Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis can make everyday activities painful. We can help relieve your discomfort and get you back to moving freely.

Shoulder Arthritis

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Introduction

Shoulder arthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones in the shoulder joint begins to wear down. This leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty moving the shoulder. While the condition often develops gradually over time, it can significantly affect daily activities such as lifting, reaching, or carrying objects. Early evaluation and treatment can help improve function and reduce discomfort.

What Causes Shoulder Arthritis?

Shoulder arthritis can result from several factors, including:

Age-related wear and tear which naturally affects the cartilage over time
Previous injuries such as fractures or dislocations that damage the joint
Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
Overuse from repetitive motions or heavy activity

As cartilage wears away, the bones can rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and decreased mobility.

Treatments for Shoulder Arthritis

Treatment options depend on the severity of the arthritis and your level of activity:

Non-surgical care may include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, activity modification, and corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and improve function
Surgical treatment may be recommended if conservative care does not provide relief. Options include shoulder arthroscopy to clean the joint or shoulder replacement surgery to replace damaged joint surfaces with artificial components

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, restore motion, and help you maintain an active lifestyle.

Recovery Following Shoulder Surgery

Recovery after shoulder surgery varies depending on the procedure. Physical therapy usually begins shortly after surgery to restore mobility, rebuild strength, and improve shoulder stability. Most patients gradually return to daily activities over several weeks to months. Following your rehabilitation plan is key to regaining function and achieving the best possible outcome.

References

Feeley BT, Gallo RA, Craig EV. Cuff Tear Arthropathy: Current Trends in Diagnosis and Surgical Management. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2009;18(3):484-494. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2008.11.003.

Rugg CM, Gallo RA, Craig EV, Feeley BT. The Pathogenesis and Management of Cuff Tear Arthropathy. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2018;27(12):2271-2283. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2018.07.020.

Nam D, Maak TG, Raphael BS, et al. Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy: Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Treatment: AAOS Exhibit Selection. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2012;94(6):e34. doi:10.2106/JBJS.K.00746.

Zeman CA, Arcand MA, Cantrell JS, Skedros JG, Burkhead WZ. The Rotator Cuff-Deficient Arthritic Shoulder: Diagnosis and Surgical Management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 1998;6(6):337-348. doi:10.5435/00124635-199811000-00002.