[no-glossary]Glenohumeral joint[/no-glossary] arthritis
[no-glossary]Glenohumeral joint[/no-glossary] arthritis occurs in the glenohumeral (ball and socket) joint. The most common symptoms are pain and restriction of motion.

To diagnose the condition, your physician will take your medical history and examine your shoulder to assess your [no-glossary]range of motion[/no-glossary]. X-rays may be helpful to show bone spurs and loss of joint space — an indication of damaged cartilage. An MRI also may be ordered to look for joint capsule swelling and bone spurs.

Your physician may suggest NSAIDs to treat the pain and inflammation. It also may be necessary to modify some of the activities that affect your shoulder movement. Your physician also may suggest a corticosteroid injection into the joint to decrease painful symptoms.

Early stages of [no-glossary]glenohumeral joint[/no-glossary] arthritis can often be managed without surgery. However, if arthritis is severe or symptoms are not well controlled with rest, medication and injections, a shoulder replacement may be recommended.

Acromioclavicular joint arthritis

Acromioclavicular joint arthritis occurs where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the shoulder blade ([no-glossary]scapula[/no-glossary]) at the acromion. The most common symptoms are pain at the top of the shoulder, pain when crossing your arm in front of the body (such as reaching to touch the other shoulder) or pain when raising your arms above your head.

Arthritis in this joint most commonly results from:

• Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis)
• Repetitive overhead activities (weight lifting, overhead labor)
• Previous injury (shoulder separation)

To diagnose the condition, your physician will take a medical history and examine your shoulder for tenderness. X-rays may be helpful in showing bone spurs and loss of joint space — an indication of damaged cartilage. An MRI also may be ordered to look for joint capsule swelling and bone spurs pushing down into the [no-glossary]rotator cuff[/no-glossary].

Your physician may suggest NSAIDs and ice packs to treat the pain and inflammation. It also may be necessary to modify some of the activities that affect your shoulder movement. Your physician may suggest a corticosteroid injection into the joint to decrease painful symptoms. In addition,physical therapy may be useful.

If arthritis is severe or symptoms are not well controlled with rest, medication, and injections, surgery may be recommended to remove the end of the collarbone.

• Shoulder Symptoms Checklist