Arthritis of the Shoulder

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When a shoulder condition like arthritis sets in, the pain can be significant and long-lasting. Arthritis of the shoulder can prevent you from enjoying the activities you love. TriHealth Orthopedic & Sports Institute and Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine have assembled a team of nationally renowned surgeons and specialists who offer advanced treatment to get you back to feeling good.

Arthritis of the Shoulder

Arthritis of the shoulder is damage to or loss of the articular cartilage, the slippery, smooth coating of the bone that helps the shoulder work smoothly. Over time, as the cartilage wears down from day-to-day use or is damaged, the protective space between the bones decreases. This can cause bone-on-bone contact during movement in the joint leading to inflammation and pain.

Arthritis of the shoulder causes

Arthritic inflammation can result from:

• Genetics
• Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the joints
• Traumatic injury, such as shoulder fracture or dislocation
• Wear and tear from use and aging

Arthritis of the shoulder symptoms

Depending on your condition, symptoms can include:

• Crepitus—a grinding, clicking or popping sound when moving your shoulder
• Pain in the joint
• Pain throughout the shoulder or radiating to the neck
• Reduced or lost range of motion

Arthritis of the shoulder treatment

Treatment for shoulder arthritis depends on the severity and may include:

• Arthroscopic debridement—the removal of damaged cartilage or bone
• Cleanup of the rough joint surfaces by minimally invasive smoothing
• Medicine prescribed by your doctor
• Physical therapy—exercises to maintain the shoulder’s proper balance and function
• Resting the shoulder joint
• Shoulder replacement surgery¬¬—total shoulder arthroplasty
• Steroid injections to relieve pain, reduce inflammation

Arthritis of the shoulder risk factors

Risk factors for arthritis of the shoulder include:

• Aging
• A condition present at birth (congenital defect)
• Previous injury, or trauma
• Repetitive heavy overhead lifting or throwing

Arthritis of the shoulder prevention

Because arthritis is mainly age-related, prevention focuses on health maintenance such as:

• Exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff and other shoulder muscles
• Limiting repetitive-motion and overhead sports activities such as throwing and certain types of weight lifting

Make an appointment

To learn more about arthritis of the shoulder or make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist: Call TriHealth at 513 246 2300 or our orthopedic partner, Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, at 513 354 3700.