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Specialty Orthopaedics:
Samuel Park, MD

Orthopedic Services

Shoulder Arthritis Doctor Shoulder Arthritis Specialist


Shoulder arthritis doesn’t just affect your daily activities; it can even start to impact your sleep quality. As a trusted leader in orthopedic surgery, Samuel Park, MD of Specialty Orthopaedics in Hinsdale, Illinois understands how debilitating shoulder arthritis can be. Before living another day with shoulder pain, schedule an exam and get started on treatment to relieve your discomfort. Book your evaluation by using the online scheduling system, or by calling the office.

Shoulder Arthritis Q & A

What are the symptoms of shoulder arthritis?

Shoulder arthritis can develop gradually over years of wear and tear, such as with osteoarthritis, or it can happen quickly after an acute injury. If you have shoulder arthritis, you’re probably going to experience:

  • Pain while lifting or rotating your arm
  • Shoulder discomfort while sleeping
  • Difficulty performing everyday tasks
  • Pain that radiates into your neck or shoulders
  • Shoulder stiffness, e.g. washing your hair or tucking in your shirt.

As your shoulder arthritis progresses, your symptoms are likely to worsen. Over time, you may find it increasingly challenging to grip objects or use your arm.

How is shoulder arthritis treated?

Treating shoulder arthritis depends on the severity of your symptoms and whether they’re affecting your quality of life. In some cases, resolving pain and inflammation involves letting your shoulder rest or improving your range of motion through physical therapy sessions. You could also benefit from:

  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Moist heat or ice packs
  • Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements

Many shoulder arthritis sufferers find that their condition improves gradually with these conservative treatment options.

Do I need shoulder arthritis surgery?

As with most orthopedic issues, surgery is generally always the last resort for treating shoulder arthritis. Minor scar tissue buildup or inflammation are usually treatable with a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure. If joint damage and inflammation are severe though, you could need a total shoulder replacement (arthroplasty) or a reverse shoulder replacement (reverse arthroplasty).

Going through a shoulder replacement involves surgically replacing both the head of your humerus bone (ball) and your glenoid (socket). Dr. Park attaches a metal ball to the top of your humerus, then places a plastic cup-like component into your glenoid. That entirely replaces the damaged ball-and-socket joint.

If you have chronic rotator cuff issues or have been through a rotator cuff repair, you might benefit from a reverse arthroplasty. This procedure involves attaching the metal ball to your glenoid socket, then fixating the plastic cup-like attachment to the upper part of your humerus. A reverse shoulder replacement helps you move your arm with the help of different muscles, which takes the strain off your rotator cuff.

Book your shoulder arthritis evaluation at Specialty Orthopaedics through the online booking system or by calling the clinic.

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