Shoulder Arthritis
Shoulder arthritis is a condition in which the smooth cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in the shoulder gradually wears away. Healthy cartilage allows the shoulder to move smoothly and painlessly. As the cartilage becomes damaged or wears out, the bones begin to rub against one another, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of motion.
Shoulder arthritis can make simple activities such as reaching overhead, getting dressed, washing your hair, or sleeping comfortably difficult. Although arthritis cannot be reversed, many effective treatments are available to relieve pain, improve function, and help you return to an active lifestyle.
Understanding Shoulder Anatomy
The shoulder is one of the body’s most mobile joints. It is made up of two primary joints:
- The glenohumeral joint – the “ball-and-socket” joint where the top of the arm bone (humerus) fits into the shoulder socket (glenoid). This is the joint most commonly affected by shoulder arthritis.
- The acromioclavicular (AC) joint – the small joint at the top of the shoulder where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the shoulder blade (acromion). Arthritis in this joint can also cause pain, particularly with reaching across the body or lifting overhead.
The surfaces of these joints are covered with smooth cartilage that cushions the bones and allows pain-free movement.
Types of Shoulder Arthritis
Several different conditions can affect the shoulder joint.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of shoulder arthritis. It develops gradually over time as cartilage wears away with aging and normal use. It most commonly affects adults over age 50 but can occur earlier after injuries.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Arthritis can develop following a previous shoulder injury such as a fracture, dislocation, or significant cartilage injury. Symptoms may appear months or even years after the original injury.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints. It often affects both shoulders and may lead to progressive joint damage if left untreated.
Rotator Cuff Arthropathy
A massive, long-standing rotator cuff tear can lead to a unique type of arthritis called rotator cuff arthropathy. Without a functioning rotator cuff, the ball of the shoulder moves abnormally, causing cartilage wear and joint destruction. This condition is often treated differently than standard shoulder arthritis.
Causes and Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis
Causes and Risk Factors
Shoulder arthritis may develop because of:
- Normal aging and cartilage wear
- Previous fractures or shoulder injuries
- Prior shoulder instability or dislocations
- Large or chronic rotator cuff tears
- Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthritis
- Previous shoulder surgery
- Family history of arthritis
- Heavy repetitive use of the shoulder
Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis
Symptoms usually develop gradually and may worsen over time.
Common symptoms include:
- Deep aching pain in the shoulder
- Pain with overhead activities
- Pain reaching behind the back
- Night pain that interferes with sleep
- Stiffness and loss of motion
- Grinding, clicking, or catching sensations
- Weakness caused by pain
- Difficulty dressing, grooming, lifting, or performing daily activities
As arthritis progresses, pain may occur even while resting.
How Is Shoulder Arthritis Diagnosed?
Your physician will begin with a detailed medical history and physical examination.
During your evaluation, your provider will assess:
- Range of motion
- Shoulder strength
- Areas of tenderness
- Joint stability
- Rotator cuff function
- Signs of inflammation
Imaging Studies
Diagnostic testing may include:
- X-rays to evaluate cartilage loss, bone spurs, joint narrowing, and bone alignment
- MRI to evaluate the rotator cuff, cartilage, labrum, and surrounding soft tissues
- CT scan for detailed evaluation of bone loss, deformity, or surgical planning in selected patients
These studies help determine the type and severity of arthritis and guide treatment recommendations.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Many patients experience excellent symptom relief without surgery. Treatment options may include:
Activity Modification
Avoiding repetitive overhead activities and modifying daily tasks can reduce pain while maintaining shoulder function.
Corticosteroid Injections
Image-guided corticosteroid injections may reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief for many patients.
Physical Therapy
Our experienced physical therapists develop individualized programs to:
- Improve flexibility
- Maintain shoulder motion
- Strengthen the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles
- Improve posture and shoulder mechanics
- Reduce pain while improving function
Medications
Depending on your medical history, your physician may recommend:
- Acetaminophen
- Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Topical anti-inflammatory creams or gels
Orthobiologic Treatments
For selected patients with early arthritis, biologic treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may be considered. While research continues, these treatments may help reduce symptoms in carefully selected individuals. Your physician will discuss whether you may be a candidate.
OrthoLazer® Photobiomodulation Therapy
MOMA also offers OrthoLazer® high-powered laser therapy, a non-invasive treatment that stimulates the body’s natural healing response.
Many patients experience:
- Reduced pain
- Less inflammation
- Improved shoulder mobility
- Decreased stiffness
- Improved ability to participate in therapy
- Reduced reliance on pain medications
Laser therapy is painless, requires no downtime, and is frequently used alongside other non-operative treatments.
Surgical Treatment
When pain persists despite conservative treatment or arthritis significantly limits daily activities, surgery may provide lasting relief.
Your surgeon will recommend the procedure that best matches your arthritis, bone quality, rotator cuff function, age, and activity level.
Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
For selected patients with early arthritis, arthroscopy may help relieve symptoms by:
- Removing loose cartilage or bone fragments
- Cleaning inflamed tissue
- Smoothing rough cartilage surfaces
- Treating associated rotator cuff or labral problems
Although arthroscopy does not cure arthritis, it may improve symptoms in carefully selected patients.
Hemiarthroplasty
In selected younger patients or certain fracture situations, replacing only the humeral head (ball) may be appropriate.
Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement
When the rotator cuff is healthy, an anatomic total shoulder replacement replaces both the ball and socket of the shoulder with advanced implants that recreate the normal anatomy of the joint.
This procedure reliably provides:
- Excellent pain relief
- Improved range of motion
- Better shoulder function
- High patient satisfaction
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
When arthritis is associated with an irreparable rotator cuff tear, severe bone loss, previous failed surgery, or certain complex fractures, a reverse total shoulder replacement may be recommended.
This design allows the shoulder to function using the deltoid muscle rather than the damaged rotator cuff and has dramatically improved outcomes for patients who previously had few treatment options.
Recovery After Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed and your individual health.
Most patients can expect:
- Sling use as recommended by your surgeon
- Early guided motion with physical therapy
- Gradual strengthening beginning several weeks after surgery
- Continued improvement for 6 to 12 months
Most patients experience significant pain relief within the first several weeks and continue gaining motion and strength throughout the first year.
Why Choose Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance?
Our fellowship-trained shoulder specialists provide comprehensive care using the latest evidence-based treatments for every stage of shoulder arthritis.
Patients benefit from:
- Fellowship-trained orthopedic shoulder surgeons
- Advanced imaging and accurate diagnosis
- Comprehensive non-surgical treatment options
- Specialized orthopedic physical therapy
- OrthoLazer® photobiomodulation therapy
- State-of-the-art shoulder replacement techniques
- Specialized orthopedic anesthesia and postoperative pain management
- Coordinated rehabilitation through our extensive therapy network
Our goal is to relieve your pain, restore your shoulder function, and help you return to the activities you enjoy with confidence.
If shoulder pain is limiting your quality of life, the specialists at Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance are here to help you explore the treatment options that are right for you.
Schedule Your Shoulder Arthritis Consultation Today
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion, contact Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance today at 414-384-6700. Our orthopedic specialists in Southeastern Wisconsin will evaluate your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.