Shoulder Arthritis
What is Shoulder Arthritis?
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that consists of three bones: the upper arm bone (humerus), the shoulder blade (scapula), and the collarbone (clavicle). The head of the humerus fits into a shallow socket in the scapula. This socket is called the glenoid. Strong connective tissue, known as the shoulder capsule, and ligaments, help keep the ball at the top of your upper arm bone centered in your shoulder socket.
Shoulder arthritis refers to the wear and tear of the cartilage in the shoulder joint that causes inflammation and pain. It often leads to stiffness and difficulty in movement. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, which occurs from use over time. Post-traumatic arthritis is similar, but is associated with a prior injury to the shoulder such as a dislocation or fracture. Other types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis are often associated with other medical symptoms.
One of the most common injuries in Dr. Ben Mayo’s orthopedic office is shoulder pain. As a fellowship trained shoulder surgeon, Dr. Ben Mayo regularly sees patients in the Detroit area with shoulder arthritis to determine the best treatment options for them. Contact Dr. Mayo’s team today to schedule a consultation at one of his offices in Livonia or Sterling Heights.
Shoulder arthritis typically occurs due to the natural aging process. As we age, the cartilage that allows the bones to move smoothly against each other begins to wear away, causing the bones to rub against each other. This leads to pain and inflammation. Apart from aging, shoulder arthritis can also be caused by previous injury or trauma to the shoulder, or it may be a result of a systemic condition like rheumatoid arthritis.
When arthritis occurs in the shoulder, individuals might experience:
- Pain in the shoulder, which may get worse with activity and at night
- Limited range of motion
- Stiffness in the joint
- A feeling of grinding or catching within the joint
- Weakness in your arm
Shoulder arthritis is a degenerative condition that cannot heal on its own. However, its symptoms can be managed with non-surgical treatments. In severe cases, surgery might be required to alleviate symptoms and restore function.
Diagnosis of shoulder arthritis typically involves a physical examination and a review of your symptoms and medical history. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or an MRI, are usually performed to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the arthritis.
Schedule a shoulder consultation
Dr. Ben Mayo is a fellowship trained shoulder surgeon who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of complex shoulder problems such as shoulder arthritis. Dr. Mayo is regarded as one of the best shoulder surgeons in Michigan, and delivers tailored care that suits your needs, helping you return to your sport, your job, or your everyday activities as quickly and safely as possible. Dr. Mayo is conveniently located with clinics in Sterling Heights and Livonia to serve the nearby communities such as Troy, Canton, Macomb, Farmington Hills, Novi, and Royal Oak. If you are having shoulder pain from shoulder arthritis, contact Dr. Mayo to schedule a consultation today.
At a Glance
Ben Mayo, MD
- Fellowship Trained Sports Surgeon
- Specializes in Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Shoulder, Elbow, Hip, & Knee Surgery
- Published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and 10 book chapters
- Learn more