Is a Bigger Issue Behind My Shoulder Pain?

Many people experience aches and pains as part of their daily routine. Some issues can be attributed to aging or just isolated incidents. However, chronic joint pain that intensifies with time can signal that a more significant problem may be to blame. If your shoulders hurt to the point where it impacts your quality of life, it may be time to seek professional advice. Our experts at the Orthopedic Associates of Long Island have years of experience treating many joint ailments, including arthritis of the shoulder. If you think your shoulder pain is more than just joint pain, here are a few signs of shoulder arthritis you can look for and how we can help.

Joint Stiffness

Have you noticed that your shoulders have been significantly more stiff than usual? It could be a sign that you’ve developed shoulder arthritis. As your body ages, sometimes the joints show signs of wear and tear, and stiffness is one of the calling cards of arthritis. Your shoulders can become stiff as the cartilage in the joint breaks down, making it hard to move and limiting your range of motion. If your shoulders have stiffened, doing stretches or applying ice and heat may help some.

Limited Range of Motion

Another sign you may be dealing with shoulder arthritis is if you cannot move your shoulder into specific positions. A limited range of motion in your joints indicates that they are starting to break down. Some experts believe that light exercise of the joint can help restore some strength to the area, but this is contingent upon the medical opinion of a professional.

Causes of Shoulder Arthritis

The reason arthritis develops varies for each case, but general wear and tear of the joints are a common cause of many arthritis cases. Some arthritis cases occur when the body’s immune system attacks the joints, resulting in lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and gout. 

Also, other factors can increase the likelihood of developing arthritis, which can include:

• Your age
• Weight
• Gender
• Occupation 
• Injury history 
• Genetics

Although arthritis can wreak havoc on your quality of life, we are happy to help design a treatment plan that fits your needs. For more on how we can help, please get in touch with us to schedule a consultation at one of our 8 locations. Call us today at 631.689.6698.