As we age, years of activity at work and play can take its toll on our shoulders. The result is debilitating pain. Learn about shoulder pain causes and treatment options.

The pain can often be attributed to one of three types of arthritis. Like the knee and hip, osteoarthritis affects the shoulder and is a degenerative condition that destroys cartilage and leaves a painful bone–on–bone situation. Osteoarthritis typically affects those over 50.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joint lining. It can affect people of all ages and multiple joints at the same time.

And arthritis can also develop after an injury, such as a fracture, dislocation, or rotator cuff repair.

What are signs of arthritis?

Symptoms include pain in either the front or back of the shoulder, limited motion of your arm, and a cracking or popping sound as you raise your arm. For many shoulder arthritis sufferers, pain prevents them from lifting their arms over their heads. As a result, this impedes their ability to maintain an active lifestyle and even perform routine daily functions such as combing your hair or reaching up to a shelf.

Nonsurgical treatment options for shoulder pain include physical therapy, anti–inflammatory medications, and rest from activity. Your orthopaedic physician may recommend surgery if the arthritis has caused severe damage to your joint.

Joint replacement surgery replaces the worn and diseased joint with a new implant. Additionally, reverse shoulder replacement surgery, approved three years ago by the Food and Drug Administration, reverses the ball and socket of the joint implant and has produced excellent results.

Arthroscopic surgery is a common, minimally invasive technique used to help remove damaged cartilage from the joint.

Rothman Institute doctors who specialize in shoulder care include Drs. Barbara Grugan Frieman, Charles Getz, Gerald Williams, Jr., John Fenlin, Jr., Mark Lazarus, Matthew Pepe, Matthew Ramsey, and Michael Ciccotti.