Shoulder arthritis can significantly impact your daily life, from lifting grocery bags to reaching for objects on a shelf. If you're experiencing persistent shoulder pain, stiffness, or limited movement, it could be more than just a sprain — it could be shoulder arthritis. Dr. Chintan Desai specialises in diagnosing and treating all forms of shoulder arthritis using the latest medical advancements and patient-centred care.

Whether you're seeking pain relief, increased mobility, or surgical intervention, Desai Shoulders offers comprehensive treatment tailored to your condition and lifestyle.

Shoulder arthritis is a condition where the cartilage covering the bones of the shoulder joint wears down over time, causing pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility.

Types of Shoulder Arthritis

1. Osteoarthritis

The most common form of shoulder arthritis is caused by natural ageing and wear and tear of the cartilage.

• It develops gradually over time, leading to stiffness, grinding sensations, and pain during shoulder movement.
• Osteoarthritis typically affects people over the age of 50, but can occur earlier due to overuse or injury.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis treatment in Mumbai

An autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joint lining.

• It causes inflammation, swelling, and eventual joint deformity, often affecting both shoulders simultaneously.
• Rheumatoid arthritis requires early intervention to prevent joint destruction and loss of function.

3. Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Occurs after an injury such as a fracture, shoulder dislocation, or ligament tear, even years after the initial trauma.

• The injury may damage cartilage or alter joint alignment, thereby accelerating the development of arthritis.
• Post-traumatic arthritis can affect younger individuals and may worsen without proper rehabilitation or treatment.

4. Avascular Necrosis (AVN)

Happens when blood flow to the shoulder bone is reduced or cut off, resulting in the death of bone tissue.

• Without blood, the bone collapses and cartilage wears out, resulting in secondary arthritis.
• AVN is often linked to steroid use, alcohol abuse, trauma, or certain medical conditions and may require surgical correction.

5. Rotator Cuff Arthropathy

Develops when long-standing rotator cuff tears disrupt the shoulder's standard mechanics.

• This leads to instability, bone-on-bone contact, and joint damage that evolves into arthritis.
• Patients usually experience severe weakness, shoulder drooping, and pain with basic arm movements.

Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis

Recognizing the symptoms early allows for better treatment outcomes. Common signs include:

• Deep, aching pain in the shoulder joint
• Pain that worsens with activity or weather changes
• Limited range of motion or stiffness
• Clicking, grinding, or popping sounds during shoulder movement
• Weakness in lifting or rotating the arm
• Pain that disrupts sleep, especially when lying on the affected side

Surgical Treatment Options

If conservative treatment no longer provides relief or if shoulder function continues to deteriorate, surgery may be the best option. At Desai Shoulders, we offer cutting-edge surgical procedures with high success rates.

1. Shoulder Arthroscopy

Minimally invasive procedure to clean out inflamed tissue or bone spurs in mild arthritis cases.

2. Total Shoulder Replacement (Arthroplasty)

Involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces with artificial components. Best suited for advanced osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

• Pain relief
• Restored function
• Long-term mobility

3. Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Ideal for patients with severe arthritis and irreparable rotator cuff tears. The ball and socket are reversed to rely on deltoid muscle instead of the damaged rotator cuff.

4. Hemiarthroplasty

Only the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) is replaced, commonly used in post-traumatic arthritis or AVN.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can shoulder arthritis be cured?

Shoulder arthritis cannot be cured but can be effectively managed with the right treatment. Severe cases may require surgical intervention for lasting relief.

Q2. Is shoulder replacement surgery safe?

Yes, shoulder replacement is a safe and effective procedure with high success rates when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Chintan Desai.

Q3. How do I know if my shoulder pain is due to arthritis?

If your pain is persistent, worsens with activity, and you have limited movement, it may be arthritis. Imaging tests like X-rays can confirm the diagnosis.

Q4. How long is recovery after shoulder replacement?

Most patients resume normal activities within 3–6 months with guided physiotherapy and follow-up care.

Q5. Does exercise help with shoulder arthritis?

Yes, gentle shoulder exercises and stretches improve mobility and reduce stiffness. Avoid overexertion.

Shoulder joint arthritis is of two types. The first type, where the rotator cuff muscles are intact. The second type where the rotator cuff muscles are torn and are irreparable.

The treatment of shoulder arthritis requires shoulder replacement surgery.

Dr. Chintan Desai is the best shoulder replacement specialist surgeon. He is the first shoulder surgeon in India to perform the stemless total shoulder replacement surgery.

Dr. Chintan Desai also perform the reverse total shoulder replacement surgery which is necessary in patients with arthritis with massive rotator cuff tears.