What Is Glenohumeral Joint Osteoarthritis?
The shoulder joint or the glenohumeral joint is one of the most used joints among the entire articulating system of the body. Due to the constant stress, and mobility, it is often under the threat of inflammation and damage. This painful condition of glenohumeral osteoarthritis is surprisingly common in young adults rather than in older aged patients.
Considering the crowd of patients for glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis we have summed up this article for you that highlights what is glenohumeral joint arthritis and how we manage it at SNS rheumatology.
What is Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis?
Glenohumeral osteoarthritis is the severe inflammation and pain of the shoulder joint. This joint appears more like a ball and socket and is very prone to osteoarthritis because of its continuous movement and mobility. Athletes and weight lifters are very vulnerable to glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Based on the stages of progress, rheumatological experts provide the procedures accordingly.
If you are experiencing severe excruciating pain in your shoulder, and feel uneasiness and discomfort while performing regular activities and tasks then know that you may be suffering from the initial stages of glenohumeral osteoarthritis.
Feeling paranoid already? There is nothing to worry about because we have got you covered. let us discover the causes and glenohumeral osteoarthritis treatment offered in our practice.
What are the causes of Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis?
- Damage to the cartilage
Any damage or injury to the cartilage causes a decrease in the chondrocytes (cells producing cartilage). As a consequence, the lubrication ceases and leads to friction.
- Trauma Or injury to the joint
Your joints, especially the glenohumeral joint is one of the most fragile ones Any trauma or injury to the joint can destroy the connections between them.
- Fractures leading to dislocation
Fractures that lead to dislocation are one of the common causes of shoulder osteoarthritis. If you had gotten it treated at the right time then it might have not progressed to a very serious stage.
- Nutritional deficiency
Patients with low levels of calcium and vitamin D in the body get afflicted with arthritis very often. Moreover, a lack of certain minerals in the body subsequently causes a decrease in the cartilage and hence inadequate lubrication. This leads to a very painful condition and so it is an alarming sign of when to see a rheumatologist.
Signs and symptoms of Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis
Let us have a closer look at some of the glenohumeral osteoarthritis symptoms before learning about its treatment.
- Severe and unbearable pain
- Stiffness that worsens over time
- Restricted movements of the joint
- Fever associated with pain
- Mild to moderate swelling of the joint
How do rheumatologists diagnose Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis?
Moving on to the diagnostic methods for glenohumeral osteoarthritis. As per our rheumatologist, the treatment of any disease starts with the initial consultation and recording of the history of the patient. You will be provided with a patient form where you can log in with medical details.
Rheumatologist focus on the history explained verbally by the patients themselves as it is the best method for developing good patient-doctor communication and trust.
- History
In the history you will be asked about the frequency of the pain, its intensity, the number of episodes of pain per day, whether is it associated with any fever or tenderness, and everything related to the nature of the pain.
- General physical examination
A general physical examination best describes what is glenohumeral osteoarthritis. The physician will closely examine the joint and will gently move it with their hands to acknowledge and address the actual points of discomfort and pain.
Know that it is very important for the physician to be gentle while examining the movements of the shoulder joint because it is much more fragile and can be quite painful. Rheumatological experts ensure that the physical examination is done very gently considering the nature of the existing pain.
- Investigations
The investigatory methods and diagnostic tools we use regularly in our practice for the confirmation of osteoarthritis are as follows:
- X-ray
- MRI
- CT scan
The glenohumeral osteoarthritis symptoms can also be visible on the radiological films that show the presence of osteophytes which are the bone spurs. In severe cases where the osteoarthritis has progressed, the spaces between the two joints are considerably reduced and there is a lack of synovial fluid and cartilage evident. The swelling of the joint can also be visualized and should not be left ignored or untreated.
High-risk patients for Shoulder Osteoarthritis
- Candidates who are sportspersons are athletes
- Individuals who go to the gym irregularly
- Glenohumeral osteoarthritis in young patients is very common
- Old-aged patients who are above 60.
What are the treatments offered at SNS Rheumatology?
The reason why we are successfully running in the US is that we have a collection and variety of rheumatological procedures. Let us dig in to learn about the glenohumeral osteoarthritis treatment providing promising results and performed by the top-notchtop notch specialists at our rheumatology clinic for 20 years.
