As May marks Arthritis Awareness Month, it's the perfect time to highlight how arthritis impacts shoulder health. Chronic shoulder pain can disrupt your sleep, limit your mobility, and drastically reduce your quality of life. While conservative therapies can help in early stages, shoulder replacement surgery may be the best solution for moderate to severe shoulder arthritis. Let’s explore who needs it—and why.
How Arthritis Affects the Shoulder Joint
Shoulder arthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage that cushions the joint wears down over time. This leads to bone-on-bone friction, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and a grinding sensation with movement. Common causes include osteoarthritis (age-related wear and tear), rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease), and post-traumatic arthritis (following a fracture or injury).
In the earlier stages, symptoms may be managed with non-surgical options like anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections.
When Shoulder Replacement Becomes the Best Option
When conservative or arthroscopic treatments fail to provide lasting relief, shoulder replacement offers the best chance at regaining a functional shoulder. You may be a candidate if:
- Pain keeps you up at night or interferes with daily tasks
- You’ve lost significant range of motion or shoulder strength
- Imaging reveals joint space narrowing or bone-on-bone contact
- You’ve tried other treatments without success
Depending on your anatomy and rotator cuff integrity, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend a total shoulder replacement or a reverse shoulder replacement, which offers better outcomes for those with rotator cuff damage.
Life After Shoulder Replacement: What to Expect
Life after shoulder replacement is often life-changing. This safe and highly effective procedure offers long-lasting pain relief, improved shoulder strength, enhanced stability, and a greater range of motion. Most patients experience a significant improvement in pain and can return to their normal routines, including work, hobbies, and recreational activities. Recovery typically involves a structured physical therapy program and personalized follow-up care to support healing and restore optimal shoulder function.
Shoulder arthritis doesn’t have to control your life. During this Arthritis Awareness Month, take the opportunity to explore your options. Whether you're considering arthroscopy, injections, or shoulder replacement, Dr. Shrouder-Henry, board-certified orthopedic shoulder specialist, can help you make the right choice for lasting relief.
AUTHOR: Dr. Jason Shrouder-Henry is a Board Certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder throughout Chicagoland.