Shoulder arthritis is challenging and frustrating because it can make even the simplest daily tasks feel painful or overwhelming. You might be reaching into a cabinet, fastening your seatbelt, or trying to get dressed, and you’re struck with yet another reminder that your smooth cartilage isn’t what it used to be.
Thankfully, surgery isn’t your first or only option! Many people find significant relief using conservative treatments and look to advanced surgical procedures only if their arthritis becomes severe. If you’re dealing with shoulder arthritis at any stage, understanding your treatment options can help you make informed decisions about your care.
What Is Shoulder Arthritis?
Shoulder arthritis can happen if the cartilage that cushions your shoulder joint starts to break down. Without this essential protective layer, your bones rub against one another, which causes pain, stiffness, inflammation, and a limited range of motion.
Several types of arthritis can affect the shoulder, including:
• Osteoarthritis, the most common “wear-and-tear” form of arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that attacks the joint lining
• Post-traumatic arthritis, which develops after a shoulder injury such as a fracture or dislocation
As arthritis progresses, symptoms can become more noticeable and start to interfere with everyday life, making even the simplest things feel like hassles.
What Are the Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis?
Shoulder arthritis symptoms usually develop gradually and get worse over time.
Common signs include:
• Shoulder pain during movement or at rest
• Stiffness, especially in the morning
• Decreased range of motion
• Grinding, clicking, or popping sensations
• Difficulty reaching overhead
• Pain that interferes with sleep
• Weakness in the shoulder
If your symptoms persist after getting plenty of rest and managing your pain with over-the-counter medications, it’s probably time for an orthopedic evaluation.
What Conservative Treatments Help Shoulder Arthritis?
Many patients seek non-surgical treatment first to manage shoulder arthritis. If they find relief with more conservative treatments, they can potentially avoid surgery.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your physician may recommend:
• Activity modification to reduce stress on the joint
• Physical therapy to improve strength and mobility
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Heat or cold therapy
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief
These treatments can help reduce discomfort, improve shoulder function, and delay or even eliminate the need for surgery for some patients.
When Is Surgery Recommended?
Surgery isn’t always needed for shoulder arthritis, and conservative treatment is quite often effective and sufficient.
But in some cases, surgery is the best option:
• Pain is severe or constant
• Daily activities are significantly limited
• Sleep is regularly interrupted by shoulder pain
• Range of motion continues to decline
• Non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief
Your orthopedic surgeon will evaluate your symptoms, imaging studies, overall health, and activity level before recommending shoulder arthritis surgery.
What Surgical Options Are Available?
The right procedure depends on several factors, including the type of arthritis, the condition of your shoulder joint, and the health of your rotator cuff. Your doctor can help you understand which surgery might be right for you.
Total Shoulder Replacement
For many patients with advanced arthritis and an intact rotator cuff, a total shoulder replacement offers excellent pain relief and improved function.
During this procedure, the damaged ball and socket of the shoulder are replaced with artificial components designed to restore smooth movement.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Some patients have both severe arthritis and a damaged rotator cuff. In these cases, a reverse shoulder replacement may provide better stability and function by changing the mechanics of the shoulder so that the deltoid muscle can compensate for the injured rotator cuff. This procedure is often recommended when a traditional shoulder replacement would not provide the desired outcome.
Biological Arthroscopic Resurfacing
Younger patients with advanced cartilage damage but relatively preserved shoulder motion may be candidates for biological arthroscopic resurfacing.
This minimally invasive procedure uses arthroscopic techniques to address cartilage loss while preserving more of the patient’s natural joint, making it an option for select individuals who are not ideal candidates for joint replacement.
How Do You Know Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Every patient experiences shoulder arthritis differently.
Your orthopedic surgeon will consider factors such as:
• Your age
• The type and severity of arthritis
• The condition of your rotator cuff
• Your activity level
• Your treatment goals
The objective is always the same: relieve pain, improve shoulder function, and help you return to the activities you enjoy with the least invasive treatment appropriate for your condition.
Don’t Let Shoulder Arthritis Limit Your LifeDon’t Let Shoulder Arthritis Limit Your Life
Living with chronic shoulder pain doesn’t have to become your new normal. Whether you’re just beginning to notice stiffness or you’ve exhausted conservative treatments, an orthopedic evaluation can help determine the most effective path forward.
At Arizona Center for Hand to Shoulder Surgery, our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating shoulder arthritis using both advanced non-surgical therapies and state-of-the-art surgical techniques. From physical therapy recommendations and injections to total and reverse shoulder replacement, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan focused on restoring comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
If shoulder pain is interfering with your daily activities, schedule a consultation today to learn which treatment option might be right for you!
