Shoulder Arthritis

What is shoulder arthritis?

Shoulder arthritis is a condition where the articular surfaces of the shoulder, which are covered with a smooth cartilage cap, become damaged and roughened. Once this has happened, there isn’t any way to get that smooth cartilage back. This usually happens over time from repeated use but can also happen from a single incident such as a dislocation. This damage is accompanied by pain, swelling, and loss of shoulder motion.

Common Contributors to the Development of Shoulder Arthritis

Being Overweight

Overweight and obesity is one of the main causes of shoulder arthritis. Arthritis is caused by the degeneration of protective cartilage on joints within the body. For those with overweight or obesity, this breakdown is furthered by excess weight and pressure on such junctions. This can lead to a facilitated or worsened breakdown of joint cartilage and thus result in the development or worsening of arthritis and its symptoms.

History of Shoulder Injuries

A history of shoulder injuries is also a typical contributor to the development of arthritis. Common injuries that have been found to cause post-traumatic arthritis include cartilage tears, fractures, dislocations, sprains, and knee injuries. These inflictions can cause severe damage and inflammation to the joint area and can cause acute or chronic cases of arthritis pain.

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis are one of the most prevalent causes of arthritis symptoms. While your immune system normally works to protect your body against infection and disease, cases of autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis relate to situations in which these conditions differ, with the immune system attacking healthy tissues, such as those within the joints. This can contribute to a degeneration of protective cartilage and also cause the development of arthritis pain.

Treatment Options for Shoulder Arthritis

Change in Activity

The first line of treatment for shoulder arthritis is to avoid activities that increase the pain. This may mean taking a break from sports, physical labor, or any other strenuous activity that causes additional pain or inflammation.

Cortisone Injections

Cortisone is a steroid that can be injected directly into the affected area. These injections are thought to reduce pain and swelling by causing anti-inflammatory effects.

Joint Supplements

Joint supplements are often taken orally to promote the health of your joints. They may come in powder, capsule, or tablet form. They contain amino acids, antioxidants, and other beneficial nutrients that help promote the health of your joints.

Surgery

If the above treatments do not work, or if your arthritis is so severe that it can’t be managed, you may require surgery to fix and reconstruct damaged bones within your shoulder. Many surgical procedures and techniques vary depending on the severity of your condition and what caused it in the first place.

Get Proper Treatment for Your Shoulder Arthritis

Considering the broad scope and specificity of causes and treatments of arthritis pain, you should always consult a reputable medical professional before making any treatment decisions.

Tired of letting shoulder arthritis and pain hold you back? Put a stop to it today and schedule an appointment at our Roseville or Carmichael offices by calling (916) 961-3434. You can also reach us electronically by filling out our online contact form.