What Is Shoulder Arthritis?
Shoulder pain from arthritis doesn't just affect your shoulder; it can change the way you move, sleep, and get through the day. Our staff at Ameglio Orthopedics focuses on helping people find relief with personalized care and clear answers. Arthritis in the shoulder occurs when the joint's cartilage breaks down, causing pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis, the most common type, develops over time from wear and tear. Injuries like a rotator cuff tear can also lead to arthritis by destabilizing the joint. Left untreated, cartilage loss and inflammation worsen, limiting movement. If your shoulder has been sore, stiff, or weak for a while, it may be time to look into your options. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Peter Ameglio in Fort Myers, FL to get started.
How Is Shoulder Arthritis Treated?
Treatment depends on how severe the arthritis is and how much it affects your daily life. Mild cases can often be managed with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, activity changes, and physical therapy. For moderate to severe cases, other options may include:
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce swelling
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to support healing
- Shoulder arthroscopy to clean out damaged tissue
- Shoulder replacement surgery for advanced osteoarthritis
If a rotator cuff tear is also involved, treatment may need to address both issues at once. We may recommend imaging tests.
What Are the Signs of Arthritis in the Shoulder?
Shoulder arthritis often builds up slowly. Many people live with discomfort for months or even years before realizing that the joint is damaged. Paying attention to the signs can help you get help sooner. Symptoms of shoulder arthritis may include:
- Pain in the shoulder that worsens with activity
- Stiffness or limited range of motion
- Cracking, popping, or grinding sounds during movement
- Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm
- Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
- Swelling around the joint
- Pain that doesn't go away with rest
Ameglio Orthopedics Reviews
First meeting with Dr. Ameglio was very impressive. Having been in the medical field for 10 years here in Naples I can count on one hand the physicians who compare or even come close to Dr. Ameglio’s compassion and commitment to his practice. Six days post-op SuperPath total hip replacement I was able to graduate from a walker to a cane when necessary. I can’t say enough about this man’s dedication and drive to make surgeries less complicated and quicker recovery for the patient even though it takes more on his end with the actual surgery itself. He is my ace in the hole and will definitely have him do my much needed knee surgery in the future. Thank God I found him!!!
I just had my right hip replaced 3 years after my left hip due to osteoarthritis. Dr. Ameglio performed both surgeries. I had easy recoveries with both surgeries with no post surgical complications. He is easy to talk with and is an active listener. When I expressed certain concerns before the surgery he was able to reassure me and we made a plan together to make sure I was comfortable. I highly recommend the super path procedure and the highly skilled Dr. Ameglio. I chose him after getting 2 other opinions and am happy that I did. At 4 weeks post surgery I was walking on my own and started playing pickleball and golf . Tennis at 6 weeks. And the best part is that I have no pain!!
Dr Ameglio has replaced both hips on my 92 yo mother due to fractures from falls within 5 months of one another. It amazes me how smooth the Superpath procedure is and with little pain. Thank goodness for a great doctor with a state of the art procedure that allows people to get back to life quickly! Who would have thought it was even possible for an elderly woman to continue to have a new chance at mobility. Dr Ameglio is top notched in every way. I highly recommend him!
I did not come to FL for 3 months and plan to get a total hip replacement, but I was in pain and things fell in place and I was able to get into Dr. Ameglio for an appt. very quickly. I couldn't be happier with my timely surgery and before my 4 week post op I am all healed and able to do what I want. With the excellent physical therapy I got from Shawn Troyer pre op, I was able to go into surgery well prepared. They said my fast recovery was from doing phy therapy ahead of time and doing all the phy therapy after. I thank you for making this a great experience for me and having me ready to go when we leave in a couple days for WI..God bless you! Diane Tappa
I had my hip replaced on Dec 18, 2024 and had amazing results at 77 years old. I was walking without a walker after 4 days and no cane at 3 weeks, then I cut the grass! The therapist said it was the smallest incision he had ever seen for a hip replacement. I did go to physical therapy and was about 90% after 2 months and of course pain free. I had been in a lot of pain and I wish I would have known about Dr. Ameglio sooner, his SuperPath method really worked out well for me . After visits with several orthopedic surgeons I thought he was the most competent and experienced. After my first visit and speaking with a 90+ year old WW2 paratrooper sitting in the waiting room who said he had his hip replaced and it was "no big deal", that sealed the deal. His entire office is professional and friendly and my thanks go out to them as well.
96
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Move More Freely
More than 50 million Americans live with some form of arthritis. The shoulder is one of the most common areas affected, especially in people over age 60. At Ameglio Orthopedics, Dr. Peter Ameglio treats the full musculoskeletal system, offering orthopedic surgery and nonsurgical shoulder pain treatment options that focus on comfort, mobility, and recovery. Our staff supports your health with clear options and steady support for osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears, or other shoulder problems. Call our practice in Fort Myers, FL to schedule your visit today so we can help you move more freely.