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Shoulder Arthritis Treatment in Pune
Get expert shoulder arthritis treatment in Pune with specialists offering pain management, joint preservation, and surgical options.
Overview
Shoulder arthritis is a widespread condition that impacts millions of people around the world. It happens when the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, which can eventually cause cartilage to wear down. This smooth tissue normally lines our joints and allows for fluid movement. When cartilage wears away, bones can rub directly against each other, causing shoulder joint pain and restricted motion.
The shoulder is a complex ball and socket joint involving three main bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone). Two primary joints can develop arthritis in shoulder joint problems. The larger glenohumeral joint is where the humeral head fits into the glenoid socket of the scapula. The smaller acromioclavicular (AC) joint sits at the top of the shoulder where the clavicle meets the acromion.
While there’s currently no cure for shoulder arthritis, various treatment options can help manage symptoms and maintain activity levels. Understanding what causes shoulder joint pain and available treatments is essential for anyone dealing with this condition.
Common Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis
The most frequent complaint among people with shoulder arthritis is shoulder joint pain. This discomfort typically worsens with activity and progresses over time. The location of pain often indicates which joint is affected.
Glenohumeral Arthritis Symptoms:
- A dull, deep pain felt in the side or back of the shoulder
- Pain in joint of right shoulder or left shoulder joint pain that may worsen with weather changes
- Night pain that disrupts sleep
- Limited range of motion
AC Joint Arthritis Symptoms:
- Pain focused on the top of the shoulder
- Discomfort near the end of the collarbone
- Clavicle bone pain during movement
General Symptoms Include:
- Shoulder joint cracking sound or shoulder crepitation (grinding sensation)
- Stiffness that makes reaching or lifting difficult
- Swollen shoulder appearance
- Cracking sound in shoulder during movement
- Difficulty finding comfortable sleeping positions
For those with rheumatoid shoulder involvement, pain may affect the entire shoulder area when both joints are impacted. It’s important to note that symptom severity doesn’t always match the degree of cartilage damage visible on imaging studies.
Types and Causes of Shoulder Arthritis
Understanding what causes shoulder joint pain helps in choosing appropriate treatment. Different types of arthritis can affect the shoulder:
Osteoarthritis Shoulder
This is the most common type, often referred to as “wear-and-tear” arthritis. Osteoarthritis in the shoulder usually progresses slowly as cartilage wears away over time.It’s more common in people over 50 and frequently affects the AC joint, though it can impact the glenohumeral joint as well.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Shoulder
This autoimmune disease causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the tissues in the joints. Rheumatoid shoulder problems often affect multiple joints symmetrically and can damage cartilage, ligaments, and even soften bone. Both the AC joint and glenohumeral joint can be equally affected.
Post-traumatic Arthritis
This type develops following a specific shoulder injury, such as a fracture or dislocation. It can affect either joint and represents a form of osteoarthritis that occurs after trauma.
Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy
When a large and long-term rotator cuff tear happens, the humeral head may shift upward and rub against the acromion. This damages bone surfaces and leads to arthritis, often causing severe shoulder muscle pain and weakness.
Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
This condition develops when blood supply to the humeral head is disrupted. If blood flow is reduced, bone cells can die, leading to bone collapse and damage to the shoulder cartilage. Causes include high-dose steroid use, heavy alcohol consumption, sickle cell disease, and traumatic injuries.
Shoulder Arthritis Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Shoulder Arthritis doctors use several approaches:
Physical Examination
During the examination, doctors assess:
- Range of motion (both active and passive)
- Muscle weakness or atrophy
- Tenderness when touched
- Signs of previous injuries
- Presence of shoulder crepitation
- Pain response to joint pressure
Imaging Studies
Shoulder Arthritis X Ray: X-rays are typically the first imaging test performed. They show joint space narrowing, bone changes, and formation of bone spurs. A right shoulder x ray image can reveal the extent of cartilage loss and help guide treatment decisions.
