My Mother (89) has bone on bone arthritis in her shoulder. Any advice?

Unfortunately, there are fewer options so far with shoulders than knees and hips. Surgery can help some shoulder issues, but when the bones are rubbing because the cartilage is worn down, the solutions become murkier.

I haven't heard of scar tissue injections but then I have no medical background. Unfortunately, with my family genes, I have seen a lot of arthritis damage : )

The only thing that I can suggest other than physical therapy (which will only do so much in these cases) would be to see if a doctor can use the cartilage injections "off label."

Knee issues are studied more because even younger people often develop knee problems. Since shoulder problems like your mom's aren't as common, there hasn't been as much research. It could be simply lack of testing on shoulders is the only thing holding this back - thus some doctors may be able to use this solution off label.

It's possible that this can't be done, but I'd try two or three doctors before I gave up.

Note: I'm talking about legitimate doctors, not someone who promises the world just to get your money. To use an old fashioned term, quacks are out there. An unqualified physician could cause more harm than good. It's just that some doctors are more conservative in their approaches than others so checking around doesn't hurt.

This kind of pain can take a huge toll on quality of life so I hope that some relief can be found. Please let us know if you find out more.
Take care,
Carol

I too have arthritic changes in my shoulder joint and a spur which causes impingement. I'm having arthroscopic surgery on it to remove it. However, have you taken her to an orthopedic surgeon to discuss conservative non surgical options? Perhaps supplements and antiinflammatories?? That's where I would go first. The shoulder is a VERY complicated joint compared to our other joints. I would seek professional advice

I would suggest that you take your mother to a surgical doctor who deals with sports issues. At her age, shoulders have been known to tear rotator cuffs. Sports doctors have a lot of experience in this particular tear because players experience this so often. I've had one shoulder rotator cuff repaired after putting up with the pain and the bone on bone scraping, popping, etc. I think once a person gets past 65 or 70, their joints start wearing down and they need to have an experienced doctor taking x-rays, MRI's, etc. Now I'm at the point of the other shoulder rotator cuff giving me problems and another surgery is planned soon. Just make an appointment with an osteopathic doctor and get their advice on what to do next. Medicare paid for my surgery.

I have arthritis on my feet, hands and I have suffered for years. But just months ago I purchased Tumeric at 500mg and I take 2 day a now I feel so much better that I am looking all over on line to buy more with a higher dose. It is a blessing for my inflammation and my pain. I can sleep better. I buy on Amazon, Puritan Pride, VitaCost etc. I just look at everyones review and *****. Good luck everyone with pain..

I would certainly consult at least two orthopedic surgeons before making any decisions, one of which should be experienced in sports injuries. Any treatment that the FDA has not approved for a particular purpose can be made available on a single use permission. The Dr will have to apply directly to the FDA and this will take time. I personally don't know anything about chicken cartilage injections but new treatments are constantly evolving.

There are a growing number of orthopedic doctors who are using the patient's own stem cells and platelets to solve arthritis problems. We know or have seen advertising for these kinds of procedures across multiple states and from urban to rural so there may be someone near you. Unfortunately, these procedures are not approved by most to any insurance companies yet. Might be worth a consult?

Have the osteopathic doctor inject Hylauronic acid injection which is approved by the FDA. We produce this naturally in our bodies. I have it done for my one knee and it feels great!

Oh, I might add, Medicare pays for this, but since stem cell research and injections are new, they probably are not covered by insurance.

You should check with an orthopedist to see if she is a candidate for cortisone injections. That will give her immediate relief.

Bottom line..check first with an orthopedist who specializes in shoulders and go from there. Then you can make an informed decision. Until there is a confirmed diagnosis all else is just "pissing In The wind" as they say.