Shoulder arthritis (calcification) is a condition that affects the comfort of daily life and is exacerbated by movement and can be treated.
The shoulder joint, which is the most mobile joint of our body, may deteriorate due to trauma, rheumatic diseases and aging and may cause pain.
In case of problems with the shoulder joint, people may experience great difficulties in personal hygiene, social life and daily activities.
The most common symptom of arthritis of the shoulder is pain that gets worse and worse with activity.
Symptoms of arthritis of the shoulder are characterized by swelling and intense pain in that area.
Limitation of movement is another common symptom. It may be more difficult to lift your arm to comb your hair or reach a shelf. You may hear a clicking or rubbing sound when moving your shoulder.
As the disease progresses, any movement of the shoulder causes pain. Night pain is common and sleep may be difficult.
What can we do for arthritis of the shoulder?
As with other arthritis conditions, the initial treatment of shoulder arthritis is non-surgical. Your doctor may recommend the following treatment options:
- You should avoid sudden and reverse movements of your arm (reaching for a high object or stretching the arm backwards).
- Physical therapy can partly reduce your pain and increase your range of motion. It is important to do the movements correctly at this point.
- Your doctor may prescribe some painkillers, and if you start taking the appropriate medication, the pain will ease a little more.
- Corticosteroid injections in the shoulder can significantly reduce inflammation and pain in this area. However, this effect is usually temporary.
- Cold compresses (icing) two or three times a day for 20 to 30 minutes can reduce your pain. In this case, the pain is relieved, but after a while the pain may return, which can be done at home for instant relief.
- If you have a rheumatic disease, you may need to consult a rheumatologist.
- Food supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can help relieve pain. (Note: There is little scientific evidence to support the use of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of arthritis)
- If your pain does not go away with these treatments and restricts your daily life, you need surgery.
- The decision for surgery is made by a specialist physician and planned accordingly.