How To Cure Arthritis In Shoulder

Treatment Methods Prescribed For Shoulder Arthritis

Once diagnosed with shoulder arthritis;by your Physician, your medical professional may prescribe various treatment options. From non-invasive to invasive treatment options, individuals suffering from arthritis in this area do have various treatment methods to choose from.

Treatment methods to help alleviate pain in your joints which may be prescribed by your orthopedic doctor are as follows:

• Rest

SEE ALSO

Symptoms Of Shoulder Arthritis

Your shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint where your arm and the thorax meet. Your shoulder socket is formed by part of your shoulder blade, and your arm bone forms the ball of your shoulder joint. This joint has more movement than any other joint in your body, and when your shoulder becomes arthritic it can be a source of pain and disability.

Shoulder arthritis symptoms tend to progress as the condition worsens, but they might not progress steadily with time. You might have good months and bad months, or your symptoms may change with factors like the weather. Your arthritis symptoms on one particular day may not accurately represent the overall severity of your condition.

The most common symptoms of shoulder arthritis are:

• Pain with activities
• Tenderness around the joint
• A feeling of grinding or catching within the joint

Your evaluation will begin with a physical examination and X-rays. These can help with the diagnosis of your condition and can also serve as a baseline to monitor your disease and your response to treatment.

Caring For Your Incision

You’ll have stitches along the front of your shoulder, which are removed at your first follow-up appointment, one to two weeks after your surgery. Call your surgeon immediately if your incision swells, drains, or becomes red or painful, or if you develop a fever over 101 degrees F.

Be careful not to let the dressing or bandage covering your incision get wet or dirty; moisture raises the risk of infection. Try to simply leave the dressing alone until you return for your first post-op appointment, though, if necessary, you can carefully change it yourself. After the stitches are removed, and if the doctor says it’s OK, you can take a shower, letting water run over the wound. But don’t submerge the area in a bathtub or swimming pool until the incision has completely healed. Pat the wound dry after showering.

Also Check: What Can Help Rheumatoid Arthritis

Stretching And Shoulder Strengthening Exercises

After the acute episode of pain is controlled, your physician may recommend that you perform stretching and shoulder strengthening exercises. One example of a stretching exercise is called the “weighted pendulum stretch,” in which a small weight is held in the hand while the arm is allowed to swing back and forth. Other exercises can be used to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles, which increases the support for the shoulder joint.

When To See Doctor

Even though home remedies for shoulder pain can help you get rid of it, there are cases when you need emergency services instantly. It is when your shoulder pain comes along with pain in your chest and some signs of heart problems, like nausea or breath shortness.

Besides, if your shoulder is injured, you will need your doctor immediately. Paying attention to your past of shoulder problems is essential. And do not hesitate to share it with your doctor so that he or she can come up with the best treatment.

So, if you notice one of these signs, seek medical help immediately.

• Sudden swelling
• Inability to move the joint or arm properly
• Redness around your joint

Don’t Miss: Does Glucosamine Help Arthritis Pain

What Is Shoulder Pain

The pain of shoulder can happen at any of those tendons, ligaments or muscles located in the shoulder area. However, there is one thing for sure, that is when your shoulder begins to hurt; it will be so difficult to focus on other tasks.

Shoulder pain does not exclude anyone at any age. People who often stay in front of laptops, smartphones or tablets for prolonged periods are the most vulnerable targets to this condition.

Make A Ginger Poultice

Applying crushed ginger to a painful join works along the same lines as capsaicinelements in the plant can deplete the bodys stores of substance P, a brain chemical that carries pain messages to your central nervous system. One study of 56 people found that ginger eased symptoms in 55 percent of people with osteoarthritis and 74 percent of those with RA. To treat yourself, peel and finely mince a 3-inch piece of fresh ginger. Mix it with just enough olive oil to form a paste, then apply it to the painful joint. Depending on where the pain is, you may need to wrap the paste in place with a gauze or a length of ace bandage. Leave in place for 10-15 minutes to allow the ginger to penetrate.

You May Like: Is Red Meat Bad For Rheumatoid Arthritis

What Causes Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Shoulder OA is caused by both genetic and behavioral factors.

Genetics predisposes you to wear-and-tear, then its what you do with your life that makes osteoarthritis manifest, explains Dr. Tamara Martin, an orthopaedic surgeon in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Brigham and Womens Hospital. Factors include:

The bones of the shoulder.

• Gender: Shoulder OA is more common in women than men.
• Genetics: Hereditary factors determine the toughness and durability of cartilage, as well as how it attaches to bone. A person with weaker cartilage is more likely to develop OA than another individual, even when participating in similar activities.
• Repetitive stresses: People whose jobs call for repeated lifting or pushing, such as activities performed during manual labor, subject their joints to minor stresses that can accelerate the development of OA.
• Athletic participation, particularly sports that require a lot of shoulder movement. Athletes engaging in repetitive activities are more susceptible to cartilage loss. They are also more likely to injure their shoulder, which can lead to post-traumatic arthritis .