CT Scans: These provide more detailed bone structure views and are often used for surgical planning.
MRI Scans: These show soft tissues around the joint, including rotator cuff tendons, and help identify related problems.
Diagnostic Injections
Doctors may sometimes inject a local anesthetic into the joint. If the pain is temporarily relieved, it suggests that arthritis is the likely cause rather than another condition.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Initial treatment typically begins with conservative approaches:
Activity Modification and Rest
Avoiding activities that aggravate pain is essential. Be mindful of movements that trigger pain and adjust your activities as needed.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Shoulder joint pain exercise programs can significantly help manage symptoms. Free exercises for shoulder joint mobility include:
- Range of motion exercises: Focus on forward elevation, abduction, and rotation
- Shoulder stretching exercises: Gentle stretching of anterior and posterior capsule
- Strengthening exercises: Using elastic bands for external and internal rotation
- Pendulum swings: Letting the arm hang and swing freely while leaning over
Physical therapy aims to maintain or improve mobility while strengthening supporting muscles. However, it’s important to avoid exercises that cause sharp pain.
Medication Options
Several shoulder joint pain relief medicine options are available:
Over-the-counter medications:
- Acetaminophen for pain relief
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for inflammation and pain
- Anti-inflammatory creams can be applied directly to the painful area for relief.
Prescription medications:
- Disease-modifying drugs for rheumatoid arthritis shoulder cases
- Stronger pain medications when needed
Injection Therapy
Corticosteroid injections can provide significant, though often temporary, relief from inflammation and pain. Although generally considered safe, doctors often limit how many injections can be given each year.
Hyaluronic acid injections have not proven effective for shoulder arthritis and are not currently recommended.
Temperature Therapy
- Heat therapy: Apply moist heat before exercising or as needed for temporary relief
- Cold therapy: Apply ice to the shoulder for 20–30 minutes several times a day to help reduce inflammation.
Surgical Treatment Options
When non-surgical methods don’t provide adequate relief, surgical options may be considered:
Arthroscopic Shoulder Debridement
For mild to moderate glenohumeral arthritis, this minimally invasive procedure involves “cleaning out” the joint through small incisions. Surgeons remove loose cartilage fragments and bone spurs, though pain relief is often temporary.
Shoulder Joint Replacement
This is the recommended treatment for severe glenohumeral joint arthritis:
Hemiarthroplasty: Only the humeral head (ball) is replaced with an artificial component.
Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Both the ball and socket are replaced, mimicking natural anatomy with a plastic cup in the glenoid and metal ball on the humerus.
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: The ball and socket positions are reversed, particularly beneficial for patients with large rotator cuff tears alongside arthritis.
AC Joint Surgery
Distal Clavicle Resection is the most common procedure for mild ac joint arthrosis or acromioclavicular arthropathy. A small section of bone is taken from the end of the collarbone, allowing the area to fill in with scar tissue.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Proper rehabilitation is crucial whether managing arthritis conservatively or recovering from surgery:
Non-Surgical Rehabilitation
Physical therapy focuses on:
- Increasing joint mobility and range of motion
- Strengthening exercises (3 times per week)
- Daily flexibility and motion exercises
- Manual therapy to improve joint mobility
Post-Surgical Recovery
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed. After shoulder replacement, the arm may be in a sling for 6-8 weeks. Returning to activities like golf may take around 3 months, with gradual activity increases over a year.
Patient compliance with therapy programs and lifting restrictions is critical for optimal outcomes. Factors like existing medical conditions, smoking, and depression can influence recovery.
Prevention
While some causes like aging and genetics aren’t preventable, certain strategies may help:
- Avoid nicotine products, including vaping
- Maintain a healthy diet like the Mediterranean diet
- Achieve and maintain healthy weight
- Engage in low-impact, non-weight-bearing activities
- Reduce injury risk by avoiding excessive shoulder stress
- Seek early treatment at first sign of symptoms
Living With Shoulder Arthritis
Managing shoulder arthritis requires a comprehensive approach. While there’s no cure, various treatments can effectively control symptoms and maintain quality of life. Home remedies for shoulder pain, combined with professional medical care, can provide significant relief.
