ARTHRITIS OF THE SHOULDER

ABOUT ARTHRITIS OF THE SHOULDER

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. In a diseased shoulder, inflammation causes pain and stiffness.Although there is no cure for arthritis of the shoulder, there are many treatment options available. Using these, most people with arthritis are able to manage pain and stay active. We can help treat Shoulder Arthritis in Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Worksop.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SHOULDER ARTHRITIS?

Arthritis of the shoulder is painful and will probably affect your mobility. Other symptoms include:

• Pain. The most common symptom of arthritis of the shoulder is pain, which is aggravated by activity and progressively worsens.

• Limited range of motion. Limited motion is another common symptom. It may become more difficult to lift your arm to comb your hair or reach up to a shelf. You may hear a grinding, clicking, or snapping sound (crepitus) as you move your shoulder.

• Night pain is common and sleeping may be difficult.

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?

Arthritis of the shoulder can be treated both surgically and non surgically depending on your own individual case.

Non Surgical Treatments

• Rest or change in activities to avoid provoking pain. You may need to change the way you move your arm to do things

• Physical therapy exercises may improve the range of motion in your shoulder.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may reduce inflammation and pain.

• Corticosteroid injections in the shoulder can dramatically reduce the inflammation and pain. However, the effect is often temporary.

• Ice your shoulder for 20 to 30 minutes two or three times a day to reduce inflammation and ease pain.

Surgical Treatments

• Arthroscopy – Cases of mild glenohumeral arthritis may be treated with arthroscopy, During arthroscopy, the surgeon inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into the shoulder joint. The camera displays pictures on a television screen, and the surgeon uses these images to guide miniature surgical instruments.

• Shoulder joint replacement (arthroplasty) – Advanced arthritis of the glenohumeral joint can be treated with shoulder replacement surgery, in which the damaged parts of the shoulder are removed and replaced with artificial components, called a prosthesis.

Book an appointment with our specialist surgeons to treat shoulder arthritis in Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster or Worksop. You can also follow us on social media.