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Arthritis is a condition that affects the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones. The cartilage surfaces become damaged and irregular, so the bones of the joint no longer glide smoothly over each other. This causes pain and loss of movement.
Shoulder arthritis can be the result of an old injury to the shoulder or an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, in most cases the actual cause of the arthritis is unknown.
Patients with shoulder arthritis that seek treatment typically have marked pain in the shoulder. It is frequently very sore at night and sudden movements can be very painful. In severe cases getting dressed or doing simple household tasks can be extremely difficult because of the pain and reduced movement of the shoulder.
There are a number of possible ways to treat shoulder arthritis. These include surgery such as total shoulder replacement, as well as non-surgical treatment. The best treatment for you depends on a number of factors such as your general health, your normal level of activity, the underlying cause of your arthritis and the severity of the arthritis changes on your X rays and scans.
The surgeons at the Melbourne Shoulder and Elbow Centre are all highly experienced in managing shoulder arthritis. Every patient is different, and your surgeon will guide you through the treatment that is best suited to your personal circumstances.
