Coping With Arthritis Pain in Your Shoulders

Stiffness and pain related to shoulder arthritis can affect your ability to complete even the simplest tasks. For instance, you may find it difficult to comb your hair, open a door, or even hold a cup when your shoulders don’t move as expected due to pain and joint damage related to arthritis.  

Dr. Sumit Dewanjee at FXRX Orthopaedics & Bracing in Tempe, Arizona, is an expert in diagnosing and treating painful shoulder conditions, including arthritis pain that affects your shoulder mobility and strength.

Check out this information from Dr. Dewanjee about overcoming the challenges of shoulder arthritis.

Understanding the shoulder joints

Your shoulders are ball-and-socket joints that, along with your hips, are the most mobile in your body. Pain-free shoulder mobility matters whether you’re throwing a game-winning touchdown or setting the table for dinner.

Unfortunately, because your shoulders are engaged in many routine activities, they’re highly vulnerable to trauma and overuse injuries such as rotator cuff tears (sprains) or muscle strains.

The shoulders are also prone to arthritis, most commonly wear-and-tear osteoarthritis that degrades protective joint cartilage. Often related to aging joints, worn cartilage causes inflammation and stiffness. Left untreated, shoulder pain that may be subtle initially increases as the deterioration progresses.

Other types of arthritis affecting shoulder joints include rheumatoid arthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and post-traumatic arthritis following dislocation, fracture, or another shoulder injury.

How do you treat shoulder arthritis?

Fortunately, many conservative therapies can help stall the progression of shoulder arthritis while reducing its painful effects.

Based on your evaluation, which may include imaging studies to confirm the level of joint damage, Dr. Dewanjee may recommend one or more of the following:

Ice packs alternating with heat, 15 minutes each, several times a day, can also help reduce arthritic shoulder pain and stiffness.

What if conservative treatments don’t help with shoulder pain?

Although recognized as one of Arizona’s top shoulder surgeons, Dr. Dewanjee prefers to treat shoulder arthritis nonoperatively whenever possible.

But he may recommend a surgical procedure when nonsurgical solutions don’t relieve your symptoms. For instance, minimally invasive arthroscopic shoulder debridement offers long-term pain relief, lasting about 12-24 months.

For moderate to severe shoulder arthritis, Dr. Dewanjee may offer shoulder joint replacement as a permanent fix for your pain and limited range of motion.

Schedule an appointment at FXRX with Dr. Dewanjee today for expert orthopedic care that's always patient-focused. Call our Tempe, Arizona, office or request an appointment online.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Why People Are Turning to PRP for Pain Relief

You want relief right now when you're hurting, and we can help with that. But we have to tackle pain at its source to give you long-term solutions. PRP can help with that. Learn more about this innovative therapy.

I Got Hurt on the Job: Can You Help?

You deserve the best care available, whether injured on the job or while enjoying a weekend getaway. Our team explains how the process differs when you’re hurt on the job, starting with a provider who accepts workers’ compensation insurance.

How to Avoid an Ankle Fracture

A simple misstep can result in an ankle fracture that may interfere with your mobility for months. But how are you supposed to avoid an occasional clumsy step? Check these facts about different types of ankle fractures and how to reduce your risks.

When Should I Consider a Knee Replacement?

Knee replacement is rarely your first, second, and maybe not even your third treatment option for solving chronic knee pain. Our orthopedic specialist explains why and when you may benefit from partial or total knee replacement.

How PRP Is Alleviating Joint Pain and Restoring Mobility

PRP therapy was once reserved for celebrity athletes undergoing extensive rehab for joint injuries. These days, anyone experiencing joint pain and stiffness may benefit from this highly effective therapy. Check these facts about PRP.

When Does an ACL Tear Require Surgery?

Whether you need surgery for an ACL tear often depends on the nature of the tear and your activity level. You may be surprised to learn that the more active you are, the more benefit you receive from an ACL repair. Here’s why.