Shoulder arthritis, a condition where the cartilage in the shoulder joint deteriorates, can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. While arthritis in the knees and hips is more commonly discussed, shoulder arthritis can be just as debilitating.
Fortunately, advancements in medical research have led to new treatments for shoulder arthritis that offer relief and improved quality of life to suffering individuals.
Here’s a look at some of the latest shoulder arthritis treatment options.
New Injectable Therapies
One of the emerging shoulder pain solutions is the use of injectable therapies beyond traditional corticosteroids. Two promising options are listed below.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance naturally found in joint fluid that helps cushion and lubricate the joints. HA injections have been used for knee arthritis for years, and experts are now applying this treatment to the shoulder.
Studies suggest that HA injections can reduce pain and improve function in patients with mild to moderate shoulder arthritis by providing extra lubrication.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
In this therapy, the technician will extract concentrated platelets from the patient’s blood. These are then injected into the shoulder joint. The platelets release growth factors that can help repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation.
Although PRP is still being studied, early research indicates that it may help slow the progression of arthritis and relieve symptoms in some patients.
Advanced Surgical Options
When conservative treatments fail, surgery may be necessary to provide lasting relief from shoulder arthritis. Thanks to advancements in surgical techniques, patients now have more options with shorter recovery times.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures allow orthopedic surgeons to clean out debris or smooth damaged cartilage within the shoulder joint. These procedures can help reduce pain and improve mobility, especially in the early stages of arthritis. Because the incisions are small, patients typically recover faster compared to traditional surgery.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
In cases of severe arthritis where the joint is significantly damaged, shoulder replacement surgery (also known as arthroplasty) may be recommended. This procedure involves replacing the damaged parts of the shoulder with artificial components.
In recent years, reverse shoulder replacement has become an increasingly popular option for patients with both arthritis and rotator cuff damage. It offers better outcomes and restores function for many individuals.
Regenerative Medicine: Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy is an exciting and rapidly developing area of treatment for shoulder arthritis. In this therapy, stem cells, which have the potential to develop into different types of tissues, are injected into the affected shoulder joint.
The idea is that these cells can help repair damaged cartilage and reduce inflammation. Although still considered experimental, stem cell therapy has shown promise in early studies. Ongoing research may soon make it a mainstream treatment option.
Take Advantage of the New Treatments for Shoulder Arthritis
You don’t have to suffer from the pain and debilitation of shoulder arthritis any longer. There are new treatments for shoulder arthritis available and ready to be applied.
Idaho Shoulder 2 Hand offers expertise in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical repair of all conditions as a result of injuries to the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. We are ready to help you get out there and active again.
Contact our team to learn more.
