Shoulder Arthritis/Osteoarthritis

Shoulder osteoarthritis is a progressive "wear-and-tear" condition where the smooth protective cartilage lining the ball-and-socket joint gradually breaks down, leading to painful bone-on-bone friction, inflammation, and stiffness.

Symptoms

• Deep, aching joint pain that worsens with activity
• Limited range of motion and joint stiffness
• Grinding, clicking, or cracking sensations (crepitus) during movement
• Night pain that disrupts sleep

Causes

• Natural cartilage degeneration over time
• Prior shoulder trauma, such as fractures or dislocations
• Chronic, untreated rotator cuff tears

Risk Factors

• Age 50 and older
• Repetitive overhead lifting, manual labor, or sports
• Previous shoulder injuries or surgeries
• Genetic predisposition to joint wear

Diagnosis

Specialists assess your symptoms and range of motion through a physical examination, followed by digital X-rays or MRI imaging to measure joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and cartilage damage.

Treatment

• Nonsurgical: Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, and targeted cortisone injections.
• Surgical: Total shoulder replacement, reverse shoulder arthroplasty, or joint resurfacing for severe joint degeneration.