Shoulder
Arthritis
Arthritis damages your joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Arthritis damages muscles, tendons, joints, and ligaments, causing joint pain and a limited range of motion. Chronic arthritis can exacerbate these issues, leading to long-term pain and disability.
Types of Shoulder Arthritis
There are 5 types of arthritis that affect the shoulder:
As we age, the smooth surfaces of the cartilage that line the bones of the shoulder joint begin to wear out and become larger, causing osteoarthritis – mainly caused by overuse. This is most common in people over the age of 50.
Symptoms include:
- Joint pain
- Tenderness
- Stiffness
This is an autoimmune disease causing one or more joints to become inflamed, and may affect both shoulders at the same time. Rheumatoid Arthritis can cause your shoulder bones to erode and become deformed over time.
Symptoms include:
- Tenderness and warmth in the joints
- Shoulder stiffness, especially in the morning
- Fatigue, weight loss or fever
When blood cannot reach the long bone in your upper arm (humerus), the cells in your shoulder bone begin to die and subsequently destroys the joint tissue in the shoulder. This is a progressive disease and gradually worsens over time. Avascular necrosis can happen due to shoulder dislocations, fractures or high doses of steroids or alcohol abuse.
Shoulder injuries such as fractures and shoulder dislocations may eventually lead to post-traumatic arthritis, which causes fluid to build up in the shoulder joint, resulting in pain and swelling.
Generally, a rip in the tendons of the rotator cuff causes this form of arthritis to develop.
Symptoms include:
- Intense pain
- Muscle weakness that can make lifting difficult
For those experiencing arthritis symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, or difficulty in daily activities, it's essential to consult an arthritis specialist promptly. Dr. McLean's comprehensive approach to arthritis care, which includes arthritis exercise programs, arthritis support services, and advanced surgical interventions, is designed to improve patients' quality of life. His ongoing support ensures the highest quality of care for all his patients, making him an ideal choice for your arthritis treatment.
Arthritis Diagnosis
Early and accurate diagnosis of arthritis is crucial to preventing further complications and for effective treatment and management. The process typically involves several steps:
Dr James McLean will conduct a thorough medical history, asking about your symptoms, including their onset, duration, and severity. He will also enquire about any family history of arthritis or other autoimmune diseases, your lifestyle, occupational history, and any previous injuries to the shoulder.
A physical examination will be conducted to assess the affected joints. This includes:
- Noting any swelling around the shoulder joint.
- Assessing areas of tenderness and warmth which can indicate inflammation.
- Testing the shoulder's range of motion to see if movement is limited or painful.
- Observing any visible deformities or abnormalities in the joint structure.
- Evaluating the strength of the muscles around the shoulder joint.
Imaging tests are essential to get a detailed look at the joint structure and assess the extent of the damage. Standard imaging tests include:
- X-rays: These can reveal bone damage, joint space narrowing, and the presence of osteophytes (bone spurs) typical of osteoarthritis.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI provides a detailed view of bone and soft tissues, including cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. It is beneficial for detecting early signs of rheumatoid arthritis and soft tissue damage.
- Ultrasound: This imaging technique can help detect inflammation, fluid accumulation, and soft tissue changes in and around the joints.
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Laboratory tests often identify specific markers that can help diagnose arthritis types and rule out other conditions. These may include blood tests, specialised bone scans (where other imaging tests are inconclusive), or arthroscopy.
Arthritic Shoulder Treatments
When dealing with chronic arthritis pain, it's crucial to find arthritis doctors who are experienced in both non-surgical arthritis treatment and surgical options if necessary. Dr. James McLean, an orthopaedic surgeon in Adelaide, is recognised for his expertise in treating various forms of arthritis. He provides personalised treatment plans that include arthritis medication, arthritis physical therapy, and innovative joint inflammation treatments.
Depending on the type of arthritis you have, Dr James McLean may recommend either non-surgical or surgical arthritis treatment options. This comprehensive approach ensures that you receive the most suitable and effective treatment for your condition.
Non-Surgical Arthritis Treatment:
- Lifestyle management: Rest, physical therapy, or range of motion exercises
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Cortisone injections
Surgical Arthritis Treatment:
- Surgery is considered only if all other treatments fail and may include joint replacement surgery, arthroscopy, or resection arthroplasty.
Alternative Arthritis Pain Relief
Effective arthritis pain relief strategies are crucial for managing arthritis symptoms and improving quality of life.
- Cold and Heat Therapy: Applying ice packs or heat pads to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Low-Impact Aerobics: Activities like swimming, walking, and cycling to maintain cardiovascular health without putting excessive strain on the joints.
- Strength Training: Exercises to build muscle strength, which helps support and protect the joints.
- Flexibility Exercises: Stretching and yoga to improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness.
For individuals suffering from chronic arthritis pain, it’s best to talk to your specialist to find the right combination of treatments that can significantly reduce discomfort and enhance daily functioning.
When should I book an appointment with Dr McLean?
We recommend booking an appointment if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Severe pain in the shoulder and are unable to move it after 24 hours
- Severe swelling
- Popping or cracking sounds in the shoulder joint area
- Loss of feeling or pins and needles in the hand or arm
- Difficulty conducting everyday activities
How Dr James McLean can help
Dr James McLean has extensive upper limb experience, including soft tissue and bone injuries.
He will work with you to develop a treatment plan that will have the best possible outcome for your shoulder injury. Dr James McLean will discuss the following during your consultation.
- The type of injury
- Severity of the injury
- Treatment options
- Possible complications
- Whether surgery is necessary
- Length of recovery time after shoulder surgery
- Short and long-term expected outcome
For those experiencing chronic arthritis pain, especially in the shoulder, Dr James McLean offers expert care and personalised treatment plans to alleviate pain and improve function.
As a highly experienced and sought-after orthopaedic and upper limb surgeon in Adelaide, he ensures the highest quality care for all his patients.
Whether you need non-surgical arthritis treatment or surgical intervention, Dr McLean provides comprehensive arthritis treatment to help you regain mobility and enhance your quality of life.
Once you have a referral…
Book your consultation here.