Specialized Treatment for Shoulder Arthritis in Arlington, VA

Arthritis is a common joint condition that usually develops slowly over time. Through repetitive use, the cartilage that cushions and protects a joint can begin to break down and wear away. An injury such as a fracture or dislocation can hasten the degenerative process.

In the shoulder, arthritis often affects the glenohumeral joint, a large ball-and-socket structure situated where the rounded head of the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into its socket in the shoulder blade (glenoid). Both the humeral head and the glenoid are coated with smooth cartilage, which softens the contact between the bones.

How Does Shoulder Arthritis Develop?

Usually, glenohumeral arthritis progresses through three stages:

  1. The cartilage softens and develops surface cracks.
  2. The cracked cartilage becomes rough and frayed, and loose fragments begin to flake off.
  3. The deteriorated cartilage completely wears away and exposes the underlying bone surface.

Each stage of shoulder arthritis does not necessarily occur all at once. Instead, cartilage can wear away at different rates in different areas of the joint. If certain shoulder movements are painful, the cartilage in the glenohumeral joint is likely stressed. In general, the more severe the pain, the more extensive the damage.

What Are the Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis?

Common signs of glenohumeral arthritis include:

  • Tenderness – The pain may radiate from the top of the shoulder to the neck.
  • Reduced range of motion – Lifting the arm overhead may become increasingly difficult.
  • Crepitus – A clicking or grinding sensation may occur during movement.

If glenohumeral arthritis is suspected based on the symptoms, a physician will typically review the patient’s medical history, perform a physical examination and order imaging studies of the painful shoulder.

How Is Shoulder Arthritis Treated?

Treatment for glenohumeral arthritis usually begins conservatively with a combination of:

  • Activity modifications to rest the joint and avoid overhead arm movements
  • Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve painful inflammation
  • Physical therapy to enhance joint flexibility
  • Ice or moist heat applications to improve comfort
  • Injections to reduce severe inflammation

A surgical procedure such as a total shoulder replacement may be considered to address severe symptoms that do not respond sufficiently to conservative treatment.

Learn More

If you would like to learn more about glenohumeral arthritis, contact Nirschl Orthopaedic Center at (703) 525-2200 to schedule an appointment with a shoulder specialist in Arlington, VA.