Arthritis Awareness Month is observed in May to raise awareness about the prevalence of arthritis in the US. It is the leading cause of disability, affecting about 1 in 4 individuals.
Symptoms of arthritis consist of swelling and pain in the joints that can severely limit activities and negatively impact one’s quality of life. While there is no cure for arthritis, a lot can be done to manage symptoms better and slow the disease’s progress.
Identifying the disease is the first step to alleviating the pain of shoulder arthritis.
3 Warning Signs of Shoulder Arthritis
- Pain with movement and even at rest
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Grinding, clicking, or snapping sound or sensation in the shoulder when you move it
Arthritis can develop anywhere within the shoulder. When pain is felt in the shoulder, damaged cartilage or inflammation is likely where the upper arm bone and the shoulder blade connect, or glenohumeral joint. If your pain starts at the top of the shoulder and affects the joint where your shoulder blade meets your collarbone, this is a good indication to speak with your doctor about the possibility of arthritis.
Stress causes muscle tension that can increase your joint pain and causes the release of chemicals into the bloodstream that produce inflammation within the body. Relaxation techniques such as yoga or breathing exercises can lower inflammation and tension within the body and improve your pain threshold. Possible triggers include fried food, processed foods, added salt or sugar in your diet, saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates. Keep a food diary to track your arthritis flares and identify specific food triggers.
Dr. Kevin Kruse, MD, is dedicated to helping his patients get back to living their best lives. For more information on how he can help you navigate shoulder arthritis, contact us today.
Dr. Kevin Kruse is a board-certified, fellowship-trained, orthopedic shoulder surgeon in North Texas. Dr. Kruse is committed to bringing the highest level of personalized orthopedic care, using advanced technology and biologics to treat shoulder injuries with optimal patient outcomes effectively.