Shoulder Arthritis Treatments in Wayne, NJ

Shoulder arthritis can develop for several reasons and is one of the most common conditions for our patients. Arthritis can make even the simplest tasks more difficult, but the pain it brings can be alleviated with the proper treatment and care. The board-certified specialists at High Mountain Orthopedics are experts in advanced surgical and non-surgical treatment methods for patients across Wayne, NJ.

What is Shoulder Arthritis?

Several forms of arthritis can affect any of the three parts that make up the shoulder: the clavicle, humerus, and scapula. Some of the most common forms of arthritis include:

• Post-traumatic shoulder arthritis: This is variation develops as a result of a traumatic injury to the shoulder, such as a dislocation or a fracture.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: RA is an autoimmune disease that attacks the lining of the joints. RA causes this lining to swell, resulting in bone erosion and joint deformity.
• Osteoarthritis: OA is a form of arthritis that develops from natural wear and tear. This causes the cartilage to degrade, which in turn causes the bones to rub up against one another directly.
• Rotator cuff tears arthropathy: if you have an existing rotator cuff tear, this type of arthritis often develops over time. It causes the head of the humerus to detach from the socket, which forces it to rub up against the acromion and cause discomfort.
• Avascular necrosis shoulder arthritis: AVN occurs when the blood supply to the area is disrupted, causing the cartilage in the shoulder joint to die.

Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis

Arthritis of the shoulder can lead to several symptoms. Pain and stiffness are is among the most common symptoms. Depending on the type of arthritis present, the pain can stem from different areas:

• Upper arm: If the arthritis is affecting the upper arm, the pain reaches the back of the shoulder and has the potential to worsen with weather changes.
• Top of the shoulder: Arthritis that affects the clavicle causes pain at the top of the shoulder, and has the potential to radiate up to the side of the neck.
• Undefined: RA often causes pain throughout the shoulder, especially if it affects each region.

In addition to aches and pains, patients often experience a limited range of motion that prevents them from performing simple, day-to-day tasks and getting the rest they need at night. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, our orthopedic specialists can work with you to deliver the medical care you need.

Treatment Options for Shoulder Arthritis

Once diagnosed with arthritis of the shoulder, our experts can discuss surgical and non-surgical treatment options to help you find relief. High Mountain Orthopedics offers personalized, expert medical care that aims to achieve the best possible outcomes. Non-surgical treatments may include:

• Changing or adding dietary supplements
• Corticosteroid injections
• Cold therapy
• Moist heat
• NSAIDs and other medications
• Physical therapy

If non-surgical means are ineffective, your doctor may recommend surgery. The surgical procedures that can repair the damage caused by shoulder arthritis include:

• Shoulder arthroscopy: This minimally invasive surgery is performed using a small camera and specialized instruments that allow the surgeon to repair your shoulder with a high level of precision.
• Shoulder joint replacement: Open surgery is utilized when the bones or ligaments in the shoulder need to be replaced with prosthetics to restore functionality.

Receive Treatment for Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis is a manageable condition. With the treatment options that High Mountain Orthopedics offers patients in Wayne, NJ, you can relieve the pain it causes and increase your range of motion through expert care. Get started by contacting us for an office appointment today.