The five most common types of arthritis to affect the shoulder are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy and posttraumatic arthritis.

Both the acromioclavicular (AC) joint (where the clavicle meets the tip of the shoulder blade) and the glenohumeral joint (where the head of the humerus fits into the scapula) can be affected by arthritis

Symptoms of shoulder arthritis include pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. To make a diagnosis, your physician will probably recommend an x-ray.

Non-surgical shoulder arthritis treatments include rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy, corticosteroid injections, heat and cold therapy and disease-modifying drugs.

If your arthritis pain doesn’t respond to non-surgical options, your physician or orthopedic surgeon may recommend surgery. Milder cases of shoulder arthritis may be treated with arthroscopy, while more severe cases may require a shoulder joint replacement.