Shoulder Arthritis Treatment at Emerald Avenue Medical Clinic, JBR Dubai Marina

Shoulder arthritis refers to the inflammation of the shoulder joint, which can cause the cartilage that cushions the bones in the joint to wear down over time. This leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and a reduced range of motion in the shoulder. The condition is most commonly seen in older adults, but it can also affect younger individuals due to injury or underlying conditions.

1. Osteoarthritis (OA): The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in the shoulder joint breaks down, leading to bone-on-bone It is often related to aging or wear-and-tear over time.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the joint lining, leading to inflammation, pain, and joint RA can affect both shoulders and other parts of the body.
3. Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This form of arthritis occurs after an injury or trauma to the shoulder, such as a fracture or dislocation, leading to cartilage damage and arthritis over
4. Rotator Cuff Arthritis: This type of arthritis occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are damaged or degenerate, leading to pain and limited mobility in the shoulder.

• Pain in the shoulder that worsens with activity or after prolonged
• Stiffness in the shoulder joint, making it difficult to raise or rotate the
• Swelling or inflammation around the shoulder
• Crunching or popping sounds (crepitus) when moving the
• Reduced range of motion, making everyday tasks like reaching overhead or lifting objects.

• Age: The risk increases with age, especially after 50, as cartilage naturally deteriorates over
• Injury: Previous injuries, such as fractures, dislocations, or rotator cuff tears, can increase the risk of developing arthritis.
• Genetics: A family history of arthritis can make you more predisposed to developing the
• Repetitive use: Overuse or repetitive activities that put strain on the shoulder joint (e.g., heavy lifting or overhead movements) can contribute to wear and tear on the
• Inflammatory conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases can also increase the risk of developing arthritis in the shoulder.

Before considering surgery, there are several non-surgical treatment options available to manage symptoms and improve function:

1. Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and stretches to improve shoulder strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments to help manage arthritis pain and prevent further joint deterioration.
2. Medications: NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. For more severe pain, stronger prescription medications may be
3. Corticosteroid Injections: Injections of corticosteroids into the shoulder joint can provide temporary relief from inflammation and pain, helping to manage symptoms and improve
4. Hyaluronic Acid Injections: This treatment involves injecting a lubricating fluid into the shoulder joint to reduce friction and provide relief from pain and stiffness.
5. Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate pain (e.g., heavy lifting or repetitive overhead motions) and using assistive devices can help reduce strain on the shoulder joint.

If non-surgical treatments fail to provide adequate relief or if the arthritis severely limits your ability to perform daily activities, shoulder surgery may be necessary. Emerald Avenue Medical Clinic offers advanced surgical options for shoulder arthritis, including:

• Arthroscopic Debridement: A minimally invasive procedure where the surgeon removes damaged tissue, bone spurs, and other debris from the shoulder joint using small incisions and a camera. This procedure can provide relief from pain and improve mobility.
• Shoulder Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): For advanced cases of arthritis, shoulder replacement surgery may be recommended. This involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces with artificial components to restore function and relieve There are two main types of shoulder replacements:
• Total Shoulder Replacement: Involves replacing both the ball (humeral head) and socket (glenoid) of the shoulder.
• Reverse Shoulder Replacement: Used for patients with rotator cuff arthritis or irreparable rotator cuff In this procedure, the ball and socket are reversed to improve function and stability.
• Shoulder Fusion (Arthrodesis): In severe cases where joint replacement is not an option, shoulder fusion may be performed. This procedure involves fusing the bones of the shoulder joint together to eliminate motion and relieve While it can reduce pain, it also limits movement in the joint.

• Expert Care from a German Consultant: Our clinic is proud to have a German consultant with advanced training in orthopedic surgery, specializing in shoulder conditions. With years of experience and a reputation for excellent care, our German consultant provides precise, patient-centered treatment plans for shoulder arthritis.
• State-of-the-Art Technology: At Emerald Avenue Medical Clinic, we utilize the latest diagnostic tools and advanced treatment technologies to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of shoulder arthritis.
• Minimally Invasive Surgical Options: For patients requiring surgery, we offer minimally invasive techniques like arthroscopic surgery, which reduces recovery time and minimizes
• Comprehensive Post-Operative Care: After surgery, our team provides a complete recovery program, including rehabilitation, physical therapy, and regular follow-up visits to ensure the best outcomes.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: We understand that every patient is We take the time to evaluate your specific condition, symptoms, and lifestyle to create a tailored treatment plan that best addresses your needs.

• Perform a Physical Exam: The doctor will assess the shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and areas of tenderness to understand the extent of the arthritis.
• Imaging Tests: We may recommend an X-ray or MRI to assess the damage to the shoulder joint and determine the severity of the arthritis.
• Discuss Treatment Options: Based on the diagnosis, we will discuss both non-surgical and surgical treatment options, explaining the benefits and risks of each Together, we will develop a personalized treatment plan.

• Physical Therapy: Whether you undergo conservative treatment or surgery, physical therapy is a key component of recovery. Your therapist will guide you through exercises to strengthen the shoulder, improve flexibility, and enhance range of motion.
• Pain Management: Post-treatment or post-surgery, we offer various pain management strategies, including medication, ice therapy, and other techniques to help manage discomfort during recovery.
• Follow-Up Appointments: After your treatment, we will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

If you are suffering from shoulder arthritis and would like to explore your treatment options, contact Emerald Avenue Medical Clinic in JBR Dubai Marina today. Our team of expert orthopedic surgeons, including our German consultant, is here to provide you with the highest quality care and the most effective treatment options for shoulder arthritis.

Call us today 04265 1950 or schedule an appointment online to begin your journey to pain relief and restored shoulder function.