SHOULDER ARTHRITIS
Shoulder Arthritis
Treatment Options
There is no single best treatment for shoulder arthritis. The right approach depends on your symptoms, physical examination, X-rays, activity level, and goals. Many patients achieve years of good function without surgery, while others regain an active lifestyle through shoulder replacement.
Conservative Care
Reduce Pain
Individualized
When Appropriate
Treatment Should Match The Patient
Two patients with identical X-rays may require completely different treatment. Some remain active with only occasional discomfort, while others have severe pain that interferes with sleep and everyday activities.
Dr. Streit's Clinical Perspective
My goal is not to recommend shoulder replacement simply because arthritis is present. My goal is to recommend the treatment that gives each patient the best opportunity to regain comfortable, durable shoulder function.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Activity Modification
Avoiding repetitive painful activities often decreases inflammation while allowing patients to remain active.
Physical Therapy
Maintaining shoulder motion and strengthening the surrounding muscles can improve mechanics and reduce pain.
Anti-inflammatory Medication
NSAIDs may reduce pain and inflammation when medically appropriate.
Corticosteroid Injection
An intra-articular corticosteroid injection may provide temporary pain relief for selected patients.
Home Exercise Program
Regular stretching and strengthening often help preserve motion and function.
Observation
Many patients successfully manage arthritis for years before surgery becomes necessary.
When Conservative Treatment Stops Working
The decision to move beyond nonsurgical treatment is usually driven by declining quality of life rather than X-ray appearance alone.
Persistent Pain
Pain continues despite appropriate treatment.
Night Pain
Sleep is regularly interrupted because of shoulder discomfort.
Loss Of Motion
Progressive stiffness limits daily activities.
Difficulty With Work
Occupational activities become increasingly difficult.
Unable To Enjoy Recreation
Golf, tennis, fitness, or other hobbies become limited by pain.
Failure Of Previous Treatments
Therapy, medication, and injections no longer provide meaningful relief.
When Shoulder Replacement Becomes The Best Option
For patients with advanced arthritis who continue to experience significant pain and functional limitations despite appropriate conservative care, shoulder replacement often provides the most reliable long-term improvement.
Total Shoulder Replacement
Often recommended when the rotator cuff remains healthy and functioning normally.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Often recommended when arthritis is combined with an irreparable rotator cuff tear or certain complex shoulder conditions.
Which Treatment Is Right For Me?
What I Tell My Patients
"The best treatment is the one that matches your symptoms, examination, lifestyle, and goals. My role is to explain every reasonable option and help you choose the treatment that offers the greatest chance of restoring long-term shoulder function."
Related Resources
Considering Your Treatment Options?
A comprehensive shoulder evaluation can help determine which treatment offers the best opportunity to relieve pain, restore motion, and return you to the activities you enjoy.
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