Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can impact both small and large joints in the body. Rheumatoid arthritis usually begins causing inflammation in smaller joints, like the hands and wrist, but it can also impact larger joints like the shoulder. Rheumatoid arthritis is different than osteoarthritis. It usually affects both sides of the body and is not caused by wear on the joints. At Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA, our orthopedic specialist, Dr. Farzin Kabaei, offers treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in shoulder joints at our clinic in Los Angeles.

Symptoms of Shoulder Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the body’s joints, causing inflammation that can result in pain and functional issues. While wear-and-tear arthritis primarily affects older adults, rheumatoid arthritis can impact people of all ages. When rheumatoid arthritis is located in the shoulder, it can affect both the glenohumeral (ball and socket) joint and the AC joint on the top of the shoulder on the left and right sides of the body. Symptoms include:

• Pain at the top and back of the shoulder
• Shoulders feel warm to the touch
• Redness on the shoulder
• Popping, clicking or grinding with shoulder movement
• Tenderness and shoulder pain when lying on side

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis of the shoulder begins with controlling the disease from an autoimmune perspective. There are medications that can help manage rheumatoid arthritis, but there is not a cure. Other interventional treatments, like physical therapy, injections and anti-inflammatory medications, can reduce shoulder pain and improve mobility. Surgical treatments can help preserve the joints and slow the progression of the disease.

If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in the shoulders, treatment is available at Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA. Contact us at our orthopedic clinic in Beverly Hills to schedule a consultation with our shoulder specialist.