Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis is a condition that causes pain, weakness and swelling in the shoulder joint. It occurs more commonly with advancing age, but younger people can develop arthritis after a shoulder injury, such as a fracture.

Types of Shoulder Arthritis

The two primary forms of shoulder arthritis are:

• Osteoarthritis—the most common form of arthritis, also known as “wear and tear” or degenerative arthritis. It causes a breakdown of the cartilage between each bone in the shoulder joint. When cartilage wears away, the bones start to grind against one another, causing pain, inflammation, and decreased movement.
• Rheumatoid arthritis—an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy parts of the body, especially the joints. In severe cases, it can cause joint deformities and organ problems.

Diagnosing Shoulder Arthritis

If you have pain, swelling, or other symptoms of shoulder arthritis, we can help diagnose your condition and find a treatment option that works for you.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of shoulder arthritis include:

• Crackling or clicking noise in your joint with movement
• Limited range of motion
• Pain in the joint
• Redness or heat in the area
• Swelling
• Trouble raising your arm

Diagnosis 

Your doctor may diagnose shoulder arthritis with:

• A physical examination to check for weakness, pain and crepitus (crackling in the joint). 
• X-ray to look at the bones and surrounding structures, including soft tissue around the shoulder joint. 
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to produce detailed pictures of the structures of the shoulder. 

Shoulder Arthritis Treatment

Currently, there is no cure for shoulder arthritis, but many treatments are available to help you manage the pain and stay active. Depending on the extent of your shoulder arthritis, your doctor may recommend one or more treatments. 

Nonsurgical Treatments

Nonsurgical treatments for shoulder arthritis include:

• Anti-inflammatory and pain medications—medications can reduce swelling and inflammation that cause pain.
• Cold therapy—using ice packs on the shoulder several times a day can reduce pain and swelling.
• Cortisone injections—an anti-inflammatory steroid injected into the shoulder joint can ease pain.
• Heat therapy—using warm compresses on the shoulder helps warm up the joint before exercise or activity.
• Physical therapy—exercises can strengthen and restore your shoulder’s range of motion.

Surgical Treatments

Depending on the severity of your shoulder arthritis, your doctor may recommend different shoulder surgeries, including:

• Arthroscopy—a minimally invasive technique to ease arthritis symptoms.
• Shoulder joint replacement—a surgical procedure that replaces the worn-out shoulder joint with smooth metal and plastic components.