When the cartilage protecting the shoulder joint begins to wear away, it can cause several symptoms to develop, one of which is pain. While there is no way to cure this condition, there are things you can do to reduce pain.
Here are 10 tips for anyone suffering from shoulder arthritis pain.
1. Fix Bad Posture
Bad posture creates an imbalance in the body and changes the way you move. Bad posture can worsen shoulder arthritis pain, because it affects the way the muscles in the shoulder work together and puts greater stress on the shoulder joint, accelerating damage.
2. Know When to Rest
Rest is as important as physical activity. When you feel tired, give your body time to rest. Overuse often leads to injuries, which contribute to the progression of arthritis.
3. Stretch Regularly
Stretching the shoulder muscles regularly, as well as the back and core muscles can help ease shoulder arthritis pain. It also keeps the joint lubricated and prevents stiffness. However, the wrong exercise can aggravate pain. Make sure to consult a doctor or physical therapist first before starting any stretching and strengthening program.
4. Get Down to a Normal Weight
If shoulder arthritis pain is getting worse, it could be due to your weight. Excess weight can contribute to shoulder arthritis pain. The extra weight you carry in your arms puts greater stress on your shoulders. Obesity is a risk factor for arthritis not just on the shoulders, but also in the knees and hips.
5. Do Aerobic Exercises
Exercise and a healthy diet go hand in hand when it comes to weight loss. Exercises that benefit shoulder arthritis are low-impact and get the blood flowing, delivering nutrients to the shoulder joint and helping burn calories. Walking, cycling, and water aerobics are examples of low-impact exercises that ease shoulder arthritis pain and increase calories burned daily.
6. Do Flexibility Exercises
Stretches help improve flexibility. However, other exercise programs such as yoga and tai chi, which are gentle, incorporate more balancing and stretching techniques that can also help ease pain and improve shoulder range of motion and function.
7. Take Anti-inflammatories
Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medication can help provide relief from shoulder arthritis pain by helping control the inflammation and swelling. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen are just a few examples. If OTC medication does not provide relief, doctors can prescribe stronger anti-inflammatories and other types of medication.
8. Apply Topical Medication
Patients with shoulder arthritis and gastrointestinal problems may experience discomfort from OTC anti-inflammatories. Topical medication with analgesics may provide relief from shoulder arthritis without the accompanying stomach upset.
9. Use Warm and Cold Compress
If the shoulder is stiff, a warm compress can increase blood flow and ease stiffness. If the symptom is more of pain, then a cold compress can help provide a numbing effect and ease swelling from shoulder arthritis. Alternating the two helps improve symptoms for many people.
10. Try Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the use of dry needles to stimulate a series of physiological responses. Acupuncture for shoulder arthritis involves placing needles into the nerve pathways affected by the disease. It stimulates the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers, and also the process of healing.
If you want to know how to manage shoulder arthritis pain, seek the services of an orthopedic surgeon. Nothing beats the advice of a medical expert, and you will have more options for treatment and a better chance at experiencing lasting relief from shoulder arthritis pain.
Shoulder Arthritis Treatment in Lutherville, Maryland
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our orthopedic surgeons can help provide expert treatment for your shoulder pain. Since 1987, we have been treating the full spectrum of shoulder problems. Find out your options for shoulder arthritis pain. Schedule an appointment now. Call our clinic at (410) 296-6232 or use our online form. We are proud to serve Bel Air, Clarksville, Eldersburg, Pasadena, and Westminster, Maryland.
