Shoulder Arthritis
A plain-language overview of glenohumeral arthritis.
At a glance
- Where
- Shoulder (joint)
- Common signs
- Pain, stiffness, grinding
- Options
- Nonoperative care or shoulder replacement
- Urgent?
- Severe pain, deformity, fever, or numbness: seek care promptly.
For general education, not medical advice. Your own surgeon will recommend what fits your situation.
What it is
Shoulder arthritis is wear of the smooth cartilage covering the ball and socket of the shoulder. It can result from aging, prior injury or dislocation, long-standing rotator cuff tears, or inflammatory conditions.
Common symptoms
- Deep, aching shoulder pain
- Stiffness and loss of motion
- Grinding or clicking
- Pain that interferes with sleep and daily tasks
Treatment overview
Initial treatment usually includes activity changes, medications, physical therapy, and injections. When pain and function remain limited, shoulder replacement (arthroplasty) replaces the worn joint surfaces. Options include anatomic total shoulder replacement and reverse total shoulder replacement, chosen in part by the health of the rotator cuff.