SHOULDER ARTHRITIS
Shoulder Arthritis
Treatment Guide
Shoulder arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, grinding, night pain, and progressive loss of motion. Treatment begins with understanding the type of arthritis, the condition of the rotator cuff, and how much the shoulder is limiting daily life.
Often Progresses Gradually
Motion Becomes Limited
Rotator Cuff Matters
When Quality Of Life Declines
Common Shoulder Arthritis Problems
Do I Need Shoulder Replacement?
Understand when arthritis symptoms may justify shoulder replacement surgery.
Total Shoulder Replacement
Anatomic replacement for arthritis when the rotator cuff remains functional.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Replacement option for arthritis with rotator cuff deficiency or complex shoulder dysfunction.
Reverse vs Total Shoulder Replacement
Learn how rotator cuff function helps determine which operation is best.
Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy
Arthritis that develops when a massive rotator cuff tear changes shoulder mechanics.
Shoulder Injections
Injections may provide temporary pain relief in selected patients.
Dr. Streit's Clinical Perspective
Shoulder arthritis treatment is not based on X-rays alone. I consider the patient's pain, sleep, motion, strength, activity goals, rotator cuff function, and overall quality of life before recommending surgery.
The most important decision is often not whether the shoulder is arthritic — it is whether the rotator cuff still functions well enough for an anatomic total shoulder replacement or whether reverse shoulder replacement is more reliable.
Symptoms Of Shoulder Arthritis
Pain
Shoulder pain often worsens with activity and may eventually occur at rest.
Stiffness
Patients often lose motion reaching overhead, behind the back, or across the body.
Grinding
Cartilage loss may cause catching, grinding, or mechanical shoulder symptoms.
Night Pain
Arthritis commonly interferes with sleep and the ability to lie on the affected side.
Loss Of Function
Dressing, grooming, lifting, golf, tennis, and exercise may become difficult.
Weakness
Pain and rotator cuff dysfunction can both make the shoulder feel weak.
Treatment Options
Physical Therapy
Therapy can help maintain motion, strength, and shoulder mechanics.
Medication
Anti-inflammatory medication may reduce symptoms when appropriate.
Injections
Corticosteroid injections may temporarily reduce pain and inflammation.
Total Shoulder Replacement
For advanced arthritis with preserved rotator cuff function.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
For arthritis with cuff deficiency, deformity, fracture, or failed prior surgery.
Revision Surgery
For failed prior replacement, persistent pain, loosening, instability, or infection.
Explore Shoulder Arthritis Resources
Is Shoulder Arthritis Limiting Your Life?
A focused shoulder evaluation can determine whether your pain is from arthritis, rotator cuff disease, stiffness, or another cause — and whether nonsurgical treatment or shoulder replacement is most appropriate.
Request Consultation