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Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • November 21, 2024
Understanding and Managing Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can cause significant pain and discomfort. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones in your shoulder joint wears down over time. There are many symptoms, as well as options for diagnosis and treatment from an orthopedist.


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What are the Common Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis?

Shoulder arthritis can present itself through many symptoms, including aching shoulder pain, especially during movement, and stiffness that makes it challenging to move the shoulder, particularly in the morning. Many people experience a decreased range of motion in the shoulder, such as difficulty lifting their arms or reaching behind their backs, as well as weakness in the shoulder muscles. Additionally, grinding or cracking sounds can occur when moving the shoulder, indicating joint deterioration. These shoulder arthritis symptoms can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.


How is Shoulder Arthritis Diagnosed?

A thorough medical history and physical examination to evaluate pain, stiffness, and range of motion are two of the procedures used to diagnose shoulder arthritis. X-rays and other imaging methods are frequently used to find bone spurs, narrowing of the joint space, and other indications of arthritis. Advanced imaging tests like MRIs or CT scans, may occasionally be needed to assess cartilage or soft tissue damage. To rule out inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, blood tests may also be performed.


Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Shoulder Arthritis

Non-surgical treatments for shoulder arthritis focus on pain management and improving mobility. Resting the shoulder and avoiding aggravating activities can prevent further irritation. Ice and heat therapy reduce inflammation and ease discomfort, while over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen provide additional relief. Physical therapy is effective for strengthening the shoulder’s surrounding muscles and improving range of motion. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections can effectively reduce inflammation and pain. Together, these approaches help manage symptoms without requiring surgery.


Surgical Treatment Options for Shoulder Arthritis

Surgical options for treating shoulder arthritis include procedures designed to relieve pain and restore function. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is a minimally invasive option that removes damaged cartilage and tissue to improve mobility. For advanced cases, partial shoulder replacement (hemiarthroplasty) replaces only the damaged part of the joint, while total shoulder replacement replaces both the ball and socket for complete joint restoration. Reverse shoulder replacement, which alters the joint's mechanics, is often used for patients with severe arthritis combined with rotator cuff damage. These surgeries are tailored to the patient’s specific condition and goals.


If you're experiencing shoulder pain, it's important to consult with an experienced orthopedist to get an accurate diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment options. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage pain, improve function, and slow the progression of the disease. The expert staff at Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge are here to help you. Schedule an appointment at Bone and Joint today.

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The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • February 11, 2025
Damage to the meniscus, which serves as a cushion between the thigh and shin bones, can cause severe pain and impair movement.
Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • January 31, 2025
While it is often associated with aging, arthritis can affect individuals at any stage of life. Understanding the different types of arthritis and how to manage them at various life stages is key to maintaining a high quality of life.

Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge Physician Practice Transition – Effective April 1, 2025

By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff • January 30, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Zachary Rohr and Christopher Belleau will also transition their practice to a new location effective March 31, 2025. We will update our patients once those details are finalized. Dr. Gerard Murtagh of The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will be retiring effective March 2025. Dr. Murtagh has been a vital part of the clinic since 1988 and has significantly contributed to its success. We thank Dr. Murtagh for his many years of service to the patients of Bone & Joint Clinic. Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
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