Are you or someone you know struggling with shoulder arthritis? It can make even small tasks feel impossible. But don’t worry, there are doctors and surgeons specialized in shoulder who use new treatments and surgeries to help you feel better and move your arm easily.
In this article, we will explore how shoulder doctors help people with arthritic conditions here at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder.
Understanding Arthritis in the Shoulder
Arthritis in the shoulder happens when the joints in that area get swollen and cause pain and stiffness. This can be caused by things like damage over time, diseases that affect your immune system, injuries, or infections.
In a normal shoulder, the bones are covered with cartilage that helps them move smoothly. When someone has arthritis, this cartilage gets worn down and the bones rub against each other. This can cause pain, and swelling, and make it harder to move their arm for everyday tasks like lifting or brushing hair.
There are two main joints in the shoulder that can have arthritis: the glenohumeral joint and the acromioclavicular (AC) joint.
The glenohumeral joint is where the arm bone connects to the shoulder blade, and arthritis here can cause pain and stiffness. The AC joint is where the collarbone meets the highest point of the shoulder blade, and arthritis here often causes pain on top of your shoulder.
The Role of Shoulder Doctors
Shoulder doctors are like the body’s mechanics focusing on your shoulder joint. They have a deep understanding of how to get your shoulder moving smoothly again, despite arthritis.
Signs You May Need to See a Shoulder Doctor
- Persistent shoulder pain that worsens with activity
- Decreased mobility and difficulty lifting your arm
- A grinding or clicking sensation in the shoulder during movement
- Swelling and tenderness around the joint
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consulting with a shoulder doctor could be the first step toward finding relief.
The Treatment Process
Step 1: Getting to Know Your Shoulder
The first thing a shoulder doctor does is to figure out what’s going wrong inside your shoulder. They might use X-rays or MRI scans to get a detailed look. This helps them craft a treatment plan that is just right for you.
Step 2: Trying Non-Surgical Methods
Not every shoulder problem requires surgery. Shoulder doctors in Baltimore will start with treatments that don’t involve surgery, such as:
Physical Therapy: Strengthening and improving the movement of your shoulder through guided exercises.
Medications: These can help reduce pain and swelling in the joint.
Injections: Getting medicine, especially steroids, right into your shoulder can provide quick relief from pain.
Step 3: Surgery by Shoulder Surgeons
If the simpler conservative treatments don’t do the trick, it might be time to consider shoulder surgery. Shoulder surgeons are skilled at procedures that can fix or replace parts of your shoulder joint.
It sounds daunting, but these experts are adept at making sure your shoulder can move freely again without pain.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
In some severe cases of arthritis, shoulder replacement surgery is performed.
During surgery, a shoulder surgeon will remove the damaged parts of your shoulder and replace them with artificial parts. There are two types: total shoulder replacement and reverse shoulder replacement. In total shoulder replacement, both the ball and socket of the joint are replaced. In reverse shoulder replacement, the ball is removed, and a socket is put in its place. Then, a socket is put in place where the original ball of the joint existed. This surgery is beneficial for those who have a torn rotator cuff that cannot regain its original function.
Choosing the Right Treatment
Choosing the right course of treatment for shoulder arthritis depends on many things, such as how bad your condition is, your overall health, and your lifestyle. A highly trained surgeon can help you decide by discussing the benefits and drawbacks of each option.
Shoulder Doctor in Baltimore, MD
If you’re dealing with shoulder arthritis, you’re not alone. There are highly qualified shoulder doctors and surgeons near Baltimore ready to help you regain your mobility and minimize your pain. Discussing your symptoms and treatment preferences with a professional is the first step towards a more comfortable life.
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our team of skilled orthopedic surgeons is expert in fixing all kinds of issues from the shoulder down to the fingertips. Our surgeons have performed thousands of orthopedic surgeries, so we know how to ease your pain and get your shoulder, wrist, elbow, and hand working like normal again.
If you would like to learn more about shoulder arthritis or want to set up a consultation with us, contact us today at (410) 296-6232 or request a visit by filling out our appointment request form now. We have locations in Lutherville, Bel Air, Clarksville, Pasadena and Westminster. Please visit us at any of our convenient locations near you!
