Shoulder Arthritis - An Educational Guide

Cartilage protects our joints from the damage caused by impacts in our day-to-day lives. Besides this, they are also important in ensuring the smooth movement of the joint. Similarly, our shoulder joint also has protective cartilage, and when it gets damaged due to age-related factors or an injury, arthritis occurs. 

Shoulder arthritis is a painful condition, and if it becomes severe, total shoulder replacement surgery may be required. Such cases involve the application of special orthopedic devices that are manufactured by the top orthopedic medical device companies. Though any of the shoulder joints can get arthritis, the glenohumeral joint is more commonly affected than the acromioclavicular joint. Arthritis affecting the AC joint is known as AC joint arthritis. 

What Are the Causes of Shoulder Arthritis?

Gradual wear and tear of cartilage over time in the shoulder may result in shoulder arthritis in most cases. Sometimes, a traumatic injury affecting the shoulder joint may also result in arthritis causing difficulties with joint movement. Here are some of the possible causes of shoulder arthritis:

1. Osteoarthritis
2. Rheumatoid arthritis
3. Rotator cuff tear arthropathy
4. Avascular necrosis
5. Traumatic shoulder injury

What Are the Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis?

Shoulder arthritis is a painful condition characterized by stiffness in the shoulder along with loss of range of motion. Here are some of the commonly noticed symptoms by people suffering from shoulder arthritis:

Pain

Arthritis causes pain in the shoulder joint and it can be experienced on any side of the shoulder. In the early stages of shoulder arthritis, pain is felt only with the movement but as the condition progresses, the pain can be felt at any time and becomes severe as well. In advanced stages of arthritis, pain may radiate to the elbow or wrist.

Loss of Range of Motion

Due to pain, the person finds it difficult to use the shoulder joint to its maximum effect. This is why reduced or loss of range of motion is experienced by people with shoulder arthritis. 

Grinding or Popping Sounds

Due to damage to the cartilage, people often experience grinding, popping, or cracking sounds when they move their shoulders. This is because of the unsmooth surface of the joint caused by damaged cartilages. 

Difficulty While Sleeping

Shoulder pain makes it difficult for the person to find the right sleeping position. Thus, loss of sleep is one of the symptoms of shoulder arthritis.

How to Diagnose Shoulder Arthritis?

Both physical examination and imaging tests are required for the treatment of shoulder arthritis. A physical examination is performed to check the range of motion and painful areas on the shoulder. While on the other hand, imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs provide a clear picture of how the joint looks from the inside. This makes it easy for the healthcare service provider to decide the best treatment. 

What is the Treatment for Shoulder Arthritis?

The treatment of the condition varies depending on the severity and the symptoms experienced. In the early stages, the condition can be managed with medication, physical therapy, and activity modification. Sometimes, injections may also help relieve the symptoms. 

If the condition advances to a severe stage, surgery will be recommended by the doctor for treatment. 

To get a CE-certified range of orthopedic devices, contact Siora Surgicals Pvt. Ltd., an experienced orthopedic device manufacturer in India. On the other hand, if you want to explore other medical technologies and devices from around the world, book your visit to the FIME Show 2025.