Medically reviewed by: Mark A. Yaffe, MD, certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, subspecialty certified in hand surgery. Last reviewed: October 5, 2026
SHOULDER ARTHRITIS TREATMENT IN Chicagoland
Schaumburg's Premier Shoulder Arthritis Treatment
Dr. Mark Yaffe(opens in a new tab) is an orthopedic specialist who treats upper extremity conditions, including shoulder arthritis. When the smooth cartilage that cushions the shoulder joint wears down or becomes inflamed, reaching overhead, getting dressed or sleeping comfortably can become difficult. Dr. Yaffe’s goal is to ease your pain and help you keep using your shoulder, with the least invasive approach that will work for you.
Whether your shoulder pain has built up gradually or began after an earlier injury, Dr. Yaffe offers a thorough evaluation to find the source of the pain and a plan matched to your symptoms. As part of his broader shoulder care(opens in a new tab), he starts with non-surgical treatment, including injections, and discusses shoulder replacement, including anatomic and reverse total shoulder replacement, when it is the right next step.
Dr. Yaffe takes the time to listen to your concerns and explains your options so you can decide what fits your goals. If you are ready to find relief with one of the orthopedic doctors serving Schaumburg(opens in a new tab), Buffalo Grove(opens in a new tab), and Elk Grove Village(opens in a new tab), request your first appointment with Dr. Yaffe today.
Shoulder Pain, Stiffness & Grinding With Movement
Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis
Arthritis in the shoulder can come from gradual cartilage wear, from inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, or from an earlier injury such as a fracture or dislocation. Symptoms can overlap with other shoulder problems, so an exam is important. Common signs include:
- Deep, aching shoulder pain: Pain in the shoulder joint that often gets worse with activity.
- Pain may be felt when lifting, reaching or carrying, and may ease with rest.
- Night pain: Shoulder pain that interferes with sleep or is worse when lying on the affected side.
- Stiffness and reduced motion: Difficulty raising the arm overhead or reaching behind the back.
- Grinding or catching: A grating, clicking or catching feeling as the shoulder moves.
- Weakness and loss of function: A shoulder that feels weaker or limits daily tasks and hobbies.
- Arthritis can occur together with rotator cuff problems, so persistent shoulder pain is worth evaluating.
INJECTIONS, THERAPY & SHOULDER REPLACEMENT
Shoulder Arthritis Treatment Options
The right treatment depends on the type and extent of arthritis, how much pain and stiffness you have, your activity level and your overall health. Most patients begin with non-surgical care. Dr. Yaffe’s options include:
- Non-surgical care: Activity changes, anti-inflammatory medication and guided therapy to maintain shoulder motion and strength. These measures may help manage symptoms for some patients, and results vary.
- Shoulder replacement: When non-surgical care no longer provides enough relief, anatomic or reverse total shoulder replacement may be considered. Dr. Yaffe will explain which approach may suit your shoulder.
- Biologic Injection Therapy(opens in a new tab): Dr. Yaffe offers injection options, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a non-cortisone injection, that may be discussed depending on your type of arthritis. Results vary from person to person.
- Joint Replacement Surgery(opens in a new tab): Dr. Yaffe performs total and reverse total shoulder replacement and also discusses non-surgical methods, such as injections, before recommending surgery.
Surgery is considered when pain continues despite non-surgical treatment and limits what you need to do each day. There is no single right time, and Dr. Yaffe will walk through your options with you. This page is for education and does not replace an examination, so an in-person evaluation is the way to confirm your diagnosis and the best plan for you.
About your surgeon. Dr. Mark A. Yaffe is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in orthopaedic surgery, with a subspecialty certification in hand surgery, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He earned his M.D. at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, completed his orthopaedic residency at Northwestern, and trained in hand and upper extremity surgery at The Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center. He was named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor in 2026 and a Chicago Magazine Top Doctor in 2025. Read Dr. Yaffe's full bio.(opens in a new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is shoulder arthritis and what causes it?
Shoulder arthritis happens when the cartilage that cushions the joint wears down or becomes inflamed. It can develop gradually, from an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, or after an earlier injury such as a fracture or dislocation. Often more than one factor is involved, and Dr. Yaffe evaluates each patient to understand what applies.
What are the symptoms of shoulder arthritis?
Common symptoms include shoulder pain that worsens with activity, stiffness, reduced range of motion, a grinding or catching feeling, and pain that interferes with sleep. These symptoms can also come from other shoulder problems, so an exam and imaging are important.
How is shoulder arthritis diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with your history and a hands-on exam, including checking strength, motion and which movements bring on pain. X-rays can show the condition of the joint, and additional imaging may be used if other shoulder problems are suspected. This helps Dr. Yaffe recommend the right treatment.
Can shoulder arthritis be treated without surgery?
Often, yes, at least at first. Activity changes, anti-inflammatory medication, guided therapy and injections may help manage symptoms for some patients. Results vary, and if these measures no longer provide enough relief, Dr. Yaffe will discuss shoulder replacement.
Are there injection options other than cortisone?
Yes. Dr. Yaffe offers biologic injection therapy using platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a non-cortisone injection. Relief varies from person to person, and he can explain whether an injection makes sense for you based on your exam and the type of arthritis.
What is the difference between anatomic and reverse total shoulder replacement?
Both replace the damaged joint surfaces, but they are designed differently. Which one may be considered depends on factors such as the condition of your rotator cuff and the extent of the arthritis. Dr. Yaffe will explain the options as part of his joint replacement surgery(opens in a new tab) care, and results vary by patient.
How do I know when it is time to consider shoulder replacement?
There is no single rule. Many people begin the conversation when pain, stiffness or loss of function continue despite non-surgical care and limit daily activities or sleep. An in-person evaluation helps determine whether replacement is a reasonable option for you.
How can I get started with the best shoulder specialist near me?
At Dr. Yaffe’s practice, we want it to be as easy as possible to get started on your road to relief. Just use our simple online appointment request(opens in a new tab) tool, and it helps to note which movements and times of day hurt most.
Get Your Shoulder Arthritis Evaluated by an Orthopedic Specialist
Expert Orthopedic Care from Mark A. Yaffe, M.D.