Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis affects about 30% of people over age 60. If you have shoulder joint damage and pain caused by arthritis, turn to board-certified shoulder specialist Michael J. Bercik Jr., MD, in Lancaster, Ephrata, and Mount Joy, Pennsylvania. He provides conservative and surgical treatment options for shoulder arthritis, restoring joint structure and function while diminishing discomfort. Schedule a shoulder arthritis evaluation with Dr. Bercik by phone or request one online today.

What is shoulder arthritis?

Shoulder arthritis is a common form of arthritis, a chronic disease that causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the affected joints. It can also lead to joint disfigurement and disability over time when left untreated. Dr. Bercik specializes in treating arthritis that affects the shoulders and elbows. He offers both conservative and surgical treatment options to match your goals.

What are the symptoms of shoulder arthritis?

Shoulder arthritis may lead to:

• Shoulder pain
• Stiffness
• Weakness
• Swelling
• Warmth
• Redness
• Reduced range of motion
• Decreased mobility
• Radiating shoulder discomfort
• Creaking, grinding, or clicking sounds with movement
• Pain with heavy lifting or exercise

The discomfort you experience because of shoulder arthritis may be mild, moderate, or severe, and sometimes crippling.

What increases the risk of shoulder arthritis? 

Risk factors for developing shoulder arthritis include:

• Older age
• Previous shoulder injuries and trauma
• Family history of arthritis
• Playing overhead sports
• Repetitive motions involving the shoulder joint

The symptoms you experience because of shoulder arthritis may be mild at first and gradually worsen over time. 

How is shoulder arthritis diagnosed?

Dr. Bercik can diagnose shoulder arthritis after discussing your symptoms and medical history, examining your shoulder joint, completing blood testing, and ordering imaging procedures — such as X-rays or an MRI. He tailors a shoulder pain treatment plan that achieves exceptional patient outcomes. 

How is shoulder arthritis treated?

Typically, shoulder arthritis is first treated using conservative methods like medications, ice, activity modifications, physical therapy, and cortisone injections. Dr. Bercik also offers surgical interventions to repair or replace the shoulder joint, ease pain, and restore the affected joint’s structure and function. 

Dr. Bercik offers total shoulder replacement, reverse shoulder replacement, and other shoulder surgeries. He determines which is best based on the severity of joint deterioration you experience and your lifestyle. 

After surgery, it’s vital to follow all post-surgery instructions. This includes eating nutritious foods, resting the affected joint, taking medications as directed, and completing physical therapy sessions. Call the office at any time with questions and attend all follow-up appointments. 

Schedule a shoulder arthritis evaluation with Michael J. Bercik Jr., MD, by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.