Arthritis Shoulder | Dr. Daniel A. Romanelli, M.D

Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis occurs when cartilage wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Osteoarthritis is the most common type, developing from wear and tear, while Rheumatoid Arthritis affects the joint lining through autoimmune activity. Visit us in the rio Grande Valley to discuss your options for Shoulder Arthritis treatments today.

Schedule an Appointment

Dr. Romanelli will start with a comprehensive evaluation, including a review of your symptoms and a physical examination of the shoulder. This will involve testing your range of motion and joint stability. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, can help determine the extent of cartilage loss, while an MRI may be used to assess damage to the surrounding ligaments and tissues.
Although arthritis is a chronic condition, many treatments can help manage symptoms, reduce pain, and improve shoulder function. Treatment options range from conservative therapies to surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the condition.
Non-surgical treatments are often recommended first to help relieve symptoms and improve function in the shoulder joint. These include:

Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can reduce pain and inflammation. Corticosteroid injections may also be used to provide temporary relief from inflammation.

Physical Therapy: Exercises aimed at improving strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the shoulder can help reduce strain on the joint and improve overall function.

Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that aggravate the shoulder and making adjustments to your daily routine can help reduce pain and prevent further joint damage.

Heat and Ice Therapy: Applying heat or ice to the shoulder can help relieve pain and reduce swelling.

Assistive Devices: Slings or shoulder braces may provide additional support, particularly during activities that require lifting or reaching.
When arthritis has progressed to a point where non-surgical treatments are no longer effective, surgery may be recommended to relieve pain and restore function. Surgical options include:

Arthroscopy: This minimally invasive procedure uses a small camera to clean out the joint, removing loose cartilage or bone spurs that are contributing to pain and inflammation.

Shoulder Replacement Surgery: For severe arthritis, total or partial shoulder replacement (arthroplasty) may be necessary. In this procedure, the damaged parts of the shoulder are replaced with artificial components, providing significant pain relief and improved range of motion.

Reverse Shoulder Replacement: In cases where the rotator cuff is also damaged, a reverse shoulder replacement may be performed. This procedure alters the mechanics of the joint, allowing other muscles to take over the work of the damaged rotator cuff.
Whether you're managing arthritis with non-surgical treatments or recovering from surgery, physical therapy is essential. A tailored rehabilitation program will focus on improving shoulder strength, restoring range of motion, and minimizing pain. After surgery, physical therapy is critical for regaining full function and mobility in the shoulder. Dr. Romanelli collaborates with physical therapists to create individualized recovery plans, helping you return to your normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.

Whether you're seeking expert care for a sports injury, work-related issue, or a chronic condition, Dr. Romanelli and his team are here to provide personalized, state-of-the-art surgical solutions. Get in touch today to take the first step toward recovery.