What to Expect from Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Get expert treatment and care for your shoulder osteoarthritis from Rothman Orthopaedic Institute so you can keep living the life you deserve.

Are you or someone you love suffering from shoulder pain or discomfort? Are you concerned that the real culprit might be shoulder osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of joint disorder. If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain or are concerned that you may be developing shoulder osteoarthritis, then the problematic joint should be examined by a doctor to determine what is causing the discomfort and the best way to treat it.

Here at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, we help provide answers to your questions about your condition, so that you can understand the treatment process. This first step is important for your recovery. Here is some basic information about shoulder osteoarthritis to help you understand the condition.

Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Osteoarthritis

First, you should contact a doctor to evaluate your pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis can usually be confirmed with an x-ray and physical examination. If you have osteoarthritis in your shoulder joint, there are several common symptoms you may be experiencing, including:

• Joint stiffness or discomfort

• Swelling in the shoulder joint

• A feeling or sound of “rubbing” or “crunching” in the affected joint

• Difficulty sleeping

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the breakdown or degeneration of the cartilage in a joint which can happen for a variety of reasons. Joint degeneration may also be worsened due to a previous injury. When shoulder cartilage breaks down, the bones are left exposed and may rub against each other causing inflammation and pain. The discomfort caused by this condition often leads to a reduction in movement in the affected joints, and may limit patients’ ability to participate in certain activities.

Treatments for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

There are a number of non-surgical treatments recommended to those diagnosed with shoulder osteoarthritis. Treatments that may assist with pain management are:

• Medication– The right medication can help reduce pain and keep swelling in check.

• Physical Therapy– Strengthening the muscles around the affected joint can help to reduce the strain put on the joint.

• Occupational Therapy– This treatment teaches you how to perform your daily activities while putting minimal stress on the arthritic joint.

• Joint Replacement Surgery– If the joint cannot be satisfactorily treated through non-surgical methods, it may be necessary to replace the joint with a prosthesis to prevent disability and improve one’s quality of life.

Where to Find Expert Care

The shoulder joint is very important for many basic movements that you make every day. If you are diagnosed with osteoarthritis, then you will want to receive the best treatment available in order to regain and maintain as much shoulder movement as possible.

Here at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, all of our physicians are highly specialized in the procedures and treatments we perform. Every year, our physicians see hundreds of patients and treat them with the latest technology and most advanced treatments available. Rothman Orthopaedic Institute is here to help every step of the way. Don’t let your condition keep you from living your life the way you want– let us provide the expert care you deserve.

For more information, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.