Shoulder arthritis surgery has been shown to provide significant relief to patients with ongoing symptoms, and Dr. Michael Bercik is experienced in helping patients with this condition achieve their best outcomes. For residents of Lancaster, PA, look no further than our team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group to schedule your first appointment.

Following his Magna Cum Laude graduation from Georgetown University, Dr. Michael Bercik received his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He then went on to his residency, where he was awarded for being the highest scorer, along with being recognized for his dedication to outstanding patient care. Dr. Michael Bercik upholds these standards in his practice every day, and every patient in our clinic is given specialized attention to provide them with the best results.

Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis generally presents itself first with symptoms of pain. This pain will become worse over time and may be aggravated by certain movements of activity. The location of the pain is dependent on where the joint is being affected by arthritis. It will also depend on which shoulder joint is affected. In general, you can decipher whether the glenohumeral shoulder joint or the acromioclavicular (AC) shoulder joint is being affected based on the characteristics of the pain.

For the glenohumeral shoulder joint, you may notice the pain is centered along the side or back of the shoulder. Some patients with this type of arthritis also experience this pain to change alongside changes in the weather.

If the pain in the shoulder is concentrated in the top of the shoulder, this is indicative of arthritis in the acromioclavicular joint. This pain may also travel to the side of the neck and give a feeling of “radiating” from the top of the shoulder.

For those with rheumatoid arthritis, both joints in the shoulder may be affected.

As symptoms of shoulder arthritis progress, it is common for patients to have extremely limited mobility and difficulty sleeping. Pain is often most intense at night. Patients may also experience grinding, snapping, or clicking sounds when moving their shoulder. Having difficulty with tasks that require shoulder movements, such as brushing your hair or reaching for things overhead is also common.

How is Shoulder Arthritis Diagnosed?

If you suspect you are experiencing signs of shoulder arthritis, a medical examination is your next step. When you go in for a medical evaluation, your doctor with look for the following:

• Weak or atrophied muscles
• Pain when touched
• Limited passive and active mobility
• Signs of injury to surrounding soft tissues
• Signs of previous injury to the shoulder
• Indications of rheumatoid arthritis in other joints
• Clicking or grating in the joint when moved
• Difficulty sleeping

Following the physical examination, your doctor will likely take an X-ray, which is an imaging test that can help to distinguish between different forms of arthritis. When arthritis is present in the shoulder, it is common to see narrowing of the joint space, bone spurs, and changes in the anatomical appearance of the bone.

Ready to Get Started?

We’re ready when you are! If you are considering shoulder arthritis surgery and are looking for an experienced shoulder surgeon, look no further than Dr. Michael Bercik and our team at Lancaster Orthopedics. Residents of Lancaster, PA, should schedule their first appointment by using the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or calling (866) 564-1000.