Shoulder Arthritis Treatment
Arthritis comes in many forms and attacks the joints with inflammation, pain and degeneration. The shoulder has two joints, and both can be impacted by arthritis. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which can take its toll on the shoulder joints. Our orthopedic specialists at DOCS Health offer advanced options in shoulder arthritis at our medical center in Los Angeles.
Arthritis, which comes in over 100 varieties, does not have a cure. Two of the most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and both can affect the shoulder, causing pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of mobility. Osteoarthritis is a wear and tear arthritis that usually impacts the acromioclavicular joint more than the glenohumeral joint. Rheumatoid arthritis can attack both joints, causing pain and inflicting cartilage damage. Shoulder arthritis treatment focuses on relieving inflammation to minimize and slow damage to the joint and cartilage, as well as relieve pain and improve joint function.
Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis
Shoulder arthritis symptoms depend on the type of arthritis and which joints are affected, but pain is almost always one of the most noticeable symptoms. Specific shoulder arthritis symptoms can include:
- Shoulder pain at the top of the shoulder can indicate acromioclavicular joint arthritis
- Shoulder pain in the back of the shoulder can indicate glenohumeral joint arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can result in pain through both shoulder joints
- Grinding or clicking in shoulder when raising or rotating arm
- Weakness and loss of range of motion in arm and shoulder joint
Shoulder arthritis treatments are constantly improving, slowing this progressive disease and offering pain relief for those suffering from osteoarthritis, RA and other forms. Many treatments are interventional and non-invasive, including injections and physical therapy. In severe cases of shoulder arthritis, surgery may be required to repair cartilage, remove bone spurs or perform other joint repairs.
If you have symptoms of shoulder arthritis, treatment and pain relief is available at DOCS Health. Contact our orthopedic clinic in Los Angeles to schedule an appointment.
Doctors who treat this condition
Unless otherwise indicated, the physician is a member of DOCS Health Medical Group and has medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both. Physicians denoted with an asterisk (*) are independent physicians who are not part of DOCS Health Medical Group, but do have medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both.