Shoulder arthritis symptoms develop gradually, starting with mild pain and tenderness in the shoulder joint and a slight limited range of motion. Most people treat early onset of shoulder arthritis as they would occasional joint soreness — with NSAIDs, cold or warm compresses and rest. Unfortunately, once arthritis begins it inevitably worsens, producing more severe pain, stiffness and swelling that cannot be relieved with traditional home treatments.

If you suspect you may be suffering from arthritis or another joint disease in your shoulder, a shoulder arthritis doctor in NYC can provide an accurate diagnosis through laboratory tests and a complete physical examination.

Causes and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most commonly diagnosed form of arthritis. Certain biologic factors may contribute to the development of shoulder osteoarthritis but most commonly it is related to repetitive injuries/overuse. Typically, most people diagnosed with osteoarthritis by a shoulder arthritis doctor in Staten Island are at risk due to occupational or sports overuse.

Symptoms of the joint cartilage degeneration associated with OA include increasing pain and stiffness over the years, soreness if pressure is applied to areas of the shoulder, cracking/clicking noises when the shoulder is moved and worsening of symptoms during extreme weather changes (hot to cold, dry to wet).

Depending on your description of your symptoms, lab and imaging tests and other data, your shoulder arthritis doctor in Staten Island may diagnose you with other forms of arthritis such as inflammatory arthritis, avascular necrosis or rotator cuff tear arthropathy.

How Is Shoulder Arthritis Treated?

Upon diagnosing you with shoulder osteoarthritis, your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following treatments:

• Analgesics/NSAIDs for pain, inflammation and swelling
• Prescription pain relievers, such as Celebrex, especially formulated to relieve OA pain
• Corticosteroids (orally or by injection directly into the joint)

Your arthritis shoulder doctor in Jersey City may also recommend lifestyle changes, if applicable, to delay the progression of OA. These include watching your weight, eating healthier foods and exercising your shoulder to maintain joint flexibility.

When Is Shoulder Arthritis Surgery Necessary?

When pain, weakness and limited motion significantly limits activities that are required or desired for enjoying a quality lifestyle and medical treatments are not effective shoulder arthritis surgery may be necessary.