Pain is the most common symptom patients experience, particularly when moving the shoulder and after long periods of use. The pain often gets worse over the course of the day. Pain can even occur at rest or while sleeping, causing difficulty at night. Limited range of motion and a griding sensation known as crepitus are other common symptoms. Moving the shoulder might also produce a clicking or creaking noise.
If the glenohumeral joint is affected, a deep aching pain is commonly felt at the front and back of the shoulder. If the AC joint is affected, the pain will be mainly on the top of the shoulder. This pain may even move into the side of the neck. AC joint pain can be aggravated by moving the arm across the body or pressing on the bump at the top of the shoulder.

Shoulder arthritis most often occurs in people over 50 years old. However, shoulder arthritis can be seen in younger people due to an injury or trauma, such as a fracture, dislocation, or chronic rotator cuff injury. Osteoarthritis can also run in families.

Shoulder arthritis can be either primary or secondary. Primary shoulder osteoarthritis means that there is no known cause of arthritis, but is often related to age, genes, and gender. Woman are affected more often than men. Secondary osteoarthritis means that there is a known cause, such as a previous injury, infection, history of shoulder dislocations, or rotator cuff tears. Certain occupations such as heavy construction or participating in overhead sports can create a higher risk of developing shoulder arthritis.

A diagnosis of shoulder arthritis is made with a thorough history and physical exam completed by your doctor. During this evaluation an assessment for pain, tenderness, and loss of motion is performed. Your doctor may also ask questions about how long you have been experiencing symptoms, any history of shoulder injuries or trauma, and any family members with shoulder arthritis.
Medical imaging can also be performed to evaluate the severity of arthritis and rule out other possible causes of pain. An X-ray of the shoulder can show if there is a loss of joint space between the bones. A loss of joint space means there is a loss of cartilage. If X-rays do not give a clear cause, an MRI can also be used to evaluate the cartilage and soft tissues around the shoulder. A CT scan provides a clear picture of the bone and may be used for patient specific planning if surgery is indicated.

Shoulder arthritis is a chronic disease that can get worse as you age. On a day to day basis, not moving the shoulder can cause stiffening and worsening of pain. As the arthritis progresses, pain might get worse if left untreated.