What Does Shoulder Arthritis Feel Like? 

Shoulder pain is a common complaint for patients, and arthritis is one of the most significant causes for aging populations and those with a history of joint injury.  

Identifying the symptoms and possible causes of shoulder arthritis, including what the pain feels like, can help patients and providers find answers and treatments.  

"Shoulder arthritis is inflammation in the joint, which causes pain and stiffness. And it can fall on a spectrum of degenerative and inflammatory disorders affecting the shoulder joints,” WVU Medicine Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Alexander Bitzer said. “Understanding presentation, causes, and treatment options is essential.” 

What Is Shoulder Arthritis? 

Shoulder arthritis refers to the progressive degeneration of cartilage within the shoulder joint. 

“The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, and healthy cartilage allows for smooth, pain-free motion,” Dr. Bitzer said “But when cartilage wears down, bones begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.” 

There are several types of arthritis that can affect the shoulder: 

• Osteoarthritis (OA): Typically, is age-related and characterized by gradual cartilage degeneration.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune condition causing synovial inflammation and joint destruction.
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Develops after injury, such as fractures or dislocations.
• Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy: Occurs when chronic rotator cuff tears lead to joint instability and arthritis. 

Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis 

“Pain is the most common symptom I see in patients with shoulder arthritis,” Dr. Bitzer explained. “It’s often described as a deep, aching joint pain that worsens with activity.” 

Other symptoms include: 

• Progressive stiffness and reduced range of motion.
• Crepitus (a grinding or clicking sensation).
• Night pain, particularly when lying on the affected side.

Diagnosis and Treatments 

Diagnosis of shoulder arthritis generally begins with a thorough history and physical exam, followed by imaging studies like X-rays, MRI and CT scans.  

Treatment, according to Dr. Bitzer, is often approached in steps.  

"Most of the time, we’ll start treatment with conservative, non-invasive measures and progress to surgical intervention, if necessary,” Dr. Bitzer said. "The majority of cases can be treated non-surgically with focus on reducing pain and restoring function/activity".  

Non-surgical treatments can include medications like NSAIDS and Corticosteroids, physical therapy, and activity modification to avoid aggravating symptoms and pain. 

"Therapy can be very helpful in optimizing the mobility and strength of structures that remain intact to help the other structures damaged by arthritis,” Dr. Bitzer said. 

 If surgery is needed, these procedures are common options for shoulder arthitis and pain:  

• Arthroscopic Debridement: Minimally invasive, typically for early-stage disease.
• Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA): Replacement of both joint surfaces.
• Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: Replacement option in patients with damage to both the cartilage as well as the rotator cuff. 

Prognosis and Patient Outcomes 

“The prognosis for shoulder arthritis varies depending on an individual’s condition and circumstances," Dr. Bitzer said. “With individualized and patient-centered care and treatment, I see many patients achieve significant pain relief and functional improvement.” 

Early diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan make a difference in outcomes, and WVU Medicine orthopaedic providers are consistently using advanced surgical techniques to achieve the best results possible.  

“If shoulder pain is restricting your ability to participate in activities and your quality of life, that is a time to consult a shoulder specialist to help you get back to the things you enjoy doing,” Dr. Bitzer said. “We’re here to find the best treatment options to get you back to active living.”