Symptoms The most common signs of shoulder arthritis are a  stiffness of the shoulder, limited range of motion of the shoulder joint, swelling around the joint area, and pain on moving the shoulder. There may also be a grinding feeling within the joint, or a feeling that something’s ‘catching’. These symptoms can vary in severity and tend to progress as the arthritis become worse. Interestingly though, the symptoms of shoulder arthritis do not always follow a logical progression; they can come and go from one month to another and often appear to be influenced by weather cycles.

Shoulder arthritis tends to be more prevalent in people of middle age, or in those who may have suffered a shoulder injury in the past. It has also been proven that there is a genetic link to arthritis of the shoulder. If you suspect that you may have shoulder arthritis your doctor should send you for an x-ray to confirm this and determine how advanced the disease is.

Treatment
There are various types of treatment for shoulder arthritis, depending on the nature and severity of the condition;

Certain shoulder exercises to strengthen the joint and surrounding areas may prove beneficial. This will also increase muscular strength and maintain the functional use of the joint. You may need to limit some activities that exacerbate the symptoms.
Supplements such as Glucosamine have been known to reduce inflammation and resultant joint pain.

Pain killers such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin may reduce pain and inflammation. You may also be prescribed Anti-Inflammatory Pain Medication (NSAIDS) such as Cox-2 Inhibitors.
Cortisone injections into the affected joint can diminish the symptoms of arthritis, although they are not a cure for the condition.

In certain cases, surgery may be an option. The main types of surgery which may be offered are;

Shoulder Arthroscopy, where the surgeon can look inside the shoulder joint and perform minor corrections.

Shoulder replacement surgery, where the damaged joint is removed and a metal and plastic ball and socket joint is inserted; the ball is placed at the top of the arm bone and the socket in the shoulder blade.

There is another type of shoulder replacement operation known as a Reverse Shoulder Replacement. In this procedure, the insertion of the false ball and socket joint is reversed; the ball is placed upon the shoulder blade and the socket at the top of the arm bone. This gives a greater chance of success if the rotator cuff muscles have been affected by the condition.

Arthritis is caused by the degeneration and deterioration of the cartilage layer surrounding the joints. This causes the bones to rub against each other, causing discomfort, pain and deformity of the bones. Glucosamine works by stimulating the body’s natural production of the proteins which rebuild and replenish the damaged cartilage. This means that the Glucosamine is treating the cause of arthritis rather than just the symptoms.

Glucosamine is classed as a nutritional supplement rather than a herbal medication. It can be obtained from a variety of sources, including health food shops and online stores. As it is a natural product, any side effects from taking Glucosamine are much milder than those caused by other medications. It is generally not recommended for diabetics, as it is a carbohydrate and can cause fluctuations in insulin levels. Individuals with shellfish allergies should be aware that most Glucosamine on the market is derived from shellfish, although some companies now offer corn derived Glucosamine. It is also recommended that pregnant or breast feeding women do not take Glucosamine; there is no evidence to suggest that it would be harmful, but there is not yet sufficient evidence to guarantee 100% safety.

Generally the benefits of taking this supplement can far outweigh any side effects and it has generally be proven t be safe and effective. It is often marketed as Glucosamine Sulphate, and daily recommended doses vary with each manufacturer. As it can take some time to be absorbed into the system you may need to take it for 1- 3 months before you start seeing the benefits.

Taking Glucosamine supplements, when taken early enough, can also help to prevent joint conditions such as arthritis by enabling the body to repair cartilage on an ongoing basis and maintain joint strength and function.

If you would like to try the benefits of Glucosamine for yourself, click Here.

Joint Advance is a natural product containing Glucosamine and has been proven to be effective at strengthening joints and preventing the symptoms of arthritis. Read more about Joint Advance here.

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Since your dog can’t tell you how he’s feeling, you will need to monitor him closely for the tell tale signs he may be suffering from arthritis. These signs include decreased activity levels- he may show less interest in going for a walk or playtime. You may notice him start to hesitate when he climbs or descends the stairs, and he may show reluctance to jump or run. You may notice that he has difficulty when he stands, and there may be more obvious signs of joint pain and stiffness. He may also favor a limb, at some times more than others.

There may be secondary signs, such as behavior changes or weight gain due to being less active. If you notice any of these symptoms or are concerned, ask your veterinarian for an arthritis examination. Once a diagnosis has been given and the spread of the disease has been established, you will be able to start a plan of treatment for your dog.

Treatment of arthritis in dogs is fairly similar to treating arthritis in humans. Being overweight can exacerbate arthritis symptoms, so you will need to ensure that your dog undergoes a suitable diet and exercise regimen to reduce excess weight. Some have found that encouraging your dog to swim and paddle in sea water can reduce symptoms and swelling.

Your veterinarian may prescribe Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to reduce the pain and halt the progression of the disease. You can also purchase treatments from pet stores, such as supplements containing Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate or Omega fatty acids, such as Synflex Glucosamine Arthritis Formula for pets. These have been proven to reduce symptoms of dog arthritis. Always consult your veterinarian regarding any remedies you intend trying, and never be tempted to give human medication to your dog, as these could be harmful to his health.

As with humans, a healthy lifestyle will help to prevent your dog developing arthritis later in life. Don’t let him become overweight- ensure he has a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. This could also benefit you too! Giving him a supplement of Glucosamine may ensure that his joints are kept flexible and slow any rate of deterioration.

Keep a close eye on any changes in his behavior or tell tale signs that his health may be changing. Remember though, if your dog does develop arthritis, with appropriate treatment he can still live a full and happy life.

Many owners have found Synflex Arthritis Formula for pets to be effective at treating their dogs’ arthritis symptoms. Read more about Synflex here.

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