Conditions

Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a very common condition that can affect any joint in the body.

Everyone’s joints go through a normal cycle of wear and repair during their lifetime. As joints repair themselves, their shape and structure can change. The cartilage in the shoulder joint may become thinner and the surfaces of the joint may become rougher. If this happens in one or more of your joints, it’s known as osteoarthritis. These changes are a normal part of ageing and do not always cause pain.

The shoulder has two joints. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is where the collar bone meets the top of the shoulder blade. Pain from this joint is often felt on the top of the shoulder. The glenohumeral joint is the main ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder.

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What causes osteoarthritis?

The exact cause of osteoarthritis is often not known, as there can be lots of reasons why a person develops the condition. Reasons include:

Getting older (osteoarthritis becomes more common from around the age of 45)
Carrying excess body weight
A family history of osteoarthritis
Previous injury - like shoulder fractures or dislocations
Repetitive overhead work – such as lifting or manual jobs
Smoking – linked to slower healing and poorer joint health

What are the symptoms of shoulder osteoarthritis?

Shoulder OA usually develops slowly. You might notice:

Pain and stiffness that gradually become worse.
Difficulty lifting your arm, reaching overhead or getting dressed.
Pain during movement or at rest.
A grinding, clicking or catching sensation in the shoulder.

Steps to take to recovery

Self-Management

Activity Modification

If symptoms have recently worsened it may be worth reducing or changing activities that make your symptoms worse. Trying to get a balance between rest and activity can help your pain to settle down. Taking regular breaks and avoiding movements that push your shoulder to its limit may make things more manageable.

Pain Relief

Over-the-counter medicines: Over-the-counter pain relief may help you stay active. Always follow the advice provided with the medicine.

Topical creams: Some people find topical creams or gels helpful for short-term relief of pain and stiffness.

It is important to check whether you can take these medicines. If you are unsure whether you can take these medicines, speak to a pharmacist or another healthcare professional.

Exercises

Gentle daily stretching and strengthening exercises can help reduce pain, improve movement and keep your shoulder as mobile as possible. Exercises available at Arthritis UK may be helpful.

Further Treatment

Physiotherapy

If your symptoms aren't improving or you feel you need more help then please refer yourself to physiotherapy. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan. You can have one-to-one physiotherapy and have access to our gym classes. We can also refer on to other services to access other treatments listed below if appropriate.

Steroid Injections

In some cases, injections may reduce severe inflammation and pain for a period. They may be considered if pain is making it difficult to exercise. It is not an appropriate option for everyone.

Suprascapular Nerve Block

This is an injection that numbs one of the nerves supplying the shoulder. It can sometimes reduce pain in people with severe shoulder arthritis who are not suitable for surgery. It is not an appropriate option for everyone. If this may be an appropriate option for you, your physiotherapist would discuss this with you.

Surgery

Shoulder replacement surgery may be considered if pain is severe and other treatments have not helped. Damaged parts of the joint are replaced to improve movement and reduce pain.

Although osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, many people successfully manage their symptoms with exercise, pain relief and other treatments. Most people do not need surgery. Symptoms often vary from day to day and may flare up from time to time. Although osteoarthritis is a long-term condition, many people manage it successfully with exercise and simple self-management strategies.

Lifestyle factors that influence health

Osteoarthritis is common and is influenced by our overall health. Getting older, carrying excess body weight, smoking, diabetes and long-term stress can all influence osteoarthritis symptoms. Improving general health, staying active, and addressing lifestyle factors can help improve symptoms. More support with health and lifestyle factors can be found on our Your Musculoskeletal Health webpage.

When to seek further advice

Most shoulder pain can be managed safely with self-care. However, contact NHS 111 if you have any of the following:

A recent injury or fall that has caused severe pain or a sudden loss of movement.
You cannot move your shoulder after a fall, injury or seizure.
A shoulder that is hot, red or swollen, especially if you also have a fever or feel generally unwell.

These symptoms may need urgent assessment and are not typical of a shoulder osteoarthritis.