Palliative treatment
Our rheumatological experts believe that the less invasive the treatment the better it is. They prefer non-surgical procedures over surgical interventions.
- Medications
Our senior specialists will first consult you and based on the consultations he will prescribe you the medications. The medications normally include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, some topical application of agents, and analgesics, and would also recommend you with a brace shoulder support collar for wearing regularly.
- Physiotherapy
Surprisingly glenohumeral osteoarthritis in young patients is more common than the adults. We recommend patients take regular physiotherapy sessions that include some mild exercises for the betterment of the function and mobility of the joint.
- Lifestyle modifications
We advise you to refrain from lifting heavy objects, or overly stretching your hand and shoulders and mostly we emphasize avoiding lifting heavy bags that can put a strain on your shoulder.
Non-invasive treatments
- Corticosteroidal injections
Intra-articular injections are very helpful as said by our senior rheumatologist. We have successfully been providing corticosteroidal injections as a procedure for glenohumeral osteoarthritis and our patients have given us 100% feedback stating its effectiveness.
- Viscosupplementation
The advancement of hyaluronic acid base injections for osteoarthritis has made it very helpful for pain relief instantly. It helps in the maintenance of the volume and has also been proven to stimulate collagen and cartilage production between the joints.
PRP therapies
PRP is one of the latest and innovative techniques used as a mode of pain relief. Considering its effectiveness and organic nature our specialists schedule patients for PRP therapies and sessions. Our previously treated patients with PRP therapies as a glenohumeral osteoarthritis treatment have felt a sense of relief within just two to three shots.
Preventive measures for Shoulder Osteoarthritis
Here are some of the preventive measures for or still arthritis in your glenohumeral joint advised by rheumatologists:
- Avoid putting strain on your affected shoulder
- Sleep on the other side of the shoulder or try to sleep with your back straight
- Take proper nutrition that is enriched with calcium and vitamin D
- Corticosteroidal injections can be very effective from a single dose however if you are appointed for another shot then never miss it
- Use the topical pain relieving agents regularly
- Keep monitoring your signs and symptoms and report if they worsen over time
- Always have a habit of following routine annual Wellness checkups
Why should I choose SNS Rheumatology?
Choosing SNS rheumatology over other practices is beneficial for you and here’s why:
- We have a skillful and highly experienced team of rheumatologists
- all the treatment procedures are governed and practiced by experts
- we use the latest, most advanced, and least invasive procedures
- We ensure to provide a very friendly environment where the patient can elaborate their details to the doctor freely.
- strict protocols of sterilization and hygiene are followed
- We have the facility of accepted insurance
- 100% COVID-free vaccinated staff
A Message from our senior Rheumatology expert
“In my 20 years of experience, I have seen thousands of patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis and I have observed how painful it is. Considering the agony of my patients, I entrust to provide them with the least invasive treatments possible that would have instant results and can be able to retrieve my patients from pain and suffering.
I would suggest if you notice that your osteoarthritis has become worsened over time, is causing you to be very miserable, and is associated with severe swelling, report it to our practice beforehand. Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joints does not take time to worsen and progresses toward the end stages rapidly. Therefore I recommend you seek medical assistance immediately.”
The Bottom line
If you are clear with the concepts of what is glenohumeral osteoarthritis then now it’s time to approach the treatments. Book your appointments at SNS rheumatology and avail a consultation from the topmost and most highly experienced rheumatological experts. We strictly adhere to our patient’s satisfaction and providing them instant pain relief is one of our encompassed focuses.
Don't forget to share this article with friends and family.
Meet Dr. Qaisar Usmani, a Board Certified Rheumatologist with over 20 years of experience in the field, currently serving as Section Chief at Monmouth Medical Center and GPHA, Inc. in Pennsylvania, specializing in the treatment of various Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal diseases.
Meet Dr. Sadia Ghafoor, a board certified specialist in rheumatology who completed her medical training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry School of Osteopathic Medicine and her fellowship in rheumatology at the State University of New York Stony Brook campus, with additional board certification in internal medicine.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Don’t miss our future updates!
Get Subscribed Today!
