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Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Shoulder osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage in the joint deteriorates. The shoulder contains two joints, with osteoarthritis most often affecting the larger ball-and-socket joint, the glenohumeral joint, which links the glenoid and humerus. The cartilage surrounds the humeral head (ball) and glenoid (socket). As the cartilage wears down from the surface to deeper layers, it leads to shoulder osteoarthritis.

Causes

Osteoarthritis of the shoulder usually affects people over 50 years. However, it can also develop in younger individuals because of injuries like fractures or dislocations, called posttraumatic arthritis. Genetics may also play a role.

Symptoms

Pain is the main symptom, often worsening with movement and persisting afterward. It can also occur during sleep.

Another common symptom is restricted range of motion, which is noticeable when moving your arm or when someone moves it to assess mobility. Shoulder movement may also cause clicking or creaking sounds.

Diagnosing Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Doctors diagnose shoulder osteoarthritis through a medical history review and a physical exam to check for pain, motion loss, tenderness and nearby tissue changes. They may also assess muscle atrophy or weakness caused by reduced use.

Common diagnostics tests for this condition include:

  • X-rays to examine joint damage
  • Blood tests to rule out rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions
  • Synovial fluid (lubricating fluid present in the synovium) analysis in order to check for abnormalities
  • MRI scans for a detailed view of the joint

Treating Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Nonsurgical treatments:

Initial treatments of shoulder osteoarthritis focus on relieving pain and improving function without surgery. They involve:

  • Rest and activity modification – Adjust how the arm moves when doing daily activities to reduce strain. Examples are wearing front-zip clothing or propping up hair dryers rather than holding them for extended periods.
  • NSAIDs – Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen help reduce pain and swelling. Always consult a doctor before use.
  • Physical therapy – Prescribed exercises to improve strength and mobility.
  • Range-of-motion exercises – Enhance flexibility and prevent stiffness.
  • Moist heat and ice therapy – Heat soothes muscles, whereas ice (used 20 minutes, 2–3 times daily) reduces inflammation and discomfort.
  • Medications – Corticosteroid injections may be prescribed for pain relief.
  • Supplements – Glucosamine and chondroitin are sometimes used, though their effectiveness is unclear. Consult a doctor before taking them.

Surgical treatments:

If nonsurgical methods fail, surgery may be necessary. Options include:

  • Total shoulder arthroplasty (shoulder joint replacement) – The entire shoulder joint is replaced with an artificial one.
  • Hemiarthroplasty – Done to replace the humerus head or upper arm bone. 
  • Resection arthroplasty – A small section of the collarbone end is removed. It is frequently used for AC joint arthritis and rotator cuff issues. Scar tissue will eventually fill the gap.

Conclusion

Shoulder osteoarthritis can significantly impact daily life, but early diagnosis and proper treatment can help manage pain as well as maintain mobility. Whether through lifestyle adjustments, medications, or surgical options, many treatments are available to improve your quality of life.

Book an appointment today for a proper diagnosis and discuss your treatment options.