Osteoarthritis Solutions?

Hey everyone,

I am a 22 year old male and have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my shoulder approximately two years ago. I have read many threads in regards to solutions for OA, which seems to mainly be supplementation with MSM, Glucosamine Sulphate, and Chondroitin Sulphate. I have been taking a mix of these for roughly a year without any relief in pain or symptoms. In addition, I have had one cortizone shot roughly a year and a half ago which did not seem to help either. As a result of osteoarthritis, I have been unable to do any pushing movements and very limited pulling movements at the gym. Furthermore, any pressing movements overhead is a definite "no go". My body building lifestyle and passion has come to an end because of this, which is obviously extremely depressing. I am just wondering if anyone has any advice on what to do in my situation. I would like to avoid any surgery being done, but am open to suggestions. Thank you.

Surgery for what exactly? They can't fix OA (except with a total joint replacement) is something else going on?

No nothing else wrong, it would either be a joint replacement or the Dr said they could shave down a bone so it won't cause as much irritation when moving my arm.

Did you have an accident at some time that damaged the joint cartilage, did/do you have R.A.? Joint replacement??? At your age - something is not adding up here.

I understand the shaving of the bone, which very likely is a SAD or subacromial decompression, fairly common, as it frees up space for an area on the humerus in which much of your rotator cuff attaches to. When you elevate your arm, the two come in close contact, causing friction, wearing of the tendon and inflammation. But to include the two surgeries together like that, is very odd, almost like "well, I can remove that splinter from your finger or we could just amputate the finger".

Are you seeing an orthopedic surgeon, preferably a shoulder specialist?

I had a minor tear in my rotator cuff that had allegedly initiated the OA; although I believe there is a hereditary factor to counter in due to my mother having OA in her foot. I have not had any work done on my joint or shoulder, other than having multiple X-rays, Ultra sounds, and a MRI done. I am not sure what R.A is, but I agree having this condition at my age is fairly uncommon which is why I am confused.

I wouldn't be having both surgeries together, it would end up being one or the other. Overall I'd rather stay away from being operated on due to the implications it can have on my body later on. All the reviews I've read on it are from elderly people who do not work out, which leaves me without information about how it'd effect my lifting routine. The Dr told me I wouldn't be able to work out like I have in the past ever again.

I am currently waiting to see a specialist about my situation but unfortunately there is a long wait for it.

[QUOTE=LiftEatRestRepeat;7170378]I had a minor tear in my rotator cuff that had allegedly initiated the OA; although I believe there is a hereditary factor to counter in due to my mother having OA in her foot.
Possible the tear can, but it would really have to throw off the mechanics so badly if the M.D. is thinking total shoulder, which I'm still in disbelief about.

I have not had any work done on my joint or shoulder, other than having multiple X-rays, Ultra sounds, and a MRI done.

So the MRI diagnosed the RC tear?

I am not sure what R.A is, but I agree having this condition at my age is fairly uncommon which is why I am confused.

Rheumatoid Arthritis. Can be very debilitating and cause severe joint degeneration.

I wouldn't be having both surgeries together, it would end up being one or the other.

Of course not. The total shoulder is the final surgery when all else has failed and/or the pain and debilitation is so severe it's preventing you from living life.

Overall I'd rather stay away from being operated on due to the implications it can have on my body later on.
All the reviews I've read on it are from elderly people who do not work out, which leaves me without information about how it'd effect my lifting routine. The Dr told me I wouldn't be able to work out like I have in the past ever again.

Absolutely true about the total shoulder, but not the SAD, that is a positive surgery that will decrease symptoms and allow you to workout with less damage occurring.