shoulder-arthritis

Advanced care for pain, stiffness & degenerative shoulder conditions

By Dr Rahul Singh (MS, DNB, MRCS)

Grammont Shoulder & Knee Clinic, Lucknow

What is Shoulder Arthritis?

Shoulder arthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage that cushions the shoulder joint gradually wears away.

The shoulder has two major joints:

  • Glenohumeral joint – between the humerus and glenoid
  • AC joint (acromioclavicular) – between the collarbone and shoulder top

Arthritis can affect either of these, causing pain, stiffness, grinding sensations, and reduced arm movement. Over time, bone surfaces rub against each other, leading to inflammation, swelling, and progressive joint damage.

Types of Shoulder Arthritis

At Grammont Shoulder & Knee Clinic, we commonly treat:

1. Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Arthritis)

The most common type—caused by age-related wear and tear of cartilage.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

A chronic inflammatory condition affecting the joint lining.

3. Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Occurs after fractures or repeated shoulder dislocations.

4. Rotator Cuff Arthropathy

Develops when long-standing rotator cuff tears lead to joint imbalance and arthritis.

Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis

You may experience:

  • Persistent deep shoulder pain
  • Pain at rest or at night
  • Stiffness and reduced range of motion
  • Weakness during lifting or overhead movements
  • Difficulty with daily tasks (combing hair, reaching behind back)

If symptoms worsen gradually over months or years, arthritis is likely the cause.

Diagnosis at Our Clinic

Dr Rahul Singh performs a detailed clinical evaluation followed by:

  • X-rays to assess joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and deformity
  • MRI to evaluate rotator cuff integrity
  • CT scans for surgical planning in advanced cases

A precise diagnosis helps choose the most effective treatment.

Treatment Options

1. Non-Surgical Management

Many patients improve with conservative care:

  • Activity modification
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Physiotherapy to maintain mobility and strength
  • Hot/cold therapy
  • Steroid injections for pain relief
  • Viscosupplementation (in selected cases)

These methods help control symptoms and delay the need for surgery.

2. Surgical Options

When pain becomes severe or daily activities are affected, surgical treatment may be recommended.

a. Arthroscopic Debridement

Keyhole procedure to clean the joint, remove loose bodies, and smooth damaged cartilage. Useful in early-to-moderate arthritis.

b. Total Shoulder Replacement

For advanced glenohumeral arthritis. Damaged surfaces are replaced with smooth metal and high-quality polyethylene implants.

Benefits

You may experience:

  • Significant pain relief
  • Improved mobility
  • Long-lasting results
c. Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Ideal for arthritis associated with massive rotator cuff tears (rotator cuff arthropathy).

Advantages

  • Restores arm elevation
  • Reduces pain dramatically
  • Excellent stability even without the rotator cuff
Recovery & Rehabilitation

Post-surgery recovery includes:

  • Short-term sling support
  • Guided physiotherapy for mobility and strength
  • Gradual return to daily activities within 4–6 weeks
  • Full functional recovery within 3–6 months
  • Long-term durable pain relief

Our clinic provides personalised rehab programs to ensure optimal outcomes.

Why Choose Grammont Shoulder & Knee Clinic?

  • Expertise in arthroscopic shoulder surgery & shoulder replacement
  • Modern imaging and advanced diagnostic facilities
  • Evidence-based non-surgical and surgical options
  • Guided rehabilitation for faster recovery
  • Patient-first care with transparent communication
Live Pain-Free and Regain Shoulder Motion

If shoulder pain and stiffness are affecting your life, timely treatment can restore comfort and mobility.

Book your consultation with
Dr Rahul Singh (MS, DNB, MRCS)
Grammont Shoulder & Knee Clinic, Lucknow, and take the first step toward a healthier, more active shoulder.