Shoulder Arthritis is one of the most common shoulder injuries rising these days. Many people ignore it initially only to regret it later as the condition worsens if not cured soon. Many people ignore the shoulder pain thinking it as a minor strain but ignoring the symptoms can lead to chronic discomfort, reduced mobility and even in some cases the need for Shoulder Surgery. Dr. Preetesh Choudhary, the best shoulder replacement surgeon in Indore is trying to spread the awareness of what to do and what not to do if one is facing common shoulder arthritis symptoms. 

What is Shoulder Arthritis?

Shoulder Arthritis refers to an injury in which the cartilage in the shoulder joint starts degenerating, leading to inflammation, pain and stiffness. If not taken proper shoulder arthritis treatment, the condition can worsen making everyday activities like lifting objects, driving, or even sleeping difficult. Shoulder Arthritis symptoms include persistent pain in the shoulder, stiffness in the joint, clicking sound, swelling etc. Stop ignoring these common symptoms and consult a shoulder specialist near you before the condition gets worse. 

Do’s & Don’ts if you have Shoulder Arthritis-

Do’s-

• Medical Attention as soon as possible-

Delaying the treatment can lead to severe joint damage. It is very important for a person suffering from Shoulder Arthritis to seek medical attention as soon as possible. For an acute diagnosis and treatment plan book your appointment with Dr. Preetesh Choudhary, one of the top 10 shoulder surgeons in Indore now.

• Healthy Diet-

The better diet you take the stronger your shoulder will become. A nutritious diet will help the shoulder recover faster and reduce joint inflammation. Diet rich in Anti-inflammatory food items like fish, nuts, Green vegetables and Omega-3 fatty acids, found in Salmon and Flaxseeds particularly benefit joint health. 

• Exercise Plan-

Make a personalised exercise plan and follow it regularly, as regular movement of the shoulder joint will help you maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness. Few shoulder arthritis exercises are- 

• Wall Slides

• Pendulum Swings

• Resistance Band Exercises

 Do not forget to consult a physiotherapist before following any kind of workout plan. 

• Consider Non-surgical treatment-

Shoulder Surgery should be the last possible way to treat your shoulder. You should explore all the non-surgical treatments to treat your shoulder before opting for surgery as any of the following can help you get rid of Shoulder Arthritis. Options are-

• Physical Therapy to strengthen the joint

• Medications to relieve pain

• Corticosteroid Injections to reduce inflammation

Don’ts-

• Do not ignore the Shoulder Pain-

One of the biggest and most common mistakes people make is by ignoring the pain thinking it as a temporary issue. Ignoring the pain can worsen the situation. Do not avoid it and seek guidance from shoulder surgeon, as soon as the pain starts. Early intervention can prevent further damage. 

• Do not overuse the affected shoulder-

Repetitive overhead movements or excessive lifting can worsen arthritis. Modify your daily activities to minimize strain on your shoulder joint. Using the affected shoulder more than what is prescribed will slow down your recovery process, delaying you to return to your daily activities.

•  Do not skip the Physiotherapy and rely on the painkillers-

While medication helps you manage the pain, but completely stopping the physical therapy exercises and relying on pain killers will only help you for a short-period of time. For a longer process you need to complete your physical therapy course as it make your muscles stronger and by reducing relying on the painkillers you can avoid the side effects they bring with them. 

• Don’t delay the surgery-

If all the non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief to your shoulder, then comes the only option which is getting a shoulder surgery done. Once joint replacement surgeon has suggested to get your shoulder surgery done then do not avoid his words, get it done as soon as possible to recover faster. Delaying the surgery can lead to increased pain and loss of joint function. 

Conclusion-

Shoulder Arthritis is not just a normal aging pain, ignoring the symptoms can lead to severe complications such as joint deformity or complete loss of movement. By following these basic Do’s and Don’ts one can effectively manage his shoulder’s condition and maintain a good quality of life. Without proper shoulder treatment, condition can worsen, making everyday activities difficult. Start taking actions today and consult the right doctor to live a pain-free life.