Shoulder pain can make even simple tasks, like brushing your hair or lifting a bag, feel nearly impossible. For millions of people with arthritis, this is daily life. Arthritis in the shoulder doesn’t just bring discomfort; it can reduce mobility and your quality of life. If this sounds familiar, there is good news. With the right care and some practical tips, you can manage your pain more effectively and improve your daily routine.
Here, we provide essential tips for arthritic shoulder pain relief and discuss how comprehensive care can make all the difference.
Understanding Arthritic Shoulder Pain
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain. Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis, which wears down the cartilage that cushions the bones in the joint. When arthritis impacts the shoulder, it can result in pain, a loss of flexibility, and difficulty performing everyday movements.
Shoulder osteoarthritis involves the gradual deterioration of cartilage and other tissues in the shoulder joint. This breakdown increases friction in the joint, leading to heightened pain and a gradual loss of mobility and function. While not as prevalent as osteoarthritis in the hip or knee, it is estimated that nearly one-third of people over age 60 experience some degree of shoulder osteoarthritis.
Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis
Shoulder arthritis, often caused by the natural wear and tear of aging, may affect the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. This is the joint at the top of the shoulder that joins the shoulder blade and collarbone. Some people also develop arthritis in the glenohumeral joint. This is the ball and socket joint that joins the rounded top of the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade. Shoulder arthritis typically gets worse over time, leading to even greater limitations and persistent pain.
Common signs of arthritic shoulder pain include:
- Pain, especially when lifting or moving the arm
- Stiffness in the joint, especially in the morning
- A grinding or clicking sensation during movement
- Progressive weakness that limits your range of motion, making everyday tasks like dressing, driving, or doing housework difficult
Why Comprehensive Care Matters
Effective treatment isn’t just about reducing pain temporarily; it is about addressing the source of the issue while improving symptoms and function long-term. That’s where Total Shoulder stands apart.
Under the care of Dr. Stephen Jacobsen, Total Shoulder in Carmel, Indiana, provides specialized, comprehensive orthopedic care. Dr. Jacobsen’s expertise focuses entirely on shoulder conditions, from simple strains to complex joint issues like arthritis.
Treatment solutions range from non-invasive therapies, like guided steroid injections and physical therapy, to advanced surgical techniques when needed. By focusing solely on shoulders, Dr. Jacobsen delivers precise, effective relief that restores both comfort and movement.
Tips for Managing Arthritic Shoulder Pain in Daily Life
Living with arthritic shoulder pain can feel overwhelming, but there are plenty of small changes and habits that can make a significant impact.
1. Adjust Your Environment
Ergonomic products, which help to reduce discomfort and risk of injury, can make your home and workplace more shoulder-friendly:
- Switch to ergonomic chairs or workstations to improve posture and increase comfort if you spend long periods seated.
- Use tools with ergonomic or padded grips to avoid straining your hands, wrists, and shoulders.
- Arrange frequently used items within easy reach to reduce stretching or lifting.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects that can damage the tissue structures in the shoulder.
2. Incorporate Gentle Exercises
Maintaining mobility is critical for preventing stiffness. Incorporate strength training and flexibility exercises to manage symptoms. Stretching exercises help improve or preserve your range of motion and keep the shoulder mobile. Try adding these exercises to your routine (but only if cleared by a doctor):
- Pendulum Swings: Lean forward slightly, and allow your arm to swing gently in a circular motion.
- Wall Walks: Use your fingers to “walk” your arm up a wall, slowly lifting and lowering it.
- Stretching Bands: Use light resistance bands to gently strengthen shoulder muscles.
Exercise helps to increase blood flow, reduce stiffness, and support better joint function over time.
3. Apply Heat or Ice Therapy
Apply a heating pad to soothe stiff and aching joints, especially in the morning. Use a cold pack after physical activities to reduce inflammation and pain. Cold packs should only be used for a maximum of 20 minutes at a time, several times a day as needed.
4. Prioritize Rest When Needed
Although movement is important, overusing your shoulder can worsen pain. Avoid sports or activities that involve repetitive shoulder movements or cause shoulder pain. Listen to your body, and take a break when necessary.
Exploring Treatment Options
If home remedies and daily adjustments aren’t enough, it is likely time to explore medical treatments tailored to arthritic shoulder pain.
Non-Invasive Treatments
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help but are not recommended as a long-term solution.
- Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises strengthen the shoulder, reduce stiffness, and improve range of motion.
- Steroid Injections: Relieve inflammation and pain for weeks or months at a time with steroid injections.
Surgical Options
When conservative approaches fail to bring enough relief, surgery can restore function and quality of life. Common surgical solutions include:
- Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: Can be used to diagnose and repair joint damage using small incisions and specialized tools.
- Total Joint Replacement: Primarily used for more severe arthritis cases to replace part or the entire damaged shoulder joint with artificial implants that mimic the natural joint, leading to pain-free movement.
At Total Shoulder, Dr. Stephen Jacobsen specializes in personalized treatment plans, ensuring that every patient receives care suited to their unique condition and needs.
Arthritic Shoulder Pain Relief in Carmel, IN
Living with arthritic shoulder pain doesn’t have to define your life. By combining professional, comprehensive care with mindful daily adjustments, you can reduce pain and experience greater ease in your daily activities.
If shoulder pain limits your movement or quality of life, it’s time to seek expert care. Dr. Stephen Jacobsen and his team at Total Shoulder offer solutions designed just for you. Call (317) 705-4392 today or request an appointment to take your first step toward reclaiming your comfort and mobility.
External link:
Shoulder OA stats (Arthritis Foundation) – https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/more-about/osteoarthritis-of-the-shoulder
