Shoulder Arthritis Care
Shoulder Arthritis Treatment in Glendale, AZ
Shoulder arthritis (glenohumeral osteoarthritis) is the wearing away of the smooth cartilage that lets the ball glide in the socket. It causes deep, aching pain, stiffness, and grinding, and it tends to progress over time. Dr. James MacKenzie treats shoulder arthritis in Glendale, Arizona across the full spectrum, from therapy and injections to total and reverse shoulder replacement, so the recommendation you get is based on what your shoulder needs rather than what a practice happens to offer.
Why patients choose Dr. MacKenzie
- Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
- Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (FAAOS)
- Johns Hopkins residency, sports medicine fellowship
- Former assistant team physician, Miami Dolphins & Miami Heat
- Nonsurgical options first, surgery only when needed
- Se habla español
Types of Shoulder Arthritis
Osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral (ball-and-socket) joint, the wear-and-tear form, is the most common. Rotator cuff tear arthropathy is arthritis that develops after a long-standing massive cuff tear allows the ball to ride up out of position. Post-traumatic arthritis follows a fracture or dislocation. Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and avascular necrosis, a loss of blood supply to the ball, round out the list. Each has a different best treatment, which is why an accurate diagnosis matters.
Symptoms: What Shoulder Arthritis Feels Like
Pain deep in the shoulder that worsens with activity and often at night, a progressive loss of motion (especially rotating the arm outward), grinding or clicking, and weakness from disuse are the typical signs. Arthritis pain sometimes travels down the upper arm toward the elbow, which patients often mistake for a muscle problem.
How Shoulder Arthritis Is Diagnosed
Plain X-rays usually tell the story: the space between the ball and socket narrows as cartilage wears away, bone spurs form along the edges of the joint, and the bone beneath the cartilage becomes dense. A CT scan may be used to evaluate the shape of the socket and the amount of bone when planning a replacement, and an MRI when the condition of the rotator cuff needs to be confirmed.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Shoulder Osteoarthritis
Many patients manage shoulder arthritis for years without surgery. Options include activity modification, physical therapy to maintain motion and strength, anti-inflammatory medication, and corticosteroid injections for flares, which Dr. MacKenzie performs in the office. The goal is to keep you comfortable and active for as long as possible while protecting your options.
Shoulder Arthritis Surgery Options
When pain interferes with sleep and daily life despite nonsurgical care, and imaging shows advanced joint damage, surgery becomes a reasonable conversation. For many patients with advanced arthritis, that means shoulder replacement. Which type depends mainly on the rotator cuff: anatomic total shoulder replacement when the cuff is intact, and reverse shoulder replacement for cuff tear arthropathy or a cuff that can no longer support the joint. In select younger patients with early arthritis, arthroscopic debridement may buy time.
How Dr. MacKenzie Approaches It
Dr. MacKenzie reviews your imaging with you, explains what he sees, and walks through every option before any decision is made. He is known for finding the least invasive solution that will help you reach your goals, so replacement is never the reflexive answer. Patients who can be managed nonsurgically are, and patients who need a replacement get a surgeon who performs both anatomic and reverse procedures with the InSet® system.
Risks of Treatment
Injections carry small risks of infection and, when repeated frequently, of weakening tissue. The risks of shoulder replacement, including infection, implant loosening, nerve injury, stiffness, and dislocation, are covered on the procedure pages and discussed in detail at your consultation. Individual results vary.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t see your question here? Our team is happy to help.
Can shoulder arthritis be reversed?
No treatment restores worn cartilage. Nonsurgical care manages symptoms, and replacement resurfaces the joint when damage is advanced.
Can shoulder arthritis cause pain down the arm?
Yes. Arthritis pain often radiates from the shoulder into the upper arm, typically stopping around the elbow. Pain, numbness, or tingling that continues into the forearm and hand is more often a neck problem, which is one reason a careful exam matters.
How do I know when it is time for a shoulder replacement?
When pain limits sleep, work, or daily activities despite therapy, medication, and injections, and imaging confirms advanced arthritis. That decision is yours, made with a clear picture of the options.
Is shoulder arthritis the same as a rotator cuff tear?
No. Arthritis is cartilage loss in the joint; a cuff tear is a tendon injury. They can occur together, and when a long-standing tear leads to arthritis it is called rotator cuff tear arthropathy, which is often treated with a reverse replacement.
Will cortisone shots make my arthritis worse?
Occasional injections are generally safe and can relieve flares. Frequent repeated injections may weaken tissue over time, so Dr. MacKenzie spaces them thoughtfully and discusses alternatives with you.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. MacKenzie
Call the office or request an appointment online and our team will help you take the next step.