Shoulder pain making you miserable? It may be time to replace that achy joint If you’ve been putting up with severe shoulder pain, you might wish you could just get a new shoulder and get back to living your life again. The good news: That may be more than wishful thinking. While it isn’t as well-known as knee or hip replacement surgery, shoulder replacement surgery is an option in certain situations. And it works just as well at relieving joint pain as hip or knee replacement, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Why it’s done Severe arthritis is one reason to consider shoulder replacement surgery. Over time, arthritis can damage the cushioning cartilage within a joint so severely that bones begin to rub against bones. The result: a painful, stiff shoulder. Fractures and certain severe shoulder injuries (unusually large or long-lasting rotator cuff tears) are some other reasons a shoulder might be replaced. If you have shoulder pain due to arthritis or another problem, your doctor will most likely want you to try conservative treatments like physical therapy or steroid medication. If these things don’t work, shoulder replacement surgery may be recommended, especially if, for instance: ● Shoulder pain limits your daily activities, like getting dressed, using a toilet or bathing. ● Your shoulder is weak and hard to move. ● Your shoulder hurts even when you rest, and it keeps you awake at night. How it’s done If you decide to have shoulder replacement surgery, your surgeon will most likely remove the damaged parts of your shoulder’s balland-socket joint and replace them with new metal and plastic parts. Or he or she may replace just the ball part of the joint. It will depend on the condition of your shoulder. After shoulder replacement surgery, you’ll stay in the hospital for a few days. Full recovery can take up to six months. Additional source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases DESK EXERCISE SITTING SHOULDER STRETCHTry this routine to work out the kinks while you’re at your desk. LOCK HANDS BEHIND HEAD HOLD 20 SEC., EXHALE RELAX & REPEAT BRING ELBOWS BACK AS FAR AS POSSIBLE INHALE DEEPLY WHILE LEANING BACK & STRETCHING Source: National Institutes of Health Standard U.S. Postage PAID Yakima, WA Permit No. 157 KERN LEGACY HEALTH PLANS 1115 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor Bakersfield, CA 93301 A LEGACY OF GOOD HEALTH is published as a community service for the friends and members of KERN LEGACY HEALTH PLANS, 1115 Truxtun Ave., First Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301, telephone 661-868-3182. Information in A LEGACY OF GOOD HEALTH comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2024 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Kern Legacy Health Plans MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY! Don’t let shoulder pain bring you down. Make an appointment with one of our contracted orthopedic providers. Visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com or call the Member Services phone number on the back of your ID card for a full list of contracted providers.
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