Shoulder Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of shoulder arthritis. Also called wear-and-tear arthritis or degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is characterized by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint. As the protective cartilage is worn away by shoulder arthritis, bare bone is exposed within the joint.
The other type of shoulder arthritis that is not uncommon is rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic condition that causes an inflammation of the lining of a joint. This inflammation can, over time, invade and destroy the cartilage and bone.
Treatment
Treatment of shoulder arthritis should begin with the most basic steps, and progress to the more involved, possibly including surgery. Not all treatments are appropriate in every patient, and you should have a discussion with your doctor to determine which treatments are appropriate for your shoulder arthritis.
*Activity Modification. Limiting certain activities may be necessary, and learning new exercise methods may be helpful. Shoulder exercises are excellent for patients who have a weak shoulder.
*Physical Therapy. Stretching and strengthening of the muscles around the shoulder joint may help decrease the burden on the shoulder. Preventing atrophy of the muscles is an important part of maintaining functional use of the shoulder.
*Anti-inflammatory Medications. Anti-inflammatory pain medications (NSAIDs) are prescription and nonprescription drugs that help treat pain and inflammation. Talk to your doctor before taking anti-inflammatory medication for shoulder arthritis.
*Cortisone Injections. Cortisone injections may help decrease inflammation and reduce pain within a joint. While this will not cure shoulder arthritis, it may diminish the symptoms and help control pain.
*Joint Supplements (Glucosamine). Glucosamine appears to be safe and may be effective for treatment of shoulder arthritis, but research into these supplements has been limited. Many patients find moderate relief with glucosamine for symptoms of shoulder arthritis.
*Shoulder Arthroscopy. Exactly how effective shoulder arthroscopy is for treatment of arthritis is debatable. For some specific symptoms of shoulder arthritis, it may be helpful.
*Shoulder Replacement Surgery. In this procedure the arthritic cartilage is removed and a metal and plastic implant is placed in the shoulder. This is an excellent option to relieve pain associated with severe shoulder arthritis. |
