One of the many places you may experience arthritis symptoms is in your shoulders.

One of the many places you may experience arthritis symptoms is in your shoulders. Several different conditions can cause this, from osteoarthritis to rheumatoid arthritis, but the symptoms of pain and limited mobility in the shoulder are generally the same. Shoulder arthritis can be very difficult to deal with, but it is possible to manage the symptoms and to take steps to continue to function as normally as possible.

Symptoms of shoulder arthritis

Just as with arthritis in any location, the symptoms of shoulder arthritis that you will likely notice include pain, stiffness and swelling in the joint. The degree of these symptoms may vary, but all are likely to occur. The pain tends to worsen over time and with activity, and can occur in different places within the shoulder area. If the glenuhumeral shoulder joint is the affected one, you might feel pain in the back of the shoulder that manifests as a deep ache. Arthritis on the acromioclavicular joint, or AC joint, tends to cause pain on the top of the shoulder that can also be felt on the side of the neck. You may also have arthritis in both of these joints, leading to pain in the back and top of the shoulder as well as the side of the neck.

The range of motion in your shoulder may also be impacted by arthritis. Lifting your arm could become harder, and you might actually hear sounds when you move your shoulder. This is a sure sign you should see the doctor.

What's causing my shoulder arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis may be a cause of shoulder arthritis, as may osteoarthritis, posttraumatic arthritis, gout and even lupus. Because there are so many possibilities, you should talk to your doctor about any symptoms you notice. If you are already diagnosed with a type of arthritis, it's still important to share any developments - like shoulder pain and stiffness - with your doctor. Treatment is available, and can include physical therapy as well as treatments for the root cause of your shoulder arthritis. Some cases call for injections of corticosteroids or even surgery, but these are options your doctor will only recommend if they are necessary for you.

Living with shoulder arthritis

If your shoulder arthritis causes persistent loss of range of motion, you may feel very limited. The inability to raise your arm high enough to effectively brush your teeth or fix your hair can be both physically and emotionally difficult. Look for adaptive solutions to these issues, such as shirts that button down the front instead of requiring you to raise your arms to pull them over your head. Also make sure to follow your treatment plan, which may help alleviate stiffness and pain.

For more on shoulder arthritis:

Pilates Exercises to Ease Arthritis Pain
Talking to Your Doctor: Deciding When, How – and If – to Speak Up
Can Shoulder Replacement Surgery Help Alleviate Symptoms of Arthritis?