Arthritis · Shoulder
Shoulder Arthritis
Shoulder arthritis may create discomfort that interferes with daily activities. For some individuals, symptoms are mild and only occur intermittently during or after activities. At other times, symptoms may be more severe and persistent.
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Overview
How Shoulder Arthritis Presents
Shoulder arthritis may create discomfort that interferes with daily activities. For some individuals, symptoms are mild and only occur intermittently during or after activities. At other times, symptoms may be more severe and persistent.
How the Diagnosis Is Confirmed
X-ray images are commonly utilized to confirm the diagnosis of shoulder arthritis.
What Patients May Notice
- Discomfort that interferes with daily activities
- Mild symptoms occurring intermittently during or after activities
- Symptoms that are more severe and persistent
- Stiffness at the shoulder
- Muscular weakness
When to Seek Evaluation
If shoulder discomfort is interfering with your daily activities, an evaluation can confirm the diagnosis and help you understand which treatment options are appropriate for you.
Request an AppointmentTreatment Options
Non-Operative Treatment
Non-operative treatment options include observation, over-the-counter medications, cortisone injection, and therapy.
Observation
For mild symptoms that occur only intermittently, monitoring the condition over time may be appropriate.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications are one of the non-operative options your treating physician may discuss.
Exercise & Therapy
An exercise program and supervised therapy may assist with symptoms including stiffness and muscular weakness.
Cortisone Injection
A cortisone injection into the shoulder joint may help alleviate pain.
Non-operative treatment carries risks and benefits which should be discussed with your treating physician.
Surgical Treatment
Shoulder Arthroplasty (Replacement)
When nonoperative treatment options are trialed and symptoms persist, surgical treatment options include shoulder arthroplasty (replacement).
With total shoulder arthroplasty, both the glenoid (socket side) and the proximal humerus (ball side) are replaced. This surgical procedure may help to alleviate pain symptoms.
Glenoid
The socket side of the shoulder joint — replaced in total shoulder arthroplasty.
Proximal Humerus
The ball side of the shoulder joint — replaced in total shoulder arthroplasty.
Risks & Benefits
Outcomes after surgery vary and risks and benefits should be discussed in detail with your treating physician.
Non-operative treatment also carries risks and benefits which should be discussed with your treating physician.
Shoulder Pain Limiting Your Day?
An evaluation can confirm the diagnosis and help you understand whether non-operative treatment or shoulder arthroplasty is the right path for you.
Request an AppointmentCommon Questions
Shoulder Arthritis FAQs
What does shoulder arthritis feel like?+
Shoulder arthritis may create discomfort that interferes with daily activities. For some individuals, symptoms are mild and only occur intermittently during or after activities. At other times, symptoms may be more severe and persistent.
How is shoulder arthritis diagnosed?+
X-ray images are commonly utilized to confirm the diagnosis of shoulder arthritis.
What non-surgical treatment options are available?+
Non-operative treatment options include observation, over-the-counter medications, cortisone injection, and therapy. An exercise program and supervised therapy may assist with symptoms including stiffness and muscular weakness. A cortisone injection into the shoulder joint may help alleviate pain.
When is surgery considered?+
When nonoperative treatment options are trialed and symptoms persist, surgical treatment options include shoulder arthroplasty (replacement).
What is a total shoulder arthroplasty?+
With total shoulder arthroplasty, both the glenoid (socket side) and the proximal humerus (ball side) are replaced. This surgical procedure may help to alleviate pain symptoms.
If you have sustained a shoulder injury, read about shoulder fractures.
Precision Hand and Orthopedic Surgery
Shoulder Arthritis Holding You Back?
If shoulder discomfort is interfering with your daily activities, an evaluation with Tanay Amin, MD, FAAOS can confirm the diagnosis and help you understand which treatment options are right for you.
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended to convey, substitute or supplant any medical advice. In order to establish a treating relationship, please schedule and complete your visits with a licensed physician.
Copyright 12/9/2021 Tanay Amin, MD. Do not copy, distribute, or publish this article. Please contact Precision Hand and Orthopedic Surgery PLLC with regards to any inquiries or corrections.