Arthritis of the shoulder

Arthritis of the shoulder develops when the cartilage cushioning the joint wears down, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. It's a progressive condition that can make everyday tasks, like reaching overhead or sleeping comfortably, increasingly difficult. With the right care, you can manage symptoms and protect your shoulder's long-term function.

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A detailed anatomical illustration of the shoulder joint, showing muscles, bursae, and ligaments.

Anatomy of the shoulder

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the upper arm bone (humerus) and the shoulder blade (scapula). Smooth cartilage covers the ends of these bones, allowing the joint to move freely while absorbing stress. A surrounding capsule lined with synovium produces fluid that reduces friction during movement.

In a healthy shoulder, cartilage and synovial fluid work together for smooth, pain-free motion. With shoulder arthritis, cartilage gradually thins or wears away and the joint lining may become inflamed. In advanced cases, bone rubs directly against bone, which significantly limits movement and increases pain.

Overview

Symptoms

You may be experiencing shoulder arthritis if you notice:

Persistent shoulder pain that worsens with activity
Stiffness or reduced range of motion
Swelling or tenderness around the joint
Grinding, clicking or catching sensations with movement
Pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities
Morning stiffness that improves gradually with movement

Symptoms often progress over time, particularly without treatment.

Causes

Shoulder arthritis may develop for several reasons, including:

Age-related wear and tear of joint cartilage
Prior shoulder injuries, fractures or dislocations
Repetitive strain or long-term overuse
Previous shoulder surgery or trauma
Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
Congenital or structural joint abnormalities

There are many forms of arthritis, but two types most commonly affect the shoulder. Osteoarthritis is the most common form and is often related to aging and joint wear, causing cartilage to break down over time.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joint lining, leading to inflammation and joint damage. It often affects multiple joints on both sides of the body and is more common in women. Understanding the underlying cause of your arthritis helps our specialists tailor treatment to your specific needs.

Risk factors

Several factors can increase your risk of developing shoulder arthritis, including age, previous shoulder injuries or surgeries, repetitive overhead motion and autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Having one or more of these risk factors doesn't mean you'll develop shoulder arthritis, but being aware of them can help you and your care team stay ahead of symptoms.

Diagnosis

Our orthopedic specialists use a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to diagnose shoulder arthritis. Your evaluation may include a detailed medical history and physical exam, an assessment of shoulder strength and range of motion, X-rays to evaluate joint space and bone spurs, and CT or MRI imaging to assess the severity of joint damage. We explain your results in clear, simple terms so you understand your condition and options.

Illustration of a shoulder joint with a metal implant.

Total shoulder replacement

Learn why total shoulder replacement is performed, explore shoulder anatomy and see what changes surgery makes.

Videos in our patient education library are available to help you gain a general understanding of the condition or procedure. Read disclaimer.

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