Did you know that shoulder arthritis affects millions of people worldwide, limiting mobility? Shoulder arthritis is less common than the other kind of arthritis but it still affects a significant number of people worldwide. One of the most persistent struggles for people with shoulder arthritis is the constant pain in their affected shoulder, which can interfere with their daily life activities as it limits their mobility. Dealing with chronic pain and the limitations it imposes can lead to anxiety, frustration and even depression. Sadly, there is no cure for this but the pain can be managed but before we get into that let’s discuss about the cause and the kinds of shoulder arthritis.

 What is shoulder arthritis?

 Shoulder arthritis is a condition that involves the gradual wearing down or inflammation of the cartilage in the shoulder joint. This leads to pain, stiffness in the muscles, joint pain and immobility.

Types of shoulder arthritis:

1.  Osteoarthritis:

This is the most common type of shoulder arthritis caused by wear and tear of the cartilage over time. It often affects older people and leads to a breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the shoulder joint.

•  Rheumatoid arthritis:

This is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joint lining, leading to cartilage destruction and inflammation. It is a multifactorial disease, genetics as well as the environment around can contribute to the cause.

•  Post-traumatic arthritis:

When it comes to arthritis it’s mostly due to aging but this kind of arthritis occurs after a previous injury to the shoulder, like fracture and shoulder dislocation, this can accelerate the wear and tear of the joint.

• Rotator Cuff Tear arthritis:

This is caused from a long-term, untreated rotator cuff tear, which can cause arthritis due to instability in the shoulder joint. Older people are more prone to this kind of arthritis.

Why Does Shoulder Arthritis Happen?

Shoulder arthritis can result from a variety of factors, and age is a big one. As we get older, our cartilage naturally begins to wear down, leading to osteoarthritis. Previous injuries like fractures or dislocations can also accelerate this wear and tear, making the joint more prone to arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, is triggered by an immune system attack on your joints, causing inflammation and damage. In some cases, untreated shoulder injuries, especially torn rotator cuffs, can lead to rotator cuff tear arthritis.

Pain management methods:

1. Heat and cold therapy:

Cold therapy can help reduce inflammation while heat therapy is great for loosening stiff muscles. Apply a cold pack after exercise and use a warm compress in the morning to ease stiffness.

• Physical therapy and exercise:

Physical therapy plays an important role in shoulder arthritis management. Gentle stretches and strengthening exercises can help restore mobility and reduce pain. Try incorporating activities to your shoulder without putting too much strain on the joint.

•  Alternative therapies:

Alternative therapies like acupuncture and massages can also provide relief from the pain. Some people find supplements like glucosamine helpful, do consult a shoulder expert before adding new treatments to your routine.

• Medication:

Consult expert advice when it comes to medication and self-medication is not advised. Everybody’s body and needs are different so please consult a shoulder specialist and get medications accordingly.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to managing shoulder arthritis pain. It often takes a combination of treatments, from medication to physical therapy, to find what works best for you do visit Dr. Banarji Shoulder Centre. An expert’s advice is all you need when it comes to managing pain.

Conclusion:  Making mindful changes to our daily routines and working closely with our doctors, we can regain control over our lives and continue to engage in the activities we love. Managing shoulder arthritis is not about curing the condition, but about finding relief and maintaining mobility so we can live life to the fullest. It is important to remember that the severity of this condition varies from person to person, which is why seeking an expert’s advice is crucial. Dr. Banarji Shoulder Centre can tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs, ensuring the most effective approach for managing the pain and improving the mobility. Dr. Banarji B H is not just a shoulder surgeon but also a distinguished shoulder researcher who has a patent for arthroscopic device from carpal tunnel release surgery. His innovations also include a new double locking sliding knot for keyhole surgeries- BANARJI knot. With his vast clinical experience, success is assured in Dr. Banarji Shoulder Centre.