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HomeAbout Prognosis and impactsIncidence and risk factorsSymptomsAnatomy Initial symptoms Symptoms Progression Secondary effects Conditions with similar symptoms Causes and effectsDiagnosis and evaluation Management and treatment CopingResearchConclusion

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Home « Clinical Services « Shoulder & Elbow

Shoulder arthritis

Edited By: Frederick A. Matsen III, M.D., Winston J. Warme, MD
Last updated Thursday, April 03, 2008

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Symptoms

Anatomy

Shoulder arthritis affects the glenohumeral joint, that is the joint between the ball of the arm bone (the humeral head) and the socket of the shoulder blade (the glenoid). It may also affect the rotator cuff.

Initial symptoms

The first symptoms from shoulder arthritis are often stiffness, pain at night and difficulty using the arm for activities overhead and out to the side. The symptoms may wax and wane over time, sometimes being aggravated by changes in the weather.

Symptoms

Shoulder arthritis may cause pain, inability to sleep, stiffness and grinding when the joint is moved.

Progression

Shoulder arthritis may progress slowly or rapidly, depending on the type of arthritis.

Secondary effects

Shoulder arthritis may cause aching up and down the arm, but usually does not produce numbness, tingling or weakness of the hand.

Conditions with similar symptoms

The symptoms of shoulder arthritis may at times be similar to the symptoms of frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears, or even a pinched nerve in the neck (cervical radiculopathy).

Surgery for Shoulder arthritis at the University of Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-7416 to make an appointment.

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