Shoulders are part of the human body that plays an important role in lifting and carrying objects. They allow the body to exercise a wide range of motion. Therefore, it is important to keep the shoulders strong and flexible. They are the upper joints of the arms that are attached to the neck. The shoulders are made up of three major bones: the scapula, the clavicle, and the humerus. The scapula is also known as the shoulder blade. The clavicle is known as the shoulder bone. Another name for the humerus is the upper arm bone. Here at Plymouth Bay Orthopedic Associates, we are proud to offer shoulder replacement to our patients and encourage you to learn more about it.
Causes of Shoulder Pain
Persistent and severe shoulder pain can lead to serious problems that can drastically affect an individual’s daily life. A person suffering from chronic shoulder pain can experience a poorer quality of life than their healthier counterparts. There are several reasons why shoulder pain occurs. It can be caused by two forms of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by typical wear and tear due to aging. Rheumatoid arthritis is an illness that affects the immune system, which attacks the joints causing inflammation and discomfort. Frozen shoulder syndrome is another condition that causes shoulder pain. Frozen shoulder syndrome causes inflammation in the shoulder and this results in stiffness and limited range of motion in the affected area. A rotator cuff tear can also cause shoulder pain. This type of tear affects the muscles and tendons that cushion the top of the humerus. Rotator cuff tears can be caused by an acute injury or develop due to chronic overuse. Shoulder pain may be caused by bursitis as well. Shoulder bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, a tiny sac of fluid located near the rotator cuff tendon. The inflammation creates pressure around the shoulder area that results in pain.
When is Shoulder Replacement the Best Option?
Shoulder pain is often treated with medication and physical therapy. However, if these options are not effective, getting shoulder replacement surgery may be a better option to alleviating shoulder pain. Individuals who experience shoulder pain while sleeping are good candidates of shoulder replacement. Those who have trouble performing everyday activities, such as washing, cooking, toileting, and cleaning are also qualified candidates of shoulder replacement. Those who have a noticeable loss of strength or prominent weakness in the shoulder and are not responding to traditional forms of treatment should consider shoulder replacement surgery. Shoulder replacement surgery is a safe and straightforward procedure. The surgeon will assess the patient’s situation and determine what the best course of action is. Typically, the damaged parts of the shoulder are extracted and replaced with prosthetic components. The result of this procedure is the ability to perform activities pain-free and an increased range of motion in the upper body area.
Get In Touch with Us for More Information
To learn more about shoulder replacement and the benefits of the procedure, we warmly invite you to make an appointment with Plymouth Bay Orthopedic Associates! At our convenient locations in Plymouth Duxbury and Sandwich, our caring and dedicated team of professionals will be pleased to explain your options in greater detail and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!