Understanding Shoulder Arthritis
What patients commonly notice
Loss of joint cartilage can lead to pain, stiffness, grinding and reduced shoulder function. The exact pattern and severity can vary, so a clinical assessment is important before deciding on treatment.
Common symptoms
- Deep joint pain with movement or at night
- Progressive stiffness and reduced reach
- Grinding, clicking or loss of strength
Causes and risk factors
There may be more than one contributing factor. Common possibilities include:
- Age-related osteoarthritis
- Previous fracture, dislocation or surgery
- Inflammatory arthritis or rotator-cuff failure
How is shoulder arthritis assessed?
Assessment usually considers pain, strength, stability and both active and passive shoulder movement. X-rays, ultrasound or MRI may be requested when they will help clarify the diagnosis or guide treatment.
Treatment options
Treatment is matched to the diagnosis, symptom severity, general health and the activities you need to return to. Options may include:
- Exercise, activity modification and pain management
- Selected injections
- Shoulder replacement for advanced arthritis with major functional loss
Surgery is not automatically the first step. When it is considered, the likely benefit, alternatives and recovery requirements should be discussed clearly.
Common questions
How can I tell shoulder arthritis from a rotator-cuff problem?
Arthritis commonly causes deep pain, grinding and restriction of both active and passive movement. Rotator-cuff problems may cause weakness and painful lifting, but examination and X-rays are often needed to distinguish them.
Can injections delay shoulder replacement?
An injection may provide temporary pain relief and improve function, but it does not rebuild cartilage. Its suitability and timing depend on your health, prior injections and any possible future surgery.
When is shoulder replacement considered?
Replacement may be appropriate when advanced joint damage causes persistent pain, night symptoms and major loss of function despite nonsurgical care. The implant type depends partly on rotator-cuff function and bone quality.
This page provides general patient information and does not replace a consultation or personalised medical advice.