What Is Shoulder Arthritis?
Arthritis can affect the main ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder. Cartilage loss may lead to pain with reaching, lifting, dressing and sleeping. Rotator-cuff function is important when deciding how advanced shoulder arthritis should be treated.
Common Symptoms
- Deep shoulder pain with movement
- Night pain or difficulty sleeping on the affected side
- Stiffness and reduced overhead reach
- Grinding or catching sensations
- Difficulty dressing, reaching shelves or performing daily tasks
How It Is Diagnosed
Evaluation usually includes examination of shoulder motion, strength and rotator-cuff function, along with X-rays. Additional imaging may be useful in selected cases.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Treatment begins with the diagnosis, symptom severity and your goals. Options may include:
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy when appropriate
- Medication for pain or inflammation when medically appropriate
- Selected injections
- Home exercises focused on comfortable mobility
When Surgery May Be Considered
When advanced arthritis remains painful and disabling, shoulder replacement may be considered. Anatomic and reverse shoulder replacement are different procedures, and the choice depends in part on rotator-cuff function and the pattern of joint damage.
This page provides general educational information. Symptoms can have more than one cause, and treatment recommendations should be based on an individual evaluation.