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HomeAbout Prognosis and impactsIncidence and risk factorsSymptomsCauses and effectsDiagnosis and evaluation Management and treatment CopingStrategies for coping Asking for help Work Family and friends Adaptive aids Stress Resources ResearchConclusion

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Shoulder arthritis: Osteoarthritis, Chondrolysis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Degenerative joint disease, and arthritis after shoulder surgery.

Edited By: Frederick A. Matsen III, M.D., Winston J. Warme, MD
Last updated Tuesday, August 19, 2008

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Coping

Strategies for coping

Individuals with shoulder arthritis may be able to cope with their condition by reducing the demands on their shoulder (click here for more about using joints wisely). Planning life so that there is less need to reach, lift, push, or pull may be helpful. Some individuals with shoulder arthritis are more comfortable sleeping in an armchair than flat in bed.

Asking for help

The Arthritis Foundation may be able to provide assistance in coping with shoulder arthritis.

Work

Individuals with shoulder arthritis may be able to modify their jobs by reducing the demands on their shoulder (click here for more about "work and arthritis"). Changing their work so that there is less need to reach, lift, push, or pull may be helpful.

Family and friends

Shoulder arthritis in one member of the family can affect the entire family (click here for more about families and arthritis). It is helpful for the family to become informed about the condition and its treatments.

Adaptive aids

Individuals with shoulder arthritis may be able to use adaptive tools to help with their reach and personal hygiene. An occupational therapist is often a good source of information on these adaptive aids (click here to for more about families and arthritis).

Stress

Shoulder arthritis can often interfere with normal sleep, fitness and recreational activities. This can increase stress (click here for more about "Stress and Arthritis"). Maintaining regular exercise through walking or stationary cycling is helpful in reducing stress and maintaining fitness.

Resources

For more information regarding shoulder arthritis, individuals may wish to contact the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons or the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons or the Arthritis Foundation.

Shoulder arthritis

Surgery for Shoulder arthritis at the University of Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-7416 to make an appointment.

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