What Home Treatment Methods Are Available To Combat Shoulder Arthritis

In order to lessen the joint pain associated with your osteoarthritis, you can pursue various home treatment methods. From immediate relief options, such as icing your sore shoulder, to thinking about pain relief now and in the future, through exercises, there are many home treatment methods to choose from in your quest for pain-free living.

Here are some of the home treatment methods you should try when you suffer from shoulder osteoarthritis;and want to alleviate joint discomfort and reduce inflammation:

• Apply ice to the shoulder joint
• Apply moist heat to the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint
• Engage in stretches targeting the shoulder and surrounding upper body region
• Perform arthritis exercise for shoulder discomfort
• Rest to lessen shoulder movement

SEE ALSO

Don’t Miss: How To Relieve Arthritis Pain In Your Hands

Injections For Shoulder Arthritis

There are currently two types of injections that can provide pain relief for shoulder arthritis. The first type is cortisone shots. Typically, cortisone is mixed with a numbing agent that provides immediate pain relief and helps your doctor know if the injection is in the right place. Once the numbing medicine wears off, the joint may be sore until the cortisone kicks in. Its important to ice the shoulder for a day or so after the shot.

Cortisone shots dont damage the shoulder, but most surgeons limit them to no more than a few a year in most cases of arthritis. Cortisone shots may increase the risk of infection if you undergo a total shoulder replacement soon after the shot. If you are considering the surgery, consider avoiding cortisone shots a few months prior.

The other medicine that can help with shoulder arthritis is synthetically manufactured hyaluronic acid. Its a naturally occurring lubricant in the human body. This liquid substance has been injected into arthritic knees for many years. This injection sometimes helps with the pain for up to two years, but it is unusual for it to take all the pain away for an extended period of time.

The current recommendation is not to have shoulder replacement surgery within three months of having a cortisone shot in the shoulder. If you are considering surgery, it is best to avoid cortisone shots until you have discussed it with your doctor.

What Kind Of Physical Therapist Do I Need

All physical therapists are prepared through education and experience to treat patients who have shoulder OA. You may want to consider:

• A physical therapist who is experienced in treating people with musculoskeletal problems. Some physical therapists have a practice with an orthopedic, geriatric, or sports focus.
• A physical therapist who is a board-certified clinical specialist or who completed a residency or fellowship in orthopedic, geriatric, or sports physical therapy. This therapist has advanced knowledge, experience, and skills that may apply to your condition.

You can find physical therapists who have these and other credentials by using Find a PT, the online tool built by the American Physical Therapy Association to help you search for physical therapists with specific clinical expertise in your geographic area.

General tips when you’re looking for a physical therapist :

• Get recommendations from family, friends, or other health care providers.
• When you contact a physical therapy clinic for an appointment, ask about the physical therapists’ experience in helping people with shoulder OA.
• Be prepared to describe your symptoms in as much detail as possible, and say what makes your symptoms worse.

Don’t Miss: What Are The Best Gloves For Arthritis

Causes Of Shoulder Oa

• Primary OA has no specific cause, but is related to age, genes and sex. Primary OA is usually seen in people over the age of 50, and women are affected more often than men.
• Secondary OA has a known cause or influencing factor, such as previous injury, history of shoulder dislocations, infection, or rotator cuff tears. Having certain occupations such as heavy construction or participating in sports can also put you at higher risk of developing shoulder OA.

Can This Injury Or Condition Be Prevented

There is no way to prevent shoulder OA. You may reduce your risk by staying moderately active, keeping the shoulder strong, and keeping the shoulder muscles the appropriate length with stretching. Your physical therapist can help you determine what exercises will keep your shoulder healthy. Eating healthy and exercising will help you manage a healthy weight and healthy joints. Avoiding injuries to the shoulder joint will help reduce your risk of OA as well.

Also Check: What Are Usually The First Signs Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

How To Relieve Shoulder Pain: 10 Remedies To Try Yourself

The shoulder is perhaps the most flexible and the most overworked ball-and-socket joint of the entire human body. It is composed of three bones, namely, the humerus or upper arm bone, the scapula or shoulder blade, and the clavicle or collarbone.

The head of the humerus is shaped like a ball, which fits into a shallow round socket in your shoulder blade called glenoid. This relatively small ball-and-socket joint called the glenohumeral is encapsulated by a covering of muscles called rotator cuff and is secured in its place by strong cords called tendons.

Moreover, a layer of cartilage forms a cushion between the bones to keep them from rubbing together and to absorb any shock impact. Within this cocoon of cartilage, muscles, and tendons, a soft tissue called synovium secretes fluid to keep the joints lubricated and the cartilage healthy.

This intricate framework of muscles and ligaments accords a wide range of motion to your shoulder, making it the most mobile joint in your body. But with this increased mobility comes its fair share of hassles. A glitch in the working of any of the element of this complex shoulder architecture can trigger mild to chronic discomfort and pain.

Shoulder pain can spring from any of the muscles, ligaments, or tendons in and around your shoulder and can be awfully debilitating. First of all, an impairment in the shoulder greatly hampers your ability to move freely.

Contents

Do I Have Shoulder Bursitis

Shoulder bursitis symptoms are typically worse at night after a long day of activity, or in the morning when the shoulder has been still for a long period of time. The most common area for shoulder bursitis is the subacromial bursa. Inflammation in this area causes pain when the arms lift overhead.

