Shoulder Arthritis Specialist

Central Jersey Hand Surgery

Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeons located in Eatontown, NJ & Toms River, NJ

Millions of Americans are diagnosed with arthritis every year. Though arthritis may affect any joint in your body, the shoulder is a common source of inflammation and pain. The board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Central Jersey Hand Surgery in Eatontown, and Toms River, New Jersey, provide expert care for patients with shoulder arthritis. To schedule a consultation so you can get relief from your shoulder arthritis, call the office or book an appointment online today.

Shoulder Arthritis Q & A

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a general medical term that describes inflammation in the joint. Many diseases and conditions cause arthritis, and it can affect any joint in your body, including your shoulder. 

With shoulder arthritis, you may experience a range of symptoms depending on the cause, including pain, a decrease in range of motion, swelling, and stiffness.

Your shoulder is one of the most complex and flexible joints in your body. With shoulder arthritis, you may have difficulty carrying out some of your routine activities, such as raising your arm over your head or brushing your teeth.

If you have shoulder pain, stiffness, or inflammation, the experienced team at Central Jersey Hand Surgery can help.

What are the types of shoulder arthritis?

There are many types of shoulder arthritis. Among the most common are:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of shoulder arthritis, and it develops due to the degeneration of the cartilage that separates the bones in your joint. Without the cartilage, the bones of your shoulder rub together, creating pain and inflammation. 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that attacks and destroys the lining of the joint. It may affect any joint in your body, including your shoulders. 

Rotator cuff tear arthropathy

You may develop arthritis in your shoulder if you have a large chronic rotator cuff tear. The damage to your rotator cuff affects the function of the joint leading to inflammation and pain.

Post-traumatic arthritis

Any injury to your shoulder increases your risk of developing post-traumatic shoulder arthritis, which is a form of osteoarthritis. 

How is shoulder arthritis diagnosed?

When you visit Central Jersey Hand Surgery with concerns about shoulder arthritis, the orthopedic experts conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the cause of your symptoms.

During your exam, your provider reviews your symptoms, medical history, surgical history, and family history, and then performs a physical exam, paying close attention to the structure and function of your shoulder. 

To confirm or rule out a suspected diagnosis, the team may request tests such as bloodwork, X-rays, or MRIs. 

How is shoulder arthritis treated?

Your provider at Central Jersey Hand Surgery develops personalized treatment plans for your shoulder arthritis based on the underlying cause, severity of your symptoms, and your overall health. 

Treatment may include: