptoms include the following:
- Pain that typically gets worse when you move around and are active.
- You may hear a grinding, clicking, or popping sound when you move your shoulder.
- There is stiffness that affects your ability to perform tasks and limits your range of motion.
- The joint itself is tender to the touch
- The area around the joint will be swollen.
- You will have trouble sleeping with shoulder arthritis.
- It will be very difficult to lift your arm to reach something above you.
Consider how many things you might do during the day where you lift you arm upwards like to brush your hair, if you are a house painter, or someone who is a builder or construction worker, among others.
How Is Shoulder Arthritis Diagnosed?
If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms, contact Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic for an appointment.
After taking a medical history, they will do X-rays, most likely a CT scan, and an MRI to look at the entire area to get a diagnosis.
What Are Treatment Options for Shoulder Arthritis?
Treatment will depend on the severity of the arthritis. It will initially be non-surgical.
Your shoulder specialist may recommend the following:
- Physical therapy to improve range of motion and function.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory over-the-counter meds, such as Tylenol or Advil, to reduce inflammation and pain to be taken with food.
- Corticosteroid injections in the shoulder can give you temporary relief.
- Using moist heat and icing your shoulder can provide relief from pain and reduce inflammation.
When these more conservative treatments don’t provide the relief you need, surgery may be recommended next. These include:
Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
This is usually successful in improving quality of life, restoring function, and relieving pain.
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
This has similar positive results but with greater range of motion.
Arthroscopic Techniques
Less invasive surgery allows for faster recovery and improved outcomes. This is typically for patients with mild arthritis.
Talk with Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic about other surgical options depending on the severity of your arthritis, your age, and your general health.
Shoulder Arthritis Specialist in the DMV
Contact Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic to explore treatment options right for you if you have shoulder arthritis. Give us a call at (703) 348-3678 today to get started, or request an appointment through our secure online form.
Sources: Shoulder Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
