While many people think of arthritis in the hands or knees, arthritis in the shoulder is a common condition that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. There are many different types of shoulder arthritis, and correctly diagnosing your symptoms is essential to ensure you are following the right treatment plan. For Lancaster residents looking for an experienced shoulder arthritis specialist, check out Dr. Michael Bercik and our high-quality orthopedic team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group.

After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Georgetown University, Dr. Michael Bercik went on to complete his medical degree at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He has since been awarded for his patient care and academic prowess, in addition to completing international and domestic fellowships to specialize in the care of the shoulder and elbows. Dr. Bercik believes everyone should have access to the latest treatment methods in shoulder care, and he is dedicated to bringing advanced techniques to his patients in Lancaster.

What Kinds of Arthritis Affect the Shoulder?

The shoulder joint complex is an intricate structure involving multiple joints and soft tissues. The many complexes in the shoulder leave it susceptible to illness, injury, and natural wear and tear. Because of this, the shoulder is one of the most common joints affected by arthritis. However, many patients have shown great success in alleviating their symptoms and reducing the progression of their arthritis through surgical and nonsurgical methods. An expert arthritis specialist, such as Dr. Bercik, can help you identify the cause of your arthritic symptoms and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Understanding the type of arthritis you have is essential when developing a treatment plan. Different types of arthritis originate from varying underlying causes, and treatment to address these causes will vary.

While not an exclusive list, the most common types of arthritis appearing in the shoulder are:

Osteoarthritis

This type of arthritis is the most common and results from wear and tear on the body over the life course. This type of arthritis frequently increases as we age and our cartilage becomes worn down. Once we lose the cartilage cushioning in our joints, our bones begin to rub against each other and cause pain and stiffness, among other symptoms.

Inflammatory arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis, most commonly rheumatoid arthritis, is caused by an underlying autoimmune disease. This leads the body to attack our joint linings and wears away the cartilage within our joints.

Rotator cuff tear arthropathy

This type of arthritis results from large tears in the rotator cuff tendon that are left untreated. While rare, up to 4% of patients with untreated rotator cuff tears develop arthritis in the shoulder.

Osteonecrosis

This type of arthritis develops from a lack of blood supply to the shoulder, leading to tissue death and the loss of bone support. Over time, this leads to decaying cartilage.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis results from injuries to the shoulder that damage the bone and corresponding cartilage.

What are the Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis?

The most common symptom of shoulder arthritis is experiencing pain when moving the arm. This pain may persist even during rest or sleeping. In addition, as the cartilage continues to wear away, you may experience a loss of function and range of motion. This typically interferes with daily activities and is difficult to ignore.

If you begin to notice any of these symptoms, seeking an expert’s advice early can help prevent the further progression of symptoms.

Ready to Begin?

We are ready when you are! Residents of Lancaster looking for a shoulder arthritis specialist should waste no time in scheduling their first appointment with Dr. Berick at Lancaster Orthopedic Group. To set up your appointment, click the  “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or call (866) 564-1000.