Shoulder pain that won’t go away could be more than just a strain; it might be arthritis. In this article, you’ll learn what shoulder arthritis is, how it affects your life, what causes it, how it’s diagnosed, and the treatments that can help you get back to living with less pain.
If you’re struggling with chronic shoulder discomfort or stiffness, you don’t have to live with it. Dr. Wame Waggenspack in Houston, Texas, offers personalized and expert care for shoulder arthritis. Reach out today to explore your treatment options.
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Arthritis of the shoulder is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and damage in the shoulder joint, leading to cartilage loss, stiffness, and severe pain. There are two joints in the shoulder that can be affected by arthritis. The glenohumeral joint and the ac joint.
The glenohumeral shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the humeral head (top of the upper arm bone) and the shoulder socket of the shoulder blade. The ac joint is where the acromion of the shoulder blade meets the clavicle.
The articular cartilage normally covers the shoulder bones, providing a smooth cartilage surface that allows painless movement. When this normal tissue breaks down, the bones rub together, causing pain, inflammation, and the formation of bone spurs. These changes can restrict shoulder movement, damage rotator cuff tendons, and severely limit your range of motion.
For many, the most common symptom of shoulder arthritis is persistent, deep aching pain in the joint. This discomfort might worsen with activity or after long periods of rest. Over time, you may notice stiffness, muscle tenderness, or difficulty lifting your arm. Some patients also hear grinding sounds due to the rough surfaces in the joint.
Loss of joint space and cartilage surface makes daily tasks like getting dressed, combing hair, or sleeping challenging. In cases involving cuff tear arthropathy or a large rotator cuff tear, the damage can be even more profound, leading to significant weakness and pain.
Several factors contribute to arthritis of the shoulder. The most common type is osteoarthritis of the shoulder, a wear-and-tear condition that tends to occur with aging or repetitive shoulder use. Other types include:
Dr. Waggenspack begins the diagnostic process with a thorough medical history and physical exam. He’ll ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, and any shoulder dislocations or trauma. During the exam, he will check your range of motion, assess muscle tenderness, and look for visible signs of arthritis.
Imaging such as X-rays or MRIs helps reveal cartilage loss, joint signs, and bone spurs. These tests are key in evaluating the severity and determining the best treatment options.
Dr. Waggenspack offers a full range of nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, starting with the most conservative approaches to reduce pain and improve function.
The initial treatment plan typically includes:
These approaches can be very effective in the early stages of shoulder osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis.
When conservative treatments no longer relieve pain, shoulder surgery may be necessary. If your arthritis is still mild but painful, shoulder arthroscopy debridement can alleviate pain while preserving the normal joint.
Not all patients with arthritis are candidates for this procedure. Dr. Waggenspack will evaluate your specific condition and provide you with the best options appropriate for your situation.
In addition to arthroscopic treatment of arthritis, Dr. Waggenspack is an expert in shoulder replacement surgery, including:
Both procedures remove damaged bone and cartilage surface, replacing them with artificial components to restore motion and pain relief.
Recovery from shoulder replacement takes time, but with proper care, the outlook is excellent. After surgery, patients typically go through physical therapy to regain range of motion and rebuild strength. Dr. Waggenspack provides a customized rehabilitation plan to ensure optimal healing.
Most patients begin to see significant improvements within a few weeks, but full recovery can take 3 to 6 months, depending on the procedure and overall health. Following your provider’s guidance and caring for your shoulder joint is key to long-term success.
Shoulder arthritis doesn’t have to control your life. Whether you’re dealing with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or complications from a rotator cuff tear, Dr. Waggenspack can help. His compassionate, expert care focuses on finding the right solution to get you back to doing what you love.
If you’re ready to take the next step in treating your arthritic shoulder, contact Dr. Wame Waggenspack’s Houston office today to schedule your consultation.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Wame Waggenspack
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Struggling with shoulder arthritis pain or stiffness? Dr Waggenspack Orthopedics in Houston, TX offers expert evaluation and treatment options, including injections and shoulder replacement, to relieve pain and improve mobility.
Need expert elbow surgery in Houston, TX? Dr Waggenspack Orthopedics treats elbow injuries and conditions with personalized surgical and non-surgical solutions to restore strength, motion, and function.
Need expert shoulder surgery in Houston, TX? Dr Waggenspack Orthopedics offers advanced arthroscopic and open shoulder procedures, including rotator cuff repair, shoulder replacement, and fracture repair to restore function and relieve pain.
Sidelined by a sports injury? Dr Waggenspack Orthopedics in Houston, TX provides expert sports medicine care for shoulder and elbow injuries, helping athletes safely return to activity and performance.
Struggling with shoulder arthritis pain or stiffness? Dr Waggenspack Orthopedics in Houston, TX offers expert evaluation and treatment options, including injections and shoulder replacement, to relieve pain and improve mobility.
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