Working closely with Shoulder Arthritis specialists to develop personalized treatment plans is essential. Whether dealing with left shoulder joint pain, right shoulder joint pain, or bilateral symptoms, proper management can help maintain an active lifestyle despite arthritis challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Shoulder arthritis causes inflammation and cartilage breakdown in the joint, resulting in pain, stiffness, and limited movement.
- Affects the glenohumeral (ball-and-socket) or acromioclavicular joints, with types including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and avascular necrosis.
- Diagnosis combines physical exams, imaging (X-rays, MRI/CT scans), and diagnostic injections to pinpoint pain sources.
- Initial treatment focuses on conservative methods: activity modification, tailored exercises, pain-relief medications, temperature therapy, and steroid injections.
- Surgical options like arthroscopic debridement or shoulder replacement (total/reverse) are recommended for advanced cases unresponsive to non-surgical care.
- Rehabilitation is critical for restoring mobility and strength, whether managing symptoms conservatively or recovering post-surgery.
At Sancheti Hospital, we specialize in diagnosing and treating shoulder arthritis through advanced imaging, personalized treatment plans, and innovative surgical solutions. Our experienced orthopedic team offers comprehensive care, including non-surgical therapies like physical therapy and injections, as well as surgical options such as shoulder replacement and arthroscopic procedures. We prioritize patient-centered rehabilitation programs to restore mobility and reduce pain, supported by cutting-edge technology and evidence-based practices. Trust Sancheti Hospital to provide tailored solutions that enhance your quality of life and help you regain shoulder function with confidence.
Meet Our Shoulder Specialists
Patient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of shoulder arthritis is the most common?
The most common type is osteoarthritis shoulder, often referred to as “wear-and-tear” arthritis or degenerative joint disease that typically affects people over 50.
What does shoulder arthritis feel like?
Shoulder arthritis typically causes mild-to-severe shoulder joint pain, often described as a deep ache. You may experience shoulder joint cracking sound, stiffness, loss of range of motion, and cracking sound in shoulder with movement. Night pain is also common, making sleep difficult.
How is shoulder arthritis diagnosed?
Doctors perform shoulder problem diagnosis based on symptoms, medical history, physical examination checking for shoulder crepitation, and imaging tests like shoulder arthritis x ray. Sometimes CT or MRI scans provide more detailed views for comprehensive evaluation.
Can exercise help shoulder arthritis?
Yes, shoulder joint pain exercise and shoulder stretching exercises can be very helpful. Free exercises for shoulder joint mobility, particularly those focused on maintaining range of motion and flexibility, are essential. However, avoid activities causing sharp pain.
What are home remedies for shoulder pain?
Home remedies for shoulder pain include applying heat before exercises, icing for 20-30 minutes several times daily, gentle range of motion exercises, and avoiding activities that worsen symptoms. However, professional medical evaluation is recommended for persistent pain.
When is surgery recommended for shoulder arthritis?
Surgery is typically considered when non-surgical shoulder joint pain treatment methods, such as medication, physical therapy, and injections, no longer provide adequate relief from pain significantly limiting daily activities.
How does total shoulder replacement differ from reverse shoulder replacement?
In conventional total shoulder ball and socket joint replacement, both ball and socket are replaced mimicking normal anatomy. Reverse replacement switches positions, placing a metal ball on the socket side and plastic cup on the arm bone, often used when large rotator cuff tears are present.
How to cure shoulder pain naturally?
While there’s no complete cure, natural ways to manage shoulder pain include gentle exercises, hot and cold therapy, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco use, and following an anti-inflammatory diet. Seeking professional guidance can help ensure these methods are safe and effective.
