Four Reasons Why You May Eventually Need a Shoulder Replacement

Are you concerned with the pain in your shoulder from an injury that happened years ago?  Do you worry that your arthritis may cause even worse pain and inflammation in the future?  When you are suffering from pain in your joints, you will want to seek the medical advice of an orthopedic surgeon in Deltona.  Shoulder-related aches, pains, and injuries may lead you to need to shoulder replacement either now or in the future.  These are a few of the most common reasons that may eventually lead to your shoulder replacement.

Shoulder Fractures

Injuries of the shoulder that can lead to a complete shoulder replacement are mostly commonly fracture injuries.  This is especially common in older patients, as their bones are more brittle and they are more susceptible to trip and fall injuries.  Because of the complexity of the joint and the surrounding bones and tissues, it is risky to lose blood supply when implementing other treatments.  When you suffer from a severe fracture, your doctor may recommend a shoulder replacement.  

Rotator Cuff Tears

Another injury that can eventually lead to needing a shoulder replacement includes rotator cuff tears.  After you suffer a severe rotator cuff tear, your body will compensate for the pain and lack of mobility, and this can lead to bone-on-bone contact from wearing down cartilage.  Once this occurs, your doctor may recommend a replacement so that you can regain your mobility and comfort once again.

Degenerative Joint Disease

Joint wear and tear is common in those that are over the age of 50.  The chances of getting arthritis are much higher as you age, and this degenerative joint disease causes your cartilage to wear.  Arthritis often leads to discomfort, aches, pains, fatigue, and other issues that may have you losing your quality of life.  When this occurs, you will want to talk to your doctor about the possibility of getting a shoulder replacement.  Arthritis as you age is the leading cause of bone and joint issues that lead to replacements.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This type of arthritis is characterized by the inflammation of your joints, which leads to stiffness and pain.  Once the cartilage between your joints wears away, your bones will be rubbing against one another.  This can cause issues like cracking sounds when you walk, tingling sensations, or overall discomfort in the affected areas.  Eventually, shoulder replacement is the best way to fix the issue and alleviate the pain.

These are just a few of the reasons that you may eventually need to have shoulder replacement surgery.  Whether you are suffering from a disease, like arthritis, or you've suffered from a shoulder injury, you will want to seek the opinion of an orthopedic surgeon in Deltona to determine whether you are a candidate for the procedure.  Contact us to schedule an appointment today.