What Is the Best Treatment for Arthritis in the Shoulder?

No two patients with shoulder arthritis are exactly alike. Therefore, the best shoulder arthritis treatment isn’t the same for everyone. However, at-home treatments, injections, and surgery rank as some of the most effective pain relief techniques that can help you get back to living life normally.

At-Home Care

For people who have a mild case of arthritis, a practitioner may suggest conservative methods for treatment to manage the symptoms at home, such as medications, exercises, or hot and cold therapy.

Medications

Your physician may recommend you take an over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic to reduce or eliminate your pain. Your options for OTC medications include either acetaminophen or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). While acetaminophen is safe for most people, you must use it in moderation because it may cause liver damage in high dosages. Additionally, it’s not for people who have liver problems already.

On the other hand, NSAIDs are safe in moderation for most people, but an NSAID may cause liver and kidney problems in high dosages, in particular, when taken for prolonged periods. Moreover, NSAIDs aren’t for people with a history of heart disease, ulcers, bleeding disorders, or kidney failure.

You should talk to a practitioner before taking either one of these medications to ensure you take the one that meets your needs.

Exercises

Your physician may recommend at-home exercises to help you maintain flexibility and strength in your joints. The exercises will relieve pain symptoms, as well.

Hot and Cold Therapy

Ice can help relieve swelling and control your pain. Generally, you want to wrap the ice pack in a towel and place it on your shoulder. Try icing it before bed if you wake up with pain throughout the night.

For some people, warmth soothes the pain of sore joints. Therefore, you may want to try a heating pad on your shoulder.

Injections

Your practitioner might recommend cortisone injections. This can be beneficial to you if you have mild to moderate arthritis pain.

Usually, a cortisone injection has a steroid and a numbing agent. Generally, you’ll have some degree of pain relief 48 hours after your injection.

Typically, cortisone injections are safe, but your practitioner will only recommend you have a few each year.

Surgery

The best treatment for severe arthritis that’s limiting your mobility and isn’t well controlled with other treatments is shoulder surgery. Options include partial shoulder replacement, total shoulder replacement, and reverse shoulder replacement.

Partial Shoulder Replacement

Your surgeon will recommend partial shoulder replacement if part of your shoulder is damaged beyond repair. That part will be surgically removed and replaced with an artificial piece.

Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Your surgeon will recommend total shoulder replacement if you have bone-on-bone arthritis along with intact tendons. When you have this procedure, your surgeon will make an incision in the front of your shoulder.

You’ll receive a metal ball consisting of surgical-grade steel to replace the head of the humerus. You may also need to have your glenoid (end of your scapula) replaced with a medical-grade plastic socket.

Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Like with a total shoulder replacement, reverse shoulder replacement entails the replacement of existing structures with artificial components.

With this surgery, your practitioner adheres the medical-grade plastic socket to the upper part of your humerus and the shoulder blade.

The Best Shoulder Arthritis Treatment in St. Peters, MO

At Advanced Bone and Joint, have a team of skilled practitioners to determine the best arthritis treatment for you based on your condition and health concerns. We tailor a plan that helps manage your pain and optimizes function simultaneously.

At our facility, we offer both surgical and non-surgical treatments. We carefully explain the purpose of your treatment and always welcome any questions or concerns. To make an appointment, call us at (636) 229-4222. You can also request an appointment online.

Schedule an appointment with Advanced Bone & Joint, serving St. Peters and the surrounding Missouri area, to find the best treatment for arthritis in your shoulder today. Call us at (636) 229-4222 or by using our online scheduling tool.