Shoulder Arthritis Treatment in Louisville, KY
Shoulder Arthritis Treatment From a Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Shoulder Specialist
Shoulder arthritis is one of the most common causes of persistent shoulder pain in adults, and its effects can range from mild stiffness to debilitating discomfort that disrupts sleep and limits everyday movement. The shoulder is a remarkably mobile joint; when arthritis takes hold, that mobility begins to erode. Tasks like reaching overhead, fastening a seatbelt, or lifting a bag can become painful reminders of a condition that, without proper treatment, tends to worsen progressively over time.
Dr. Nyagon Duany is a fellowship-trained orthopedic shoulder specialist in Louisville, KY, with dual training in sports medicine and total joint replacement. That combination means she is equally skilled at managing early-stage shoulder arthritis conservatively and performing advanced surgical procedures, including total shoulder replacement, when conservative care is no longer adequate.
Dr. Duany brings a distinctive perspective to her practice and a genuine commitment to connecting with patients of all backgrounds. She is also at the forefront of orthopedic technology, using CT-guided planning to individualize each patient’s surgical plan and cutting-edge robotic assistance to complete each procedure with the utmost precision.
If shoulder pain has been interfering with your daily life, use our online form to request an appointment with Dr. Duany today.
Shoulder Arthritis Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options
Understanding and Treating Shoulder Arthritis
The shoulder is made up of two separate joints: the glenohumeral joint (the main ball-and-socket joint) and the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. Arthritis can develop in either location, though glenohumeral arthritis is typically the more debilitating of the two. AC joint arthritis is addressed in detail on its own page.
Types of Shoulder Arthritis
Several forms of arthritis can affect the shoulder, each with different causes and treatment considerations.
- Osteoarthritis is the most common type, resulting from the gradual breakdown of cartilage due to aging and years of wear. It is most prevalent in patients over 50 and tends to progress slowly over time.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation, pain, and progressive joint damage. It can affect patients of any age and often involves multiple joints at once.
- Post-traumatic arthritis develops after a shoulder injury such as a fracture or dislocation. Even injuries that appeared to heal well can lead to cartilage damage that progresses into arthritis years later.
- Rotator cuff arthropathy is a form of arthritis that develops as a result of a long-standing, severe rotator cuff tear. As the rotator cuff loses its ability to stabilize the humeral head in the socket, the joint surfaces wear unevenly, accelerating arthritic changes over time.
Recognizing Shoulder Arthritis Symptoms
Common shoulder arthritis symptoms include:
- A deep, aching pain in the shoulder, often worse with activity
- Stiffness and a gradual loss of range of motion
- A grinding, clicking, or catching sensation during movement
- Pain that disrupts sleep, particularly when lying on the affected shoulder
- Swelling or tenderness around the joint
Because these symptoms can overlap with other conditions such as shoulder bursitis and tendinitis, an accurate diagnosis from an experienced shoulder arthritis doctor is essential before beginning any treatment plan.
Shoulder Arthritis Treatment Options
Dr. Duany takes a conservative-first approach whenever it is clinically appropriate. Depending on your diagnosis and goals, treatment may include:
- Physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility, and joint stability
- Anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain and swelling
- Corticosteroid injections for targeted, effective pain relief
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which may help reduce inflammation and support joint health in select patients; learn more about PRP therapy
- Activity modification to reduce joint stress during recovery
For patients with advanced shoulder arthritis who have not responded to conservative care, total shoulder replacement surgery may be recommended. Dr. Duany uses implant systems with CT-guided planning and innovative robotic assistance, offering both anatomic and reverse total shoulder replacement options based on the condition of the rotator cuff and surrounding tissue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common shoulder arthritis symptoms?
The most common shoulder arthritis symptoms include a deep, persistent ache in the shoulder, stiffness, and a grinding or clicking sensation during movement. Many patients also notice that pain worsens with activity or disrupts sleep when lying on the affected side. Because these symptoms can resemble those of other shoulder conditions, it is important to see an experienced orthopedic shoulder specialist for a proper diagnosis before beginning any treatment.
What causes shoulder arthritis, and who is most at risk?
Shoulder arthritis causes include natural cartilage wear over time (osteoarthritis), autoimmune inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis), prior shoulder injuries (post-traumatic arthritis), and long-standing rotator cuff damage (rotator cuff arthropathy). Patients over 50, athletes, manual laborers, and those with a history of shoulder injuries are at higher risk. A thorough evaluation with Dr. Duany can help identify the specific type of arthritis you have and the treatment approach most likely to provide lasting relief.
What shoulder arthritis treatment options are available to me?
Shoulder arthritis treatment ranges from conservative options such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections to surgical interventions like total shoulder replacement. The right approach depends on the severity of your arthritis, the condition of your rotator cuff, and your personal goals. Dr. Duany will review your imaging, discuss your symptoms in detail, and work with you to build a plan that fits your life, from initial conservative management to surgical intervention if and when it becomes necessary.
How do I find a shoulder arthritis doctor near me in Louisville, KY?
If you are searching for an orthopedic surgeon near you for shoulder pain in the Louisville area, Dr. Duany makes it easy to get the expert care you need. Fill out our online appointment request form or call us at (502) 629-5633, and our team will follow up to confirm your visit. Dr. Duany sees patients at two Louisville locations and is committed to providing high-quality, personalized orthopedic care to patients throughout the metro area. We look forward to seeing you soon.