Other shoulder bursitis symptoms include:

• Range of motion that is restricted by pain
• Swelling and redness in and around the shoulder joint
• Pain at the tip of the shoulder
• Pain upon contact

In severe cases, pain may be accompanied by fever, which may indicate an infection of the bursa. Infection can become serious and should be treated urgently.

Your doctor will start your shoulder bursitis diagnosis by asking about your medical history and conducting a physical exam. Your doctor will test your range of motion and feel for swelling or warmth that indicates inflammation in the joint.

If, other than pain, there are no other physical symptoms, your doctor may recommend imaging to rule out other causes. X-rays cannot detect inflamed bursa but can verify that there is no damage in the bones. MRIs can see soft and connective tissue and may be able to help with a diagnosis.

In cases where they suspect an infection, your doctor may order blood tests to look for elevated white blood cells that indicate an immune response to infection. If there is fluid on the shoulder, this fluid can also be analyzed to confirm a diagnosis .

Read Also: What Does The Rash From Psoriatic Arthritis Look Like

How Neck Arthritis Is Diagnosed

Your doctor will start by taking a history and doing a physical exam. Theyll check the range of motion in your neck and test your strength, sensation, and reflexes to find out if there is pressure on your nerves or spinal cord. Theyll ask when your symptoms started, when the pain happens, and what makes the pain better and worse.

Your doctor may order an X-ray to assess alignment and look for arthritic changes, says Dr. Shah. If there is a concern of compression of spinal nerves or the spinal cord, you may need an MRI to look at the neutral structure and discs, says Dr. Shah.

A CT scan may be ordered to look at the bone more closely, especially to see if any bony outgrowths are causing compression. However, X-rays and MRIs are the tests that are usually ordered, says Dr. Shah. A CT scan with a myelogram may be used if an MRI cant be done.

An electromyography, or EMG, may be ordered to assess for nerve compression, says Dr. Shah. An EMG tests the electrical conduction of the nerves in the arms. This test would be helpful if you have multiple nerves being compressed or compression of nerves at the neck and in the arm, he says.

Your doctor may order blood tests to see if you have any antibodies or systemic inflammation that would reveal inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis.

How To Get Rid Of Arthritis In Fingers

• Surgery

Arthritis of the fingers can be quite uncomfortable, causing symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. These symptoms make hand motions like grasping and pinching difficult, which restricts a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks. Osteoarthritis and;rheumatoid arthritis ;are the two types of arthritis that most commonly affect the finger joints. Depending on which type of arthritis affects your finger joints, you may experience additional symptoms.

Thankfully, numerous remedies can help alleviate the discomfort from arthritis of the fingers, from hand exercises to help strengthen your fingers to over-the-counter and prescription pain medications and surgical treatments.

Don’t Miss: How Do I Know If I Have Hip Arthritis

When To See A Doctor

Unless youve had a serious injury or get a sudden, continuous pain, you can usually treat your shoulder pain without having to see your doctor.

If, after two weeks of treating yourself, you feel the pain isnt any better you should see your doctor or a physiotherapist.

You should also see your doctor as soon as possible if you:

• develop severe pain in both shoulders
• also have pain in your thighs
• feel feverish or unwell.

These can be signs of the condition called polymyalgia rheumatica, which needs prompt treatment.

Surgery To Repair Or Replace The Shoulder Joint

For those with shoulder arthritis that does not respond to other treatments, a physician may recommend surgery to repair or replace the shoulder joint. There are a number of surgical options for treating shoulder arthritis.

• Arthroscopy: Milder cases can be treated with shoulder arthroscopy, in which the surgeon uses small instruments to clean out the inside of the joint.
• Arthroplasty: More severe cases may need to be treated with shoulder joint replacement, or arthroplasty. In arthroplasty, part or all of the shoulder joint bones are removed and replaced with a prosthetic joint. After surgery, your physician will usually recommend a period of physical therapy to help in the recovery of function.

Recommended Reading: Why Does Psoriatic Arthritis Hurt So Bad

What Is Shoulder Bursitis

Shoulder bursitis is best understood in the context of shoulder anatomy. Three bones meet to make up the shoulder:

• The humerus
• The scapula
• The clavicle

The shoulder joint itself is a ball-and-socket joint that is part of the larger anatomy of what is known as the shoulder girdle . This entire structure consists of four joints.

• The shoulder joint: Also called the glenohumeral joint, with a ball-and-socket movement where the humerus fits into the scapula
• The acromioclavicular joint: The point where the scapula meets the clavicle
• The sternoclavicular joint: The connection between the clavicle and the sternum
• The scapulothoracic joint: The attachment between the scapula and the ribs at the back

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles that surrounds the shoulders, giving it support and allowing it a free range of motion. Ligaments and tendons further stabilize all four joints, attaching muscle to bone and bone to bone . The cup-like glenohumeral joint receives the humerus and helps it to glide smoothly with a lining of cartilage. Further cushioning and easing your movements are small, fluid-filled sacs called bursa.