Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis can make everyday tasks, like lifting or reaching, difficult and painful. This complex joint disorder can appear in different forms with various symptoms and treatment options. We focus on diagnosing and treating shoulder arthritis to help you move better and feel less pain. Whether you’re dealing with stiffness, swelling, or trouble moving your shoulder, our team offers personalized shoulder arthritis treatment options. From simple therapies to advanced surgeries, we’re here to help you get back to your normal life without pain.

The Shoulder Joint

The shoulder consists of two main joints: the glenohumeral joint and the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. The glenohumeral joint, a “ball-and-socket” joint, is the larger of the two. The “ball” of the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into the “socket” of the shoulder blade (scapula).

The AC joint, on the other hand, is located at the junction of the collarbone (clavicle) and the acromion, the bony projection of the shoulder blade. These joints allow a wide range of motion but are also susceptible to arthritis.

Different Types of Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis can manifest in several distinct forms, each with its unique underlying causes and characteristics.

• Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder: Osteoarthritis, or “wear-and-tear” arthritis, is the most common type. It causes cartilage to deteriorate which leads to bone-on-bone friction, pain, stiffness, and less movement.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Shoulder: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation and damage. It can affect both shoulder joints, resulting in persistent pain, swelling, and impaired mobility.
• Post-Traumatic Shoulder Arthritis: Shoulder arthritis can develop after a traumatic injury like a fracture or dislocation. This type comes from damage to the cartilage or bone, causing the joint to break down over time.
• Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy: This unique form of shoulder arthritis can occur from a severe, long-term rotator cuff tear. When these stabilizing tendons are badly damaged, the shoulder’s ball joint can rub against other bones, causing arthritis.
• Avascular Necrosis-Related Shoulder Arthritis: Avascular necrosis, or disrupted blood supply, can contribute to shoulder arthritis. It can cause the shoulder’s ball joint to collapse, creating an uneven surface and arthritic changes.

Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis symptoms vary in severity based on the condition’s stage and type and can include:

• Pain in the Shoulder Joint: Pain is a key symptom felt in the shoulder’s front, side, or back. It often worsens with activity and may persist even at rest in advanced stages.
• Stiffness and Limited Range of Motion: As cartilage deteriorates, patients may experience reduced motion and increased stiffness, making daily tasks difficult.
• Other Symptoms: Patients may also notice grinding sensations, swelling, and joint instability.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing shoulder arthritis involves a thorough physical exam, medical history review, and imaging tests. These help determine the type and severity of arthritis and guide shoulder arthritis treatment plans.

Physical Examination

Your physician will check your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and function. They’ll look for muscle weakness, tenderness, and unusual sensations like grinding.

Medical History and Symptom Review

Your physician will ask about past shoulder issues and current symptoms to identify potential causes.

Imaging Tests

To confirm the diagnosis and assess joint damage, your physician may order:

1. X-rays: Show bone conditions, including spurs and joint space narrowing.
2. CT Scans: Provide detailed 3D views of shoulder bones.
3. MRI: Reveals soft tissue conditions, like rotator cuff tendons.

Sometimes, a joint injection may be used to confirm diagnosis and offer temporary pain relief.

Non-Surgical Shoulder Arthritis Treatments

Initial treatment often focuses on non-surgical options. This aims to manage pain, maintain function, and slow progression. These can provide significant relief for mild to moderate arthritis.

• Range-of-Motion Exercises: Regular exercises, often guided by a physical therapist, help maintain flexibility and function.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Adjusting daily activities can help manage shoulder arthritis. This may include modifying tasks that worsen symptoms like heavy lifting or overhead reaching. Maintaining a healthy weight and doing low-impact exercises can reduce shoulder strain.
• Pain Management Strategies: Your physician may recommend various pain relief methods:

1. 1. Ice and Heat Therapy: Ice or heat can reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.
   2. Oral Medications: Over the counter or prescription anti-inflammatory drugs can manage pain and inflammation.
   3. Corticosteroid Injections: These can offer short-term relief by reducing inflammation.
   4. Topical Products: Creams or ointments with menthol or salicylates may provide localized comfort.

These non-surgical treatments can help many patients manage symptoms and stay active, potentially avoiding surgery.

Surgical Shoulder Arthritis Treatment

If non-surgical treatments don’t provide enough relief or arthritis progresses significantly, surgery may be recommended. Options include.

• Arthroscopic Shoulder Debridement: This minimally invasive procedure removes damaged cartilage and bone fragments, providing temporary relief for early-stage arthritis.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: For advanced arthritis, two main types of replacement surgery are available:

1. 1. Total Shoulder Replacement: Replaces damaged ball and socket components with prosthetics.
   2. Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement: Useful for rotator cuff tear with arthritis, reversing ball and socket positions.

For AC joint arthritis, surgeons may perform a resection arthroplasty, removing a small part of the collarbone end. This allows scar tissue to fill the joint space, providing pain relief.

After surgery, physical therapy is crucial for regaining shoulder function. With improved techniques, most patients experience significant improvements in pain, motion, and quality of life.

Preventing and Managing Shoulder Arthritis

There is no sure way to prevent shoulder arthritis, but you can manage it in several ways:

• Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle: Keep a healthy weight, do low-impact exercises, and avoid straining your shoulder to slow arthritis progression.
• Seeking Early Intervention: Recognizing early signs and getting timely medical attention can help manage the condition and potentially delay surgery.
• Exploring Emerging Treatments: Stay informed about emerging therapies like biologics and discuss them with your doctor.
• Embracing a Team Approach: Work with specialists to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Take Control of Shoulder Arthritis

Don’t let shoulder arthritis stop you from living your life. With the proper care, you can manage your condition and stay active. At Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health, we create personalized treatment plans that fit your needs, from diagnosis to recovery. Whether you need physical therapy, medication, or surgery, our team is here to help you reduce pain and improve your mobility. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take control of your shoulder health.

Proudly Serving: Brandon, North Tampa, St. Petersburg, Wesley Chapel, and Zephyrhills.