There are five kinds of arthritis of the shoulders.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common form of shoulder arthritis. It is an autoimmune condition which usually affects both shoulders at the same time.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease which affects the joint lining (or synovium) and makes the joint swell up. This causes pain and stiffness in the joint.
RA in the shoulder can cause deterioration of shoulder bones and deformity of shoulder joints over time.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) can affect the shoulders as well as other joints like knees, hands, and hips. It is usually found among adults over 50 years of age.
This wear-and-tear related disease destroys the smooth cartilage which covers the bones. This causes the bones to rub against each other and gives rise to pain.
The typical symptoms of OA are a joint pain, tenderness, and stiffness.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
If the shoulder has been injured it may develop a form of arthritis called post-traumatic arthritis (PA).
PA may be caused by shoulder injuries caused by instability of the shoulder, fractures or dislocations. Injuries sustained during sports or accidents can also cause this condition.
Post-traumatic Arthritis of the shoulder can cause pain, swelling, and fluid build-up in the shoulder joint.
Avascular Necrosis
Avascular necrosis (AVN) occurs when blood cannot reach the upper arm bone. This destroys cells in the shoulder bone and results in shoulder arthritis.
AVN can be caused by shoulder dislocations and shoulder fractures as well as high dose steroid use and heavy alcohol consumption.
Avascular Necrosis advances in stages. The dead bone slowly collapses causing damage to the cartilage covering the bone, which in turn leads to arthritis.
It can start with no symptoms and progress to mild pain and finally cause severe pain.
Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy
The rotator cuff connects the shoulder blade with the top of the arm through a group of tendons and muscles.
The rotator cuff tendons can get torn due to a fall or lifting something heavy with a jerk.
When the tendons of the rotator cuff are torn it can lead to a form of shoulder arthritis called rotator cuff tear arthropathy.