The shoulder is the most flexible and mobile joint in the human body. With such flexibility and mobility, however, also comes a greater susceptibility to conditions and injuries.
Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting the shoulder. As it does to the other joints in the body, arthritis causes shoulder pain, swelling, stiffness, tenderness, and a limited range of motion.
Here are a few facts about shoulder arthritis that will help give you a better understanding of the condition.
Fact #1 There are different types of shoulder arthritis.
There are various types of shoulder arthritis, some of which are outlined below.
- Shoulder osteoarthritis- This is a progressive degeneration of the cartilage inside the shoulder. The breakdown of the cartilage and joint tissues causes increased friction between the bones, thus the pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
- Rheumatoid arthritis of the shoulder- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in itself is an autoimmune condition, which means the body attacks healthy cells and launches an inflammatory response as though they were pathogens.
As the tissue that lines the shoulder (synovial membrane) gets inflamed and thickens, fluid builds up, causing erosion and deformity of the shoulder over time.
Unlike other types of shoulder arthritis, RA is a symmetrical condition, and thus, affects both shoulders at the same time.
- Post-traumatic shoulder arthritis- This form of shoulder arthritis develops as a result of injury to the joint (e.g., fracture and dislocation).
- Rotator cuff arthropathy– This occurs due to a massive or prolonged rotator cuff tear. The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons that supports the shoulder and holds your upper arm in place. A tear in one of the tendons of the rotator cuff can cause the humeral head (the head of the upper arm bone) to rub against other bones, resulting in arthritis.
Fact #2 There are various nonsurgical treatments available for shoulder arthritis.
Orthopedic surgeons usually start with conservative interventions to manage shoulder arthritis. A shoulder arthritis treatment plan could include a combination of any of the following treatment approaches:
- Cortisone shots
- Dietary modifications (low in sugar and saturated and trans fats)
- Dietary supplements
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) – if you have shoulder rheumatoid arthritis
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Physical therapy
Fact #3 Shoulder replacement is often necessary for intractable shoulder arthritis.
If you have severe shoulder arthritis, your orthopedic surgeon will likely recommend a shoulder replacement. The procedure involves replacing the damaged areas of your shoulder with prostheses to address the pain and restore the mobility and normal function of the joint.
Shoulder Arthritis Treatment in Bel Air, Maryland
Shoulder arthritis does not have to affect your quality of life. Visit us at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder today for an appointment with one of our highly qualified orthopedic surgeons. We offer a vast range of innovative and highly effective non-surgical and surgical treatment options, and we constantly strive to deliver unmatched treatment outcomes for the full range of upper-extremity musculoskeletal problems—including shoulder arthritis.
To see one of our orthopedic surgeons, call us at (410) 296-6232, or request an appointment right here on our website. We have several locations across Maryland: Lutherville, Bel Air, Clarksville, Eldersburg, Westminster, Baltimore, and Pasadena. We look forward to serving you!
