How Can I Treat My Shoulder Arthritis?
Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of individuals across the world. The shoulder is one of the most commonly affected joints, which can be a source of discomfort and painful movement for the individual. Arthritis can limit your range of movement and hamper your everyday activities. However, you can choose the right treatment to reduce the effects of arthritis symptoms and improve your overall shoulder health. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how you can treat your shoulder arthritis and improve your quality of life.
1. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an effective treatment for shoulder arthritis. Your physical therapist can teach you exercises that can help to build strength and flexibility in your shoulder. Physical therapy can help to reduce pain and swelling in your shoulder joint, improve range of movement, and enhance your overall strength. In addition to therapy exercises, your physical therapist may suggest specific stretches, ice therapy, and massage.
2. Medication
Taking medication to relieve arthritis pain is another treatment option. Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and corticosteroids can help to reduce pain and inflammation in your shoulder. However, it is important to follow the recommended dosage for these medications and avoid taking them for an extended period of time.
3. Joint Injections
If the pain in your shoulder joint is persistent, joint injections can be considered. Injections contain corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid, which can help to provide pain relief. These injections can provide long term pain relief and help to prevent further joint damage.
4. Surgery
Depending on the severity of your arthritis, surgery may be recommended. Surgery can help to reduce pain in your shoulder joint and improve your range of motion. Invasive shoulder surgery could include a total joint replacement, which can relieve the pain and stiffness that comes with arthritis. Orthopedic surgeons can guide you through this process.
5. Lifestyle Changes
Changing your lifestyle habits can also improve your arthritis symptoms. Implement a healthy diet, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, do not smoke, and avoid repetitive motions. These changes will help you strengthen your physical and mental well-being.
Conclusion
If you are dealing with shoulder arthritis, we understand how debilitating the pain can be. However, there are various treatment options available to help you alleviate your pain and improve your overall shoulder health. Physical therapy, medication, joint injections, surgery, and lifestyle changes can all be effective and suitable options depending on the patient's needs. We hope this blog post has provided you with helpful insight to make the best choices for your arthritis treatment. If you are seeking advice from a trusted orthopedic surgeon in Altamonte Springs, FL, do not hesitate to reach out to Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute today. With the right treatment your shoulder arthritis can be well-managed and improve your quality of life.