Shoulder Arthritis Treatment in Brisbane
While shoulder arthritis is less common than knee or hip arthritis, it still can affect a patient's quality of life. The symptoms of shoulder arthritis include pain, stiffness, and weakness. There are several treatment options for this condition, starting with simple steps that may eventually progress to surgery. Read on to learn more about how to treat shoulder joint arthritis. Listed below are some of the most common methods of treating shoulder arthritis. These treatments can help you manage your pain and improve your quality of life.
Physical therapy for shoulder arthritis Brisbane starts with range-of-motion exercises. This type of exercise is important because it allows patients to maintain movement of their shoulder. Loss of motion will worsen shoulder symptoms and limit the ability to be active. Performing activities like push-ups and lifting heavy weights can be harmful to those with arthritic shoulders. Therefore, stretching is an essential part of treatment for people with shoulder arthritis. These exercises will allow patients to get back to normal activity as soon as possible.
Another option for shoulder arthritis treatment is ice packs. These can be applied to the affected joint several times a day. You can buy cold therapy pads and reuse them. Apply ice packs on the front of your shoulder, the back, and across the top. Leave them on for 20 to 30 minutes. Heat may be used as well. Before a stretching exercise, heat can help warm up the joint. If the pain persists, your physician may prescribe an ibuprofen injection to relieve your pain.
A physical exam is also an important part of treatment for shoulder arthritis. Your physician will evaluate your strength and range of motion, and may prescribe specific tests to diagnose the problem. An X-ray is important, as it creates a detailed picture of the dense structures in the joint. An arthritic shoulder will have narrow joint space and bone spurs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will also show bone and soft tissue in more detail.
Shoulder arthroscopy is another treatment for shoulder arthritis. This procedure involves the replacement of damaged tissue in the joint. The procedure is minimally invasive, which means a shorter recovery time and less pain. A full shoulder replacement involves a fusion of the ball and socket. These treatments usually result in a cured joint and improved quality of life. However, some patients experience recurrences of shoulder arthritis. This is why a physical exam is so important.
Painkillers can be effective for shoulder arthritis. Cortisone shots are often combined with a numbing agent to ensure that the doctor can properly inject the medication into the joint. But this treatment is only effective if the cortisone has been given before. Some patients can still experience a soreness after the injection wears off. These types of medications may not be right for everyone. Regardless of the approach, medications are an important part of shoulder arthritis treatment.
Aside from medicines, shoulder arthritis treatment involves avoiding painful activities. Depending on the severity of the disease, this can be difficult for many patients, and the first step in shoulder arthritis treatment is to avoid doing these activities altogether. Nevertheless, this may not be the best option for everyone. If you feel the pain in your shoulder, you may want to consider reducing the number of such activities. You should also avoid completing tasks that are not beneficial to your health if you have to stop doing them because of the pain.
Aside from medication, shoulder arthritis treatment may also involve a surgical procedure. The surgeon can perform a partial or total replacement in order to repair the damage caused by the condition. If you are unable to use your arm, it is imperative to consult a doctor immediately. A patient who cannot do these activities without the aid of a physician can undergo shoulder surgery. In some cases, the only option to treat the condition is to undergo surgery.
Symptoms of shoulder arthritis can be treated by avoiding activities that cause pain. Avoiding painful activities is important, because they may affect your ability to live a normal life. A person suffering from arthritis should question the importance of these activities, as the pain can affect the quality of their life. A healthy lifestyle, however, is key for treating the condition. In addition, it's important to avoid doing these activities, as this can lead to severe side effects.