When should I seek a physician consults for my shoulder pain? #Health #Seattle

More than 50 million people in the U.S. have some type of arthritis, which can affect joints such as the shoulder.

What is shoulder arthritis?

Shoulder arthritis is inflammation of one or more shoulder joints. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is located where the collarbone meets the top of the shoulder blade

What are the symptoms of shoulder arthritis?

Pain – This is the main symptom of shoulder arthritis. Your shoulder may hurt when you are not moving it at all, and the pain may get worse while you’re moving it and after you move it. The pain can also be concentrated in different areas of the shoulder, depending on the patient.

Limited range of motion – Patients may find that they are unable to retain full range of motion when experiencing symptoms of shoulder arthritis.

Sounds caused by movement – Your shoulder may develop a clicking, creaking, or snapping sound when you try to move it.

What are the causes of shoulder arthritis?

To address this questions, it’s important to note the different types of arthritis..

Osteoarthritis – This type of arthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease. It causes the cartilage that covers the top of bones to wear down over time and can frequently affect the shoulder joint and most often affects those over the age of 50.

Rheumatoid arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune chronic disease that causes your immune system to attack tissue such as cartilage and ligaments and also softens bone.  It usually affects the same joint on both sides of the body. It can affect people of any age and causes the lining of the joint to swell, which causes pain and stiffness.

Post-traumatic arthritis – This specific type of osteoarthritis is caused by an injury to the shoulder. Injuries such as a broken bone or torn ligament can lead to post-traumatic arthritis. It causes fluid to build up in the affected shoulder joint, as well as pain and swelling.

What are the treatment options for shoulder arthritis?

Depending on the type of arthritis you have and the severity of your symptoms, your doctor can treat your symptoms in several different ways. In many cases, shoulder pain can be effectively treated without surgery, but in some cases, it may be warranted.

The following are some of the most common treatments for shoulder arthritis:

Medication – Anti-inflammatory medication can help provide temporary relief from pain and help reduce inflammation. An injection of local anesthetic can also help provide relief. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may also receive corticosteroid injections to help reduce inflammation.

Lifestyle changes – You may be able to get some relief by resting your shoulder or applying heat or ice several times a day. Physical therapy that includes exercises designed to increase your range of motion may also help.

Surgery – If non-surgical options aren’t effective enough in controlling your pain and other symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery if it could help in your particular case.

If you find that you are experiencing the symptoms described above and pain management techniques aren’t providing relief, it may be time to consult with your physician about other courses of action.