Shoulder joints can become damaged due to various reasons such as aging, injury, and certain medical conditions, which can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility. When conservative treatments such as medication and physical therapy do not provide relief, shoulder replacement surgery may be considered. Although shoulder replacement is a major surgical procedure, it can provide many benefits to those suffering from shoulder joint damage.
At Sports Medicine and Joint Replacement Specialists, we are home to some of Pittsburgh's top shoulder specialists who are dedicated to providing you with a comprehensive evaluation and top-quality care for your total shoulder replacement surgery.
What Is a Shoulder Replacement?
A shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces the damaged or worn parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components. During the surgery, a surgeon will make an incision to access the shoulder joint, remove any damaged parts, and then replace them with prosthetic components. These components are usually made up of metal and plastic, which are designed to mimic the natural structure of the shoulder joint.
The aim of a shoulder replacement is to reduce pain, improve the motion and function of the shoulder joint, as well as enhance quality of life. While the procedure is typically reserved for those experiencing severe shoulder joint damage, it has a high success rate and can provide long-lasting results for patients
Here are 5 signs it's time for a shoulder replacement.
1. You Are Suffering From Constant Pain
Living with chronic pain can greatly affect your overall quality of life and make even the simplest of activities difficult to manage. When it comes to shoulder joint damage, if you find yourself in constant pain, it may be time to consider a shoulder replacement. Ignoring the pain and resorting to medication or physical therapy alone may only provide temporary relief at best. The damaged shoulder joint may continue to deteriorate, causing more pain and further limiting mobility.
Shoulder replacement surgery replaces the damaged joint with an artificial one, usually made of metal and plastic. This can help restore a range of motion in the shoulder, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life. While it is a major surgical procedure that involves some risks, it is important to weigh these risks against the benefits of living a pain-free life with more mobility.
Additionally, with advancements in surgical techniques and technology, the procedure is becoming less invasive and complications are becoming increasingly rarer. If you're experiencing constant pain in your shoulder, it's important to talk to your doctor to see if shoulder replacement may be the best option for you and your pain relief.
2. Non-Surgical Techniques Do Not Work
If conservative treatments such as medication and physical therapy are not providing relief for your shoulder joint pain and limited mobility, a shoulder replacement may be the best option for you. While it is true that surgery is a major decision, especially for an area as important as the shoulder, choosing to undergo shoulder replacement can offer many advantages.
If non-surgical techniques aren't working, it may signal that the damage to your shoulder is more severe than initially thought. Allowing this damage to persist can not only cause increased pain and discomfort but also worsen and necessitate even more invasive treatments in the future. A shoulder replacement is an effective way of treating severe shoulder joint damage, allowing you to return to activities that have been limited or even prevented by the pain and immobility that you've been experiencing.
3. You Have Limited Range of Motion
Shoulder joint damage can cause limited range of motion, making even the most basic day-to-day activities difficult to manage. If you find yourself struggling with reaching up or performing simple tasks, it may be time to consider a shoulder replacement. This procedure can help restore range of motion to the shoulder joint and improve functionality, allowing you to regain independence and complete activities that were once challenging or impossible.
Neglecting to address limited range of motion can cause further deterioration in the shoulder joint, meaning that the condition may become more severe over time. If non-surgical options aren't providing relief and you're experiencing limited range of motion, it's important to consider a shoulder replacement to regain range of motion, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.
4. You Have Arthritis In Your Shoulder
Arthritis in the shoulder joint can cause severe pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. It can severely impact one's daily life, making simple activities like brushing your hair or reaching for a glass of water difficult and painful. While medications like painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can provide temporary relief, they may not be a lasting solution. In such cases, a shoulder replacement may be the answer.The procedure involves replacing the damaged joint with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic. The artificial joint can help restore a range of motion in the shoulder, alleviate pain, and increase functionality. While non-surgical treatments such as pain medication, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief, they may not be suitable for everyone suffering from arthritis.
While surgical procedures always come with some risks, modern technology and advancements have made shoulder replacements safer and more effective than ever before. If you're struggling with arthritis in your shoulder, it's important to talk to your doctor about your treatment options and see if a shoulder replacement may be right for you.
5. You Had Prior Surgery and It Failed
If you have previously undergone shoulder surgery and it has failed to alleviate your pain, stiffness, and limited mobility, a shoulder replacement may be the best option for you. Failed shoulder surgery can be a frustrating and disappointing experience, but it's important not to give up hope for a pain-free and functional shoulder.
The first step is to consult with your doctor to determine the cause of the failed surgery and whether or not another surgery is feasible. If a second surgery is possible, joint replacement surgery may be the best option because it will replace the damaged joint and will be more effective in addressing the root cause of your pain and limited mobility. This can help restore range of motion, relieve pain, and improve shoulder functionality.
While shoulder replacement surgery is generally reserved for those who have not responded well to non-surgical treatments, it may be an effective solution for those who have had prior surgery that failed to provide relief.
With proper preparation and post-operative care, shoulder replacement surgery can help you regain a pain-free and functional shoulder, allowing you to return to activities that were once challenging or impossible.
If you are in need of a shoulder replacement or are suffering from shoulder pain, contact our team of top shoulder surgeons at Sports Medicine and Joint Replacement Specialists to address your condition and return to peak form. Don't wait, call or schedule an appointment directly from our website today.
