Shoulder Arthritis Treatment

Doctor examining patient’s shoulder

Shoulder Arthritis Treatment in Hoover and Birmingham, Alabama

Arthritis is a painful condition that arises when a joint takes wear and tear. As individuals grow older, symptoms of pain, inflammation, and stiffness increase in intensity. However, people of all ages can develop arthritis. If they do, it may keep them from participating in the activities they enjoy.

Southlake Orthopaedics is a multi-specialty practice with locations in Birmingham-Grandview and Hoover, AL. We provide complete orthopedic care, helping people who struggle with shoulder arthritis improve their quality of life.

Shoulder Arthritis Symptoms

Patients with shoulder arthritis often feel discomfort around the shoulder joint, though they may experience symptoms in other joints as well. Common arthritis symptoms include:

  • Aching pain
  • Movement may increase pain
  • May feel tender when pressure is applied
  • Grating sensation
  • Skin that feels warm
  • Reduced mobility

Some types of arthritis, like gout, cause symptoms in flare-ups that appear suddenly before disappearing again. Others, like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, cause constant pain. Both forms are chronic, meaning they do not go away by themselves without treatment.

Dr. Isbell evaluating patient with shoulder arthritis

Arthritis Causes and Risk Factors

The primary cause of most types of arthritis is age. Over time, joints accumulate wear and tear that breaks down the cartilage. This results in less joint cushioning and a rough surface that causes friction when the joint moves. Eventually, the bones may begin to rub directly against one another. This causes pain and reduces the patient’s mobility.

Certain health factors are associated with an increased risk of developing arthritis. These include:

  • Being over age 65
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • Certain autoimmune diseases

These risk factors may increase the likelihood that an individual will develop arthritis, but that is not guaranteed. Similarly, people may develop arthritis without being affected by any of these risk factors. Arthritis can affect anyone, and medical treatment is necessary to manage its symptoms.

Diagnosing Shoulder Arthritis

A person experiencing symptoms of arthritis, such as pain or swollen joints, should first speak with their primary care physician. If pain is likely caused by an underlying condition like arthritis, the patient will then be referred to a specialist such as those at Southlake Orthopaedics. We will perform additional tests to confirm the diagnosis, including:

  • Imaging tests: Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or X-ray scan, we can examine the bones and cartilage for signs of damage.
  • Blood work analysis: Blood work allows us to check for certain antibodies that may be related to autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Inflammation evaluation: A variety of laboratory tests may be used to examine levels of inflammation in the joint tissue or blood.
Dr. Jones diagnosing patient with shoulder arthritis

Treatment Options for Shoulder Arthritis

After diagnosing the patient’s condition, the physicians at Southlake Orthopaedics will then recommend a treatment plan. We use several proven methods to reduce pain, improve patient mobility, and prevent further damage or degeneration. Our arthritis treatment options include:

  • Steroid injections: Physicians inject a strong medication directly into the joint to provide fast-acting relief that lasts for several weeks.
  • Joint fusion: If the cartilage is severely damaged, we may recommend joint fusion surgery. This procedure fuses the bones together to prevent movement that results in pain.
  • Joint replacement: This surgical procedure eliminates the damaged cartilage and replaces the bone tissue with an artificial implant for smooth, pain-free mobility.

Meet Our Team

Treatment at Southlake Orthopaedics is administered by a team of board-certified, multi-specialty physicians who provide personalized orthopedic and sports medicine. Our doctors include:

Find Shoulder Arthritis Treatment in Alabama

For patients struggling with shoulder arthritis or other painful conditions, Southlake Orthopaedics can provide less pain and more living. We have locations in Birmingham-Grandview and Hoover, AL, where we deliver complete orthopedic care. Contact us to learn more about the arthritis treatments we offer or to schedule an appointment.