Shoulder Arthritis
Do you feel deep, aching pain in your shoulder that worsens with movement or at night? These may be signs of shoulder arthritis, a degenerative condition that affects the smooth movement of the joint over time.
At SW Yung Orthopaedic Clinic, Dr Yung provides expert diagnosis and personalised treatment options to manage shoulder arthritis—helping you regain comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
What Is Shoulder Arthritis?
Shoulder arthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in the shoulder joint wears down over time. This leads to bone-on-bone friction, inflammation, stiffness, and pain. The condition can affect either the glenohumeral joint (where the upper arm meets the shoulder blade) or the acromioclavicular joint (where the collarbone meets the top of the shoulder blade).
Shoulder arthritis is progressive, but early treatment can help reduce symptoms and preserve joint function.
What Causes Shoulder Arthritis?
Shoulder arthritis can develop from:
- Age-related cartilage degeneration (osteoarthritis)
- Previous shoulder injuries or fractures
- Rotator cuff tears leading to cuff tear arthropathy
- Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Avascular necrosis (disruption of blood supply to the bone)
It typically affects individuals over the age of 50 but can also occur earlier in patients with predisposing conditions.
Signs & Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis
Common signs of shoulder arthritis include:
- Deep, dull pain in the shoulder
- Stiffness or difficulty lifting the arm
- Pain that worsens with activity or at night
- Grinding, clicking, or catching sensation in the joint
- Decreased range of motion
If shoulder pain is interfering with your sleep or daily tasks, call us at 6235 5225 to book a consultation with Dr Yung Shing Wai.
How Is Shoulder Arthritis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves:
- Physical Examination: Dr Yung will assess your range of motion, joint alignment, and signs of pain or instability.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays are typically used to evaluate joint space narrowing, bone spurs, or deformity. MRI scans may be needed to assess soft tissue involvement.
An accurate diagnosis allows for tailored treatment and long-term symptom relief.
What Happens if Shoulder Arthritis Is Left Untreated?
Without appropriate care, shoulder arthritis may lead to:
- Increasing pain and joint stiffness
- Progressive loss of motion and strength
- Difficulty with everyday tasks such as dressing or lifting
- Sleep disruption due to night pain
- Joint deformity and chronic inflammation
Timely management helps preserve function and improve quality of life.
How Is Shoulder Arthritis Treated?
Treatment depends on the type and severity of arthritis, as well as the patient’s age, activity level, and overall health.
Non-Surgical Options
Initial management aims to relieve pain and maintain mobility:
- Oral pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroid injections for temporary relief
- Physiotherapy to improve shoulder mechanics and strengthen supporting muscles
- Activity modification to reduce stress on the joint
Shoulder Surgery
If non-surgical treatments are no longer effective, surgical options may be considered:
- Arthroscopic Debridement: Removal of loose cartilage or bone spurs to reduce pain and improve movement (suitable for early-stage arthritis).
- Shoulder Replacement Surgery:
- Total Shoulder Replacement: The damaged joint surfaces are replaced with a prosthetic ball and socket.
- Reverse Shoulder Replacement: Often used when arthritis is combined with a torn rotator cuff. The normal ball-and-socket structure is reversed to improve function.
Dr Yung has extensive experience in shoulder arthroplasty and employs advanced techniques to ensure safe and successful outcomes.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from shoulder arthritis treatment varies based on the chosen therapy. Physiotherapy is critical after both conservative care and surgery to restore strength, flexibility, and functional use of the arm.
Patients undergoing shoulder replacement can typically return to light activities in 6 to 12 weeks, with full recovery taking several months.
At SW Yung Orthopaedic Clinic, we guide you through each phase of rehabilitation for the best long-term results.
