Shoulder Arthritis Specialist

What is shoulder arthritis?

Shoulder arthritis is inflammation and tenderness in the shoulder joint. Arthritis is a general medical term that means inflammation in a joint. It can affect any joint in your body, including your shoulder.

There are many types of arthritis. The types of arthritis that commonly affect the shoulder include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Rotator cuff tear arthropathy
• Post-traumatic arthritis

Arthritis is a progressive degenerative condition that worsens over time. When left untreated, arthritis may lead to pain and permanent joint damage.

What are the symptoms of shoulder arthritis?

Shoulder pain is the most common symptom of shoulder arthritis. Initially, your pain may be mild and treatable with over-the-counter pain relievers. However, over time, your pain may worsen and no longer respond to at-home care.

Your shoulder arthritis may also limit your range of motion, making it harder for you to engage in your regular activities. When you move your shoulder, you may feel or hear a grinding sensation – a condition known as crepitus.

How is shoulder arthritis diagnosed?

Dr. Dewanjee performs a comprehensive clinical exam at FXRX Inc. to diagnose shoulder arthritis. He asks detailed questions about your symptoms, including the type of pain you feel, how it affects the use of your shoulder, and the activities that make your pain worse.

Dr. Dewanjee examines your shoulder, looking for areas of tenderness, and assessing your joint’s range of motion, strength, and flexibility.

He may be able to diagnose shoulder arthritis after a physical exam but might request diagnostic tests such as blood work or X-rays to confirm a diagnosis. 

How is shoulder arthritis treated?

Dr. Dewanjee takes a patient-centered approach to care. He customizes your shoulder arthritis treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms, your usual activities, and your medical history.

Initially, he recommends non-surgical interventions such as:

• Activity modification
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Physical therapy
• Regenerative medicine with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or stem cells
• Steroid injections

However, if you have advanced shoulder arthritis or a degenerative condition, Dr. Dewanjee may recommend shoulder replacement surgery. As a skilled and experienced orthopedic surgeon, he uses the most advanced tools and techniques when performing shoulder replacement to get the best possible outcomes.

For help with shoulder arthritis, call FXRX Inc. or schedule an appointment online today.