AC (Acromioclavicular) Joint Arthritis Rockford, Elgin, Crystal Lake
Pain at the top of the shoulder can make everyday activities such as reaching, lifting, exercising, golfing, or playing tennis uncomfortable and difficult. Acromioclavicular (AC) joint arthritis and AC joint injuries are common causes of shoulder pain, particularly among active adults, athletes, and individuals experiencing age-related joint degeneration.
Dr. Geoffrey Van Thiel is a fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine specialist providing comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for AC joint arthritis and AC joint injuries throughout Rockford, Elgin, Crystal Lake, Barrington, McHenry, Huntley, DeKalb, Beloit, and surrounding Illinois and Wisconsin communities. Using advanced diagnostic imaging and personalized treatment plans, Dr. Van Thiel helps patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to their favorite activities.
Many patients achieve relief through non-surgical treatments such as activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, injections, and physical therapy. When symptoms persist despite conservative care, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery may be recommended to restore shoulder function and improve quality of life.
If shoulder pain is limiting your daily activities or athletic performance, schedule a consultation with Dr. Van Thiel to explore your treatment options and receive an accurate diagnosis.
Acromioclavicular injury or arthritis (or AC joint arthritis) is a painful condition that causes symptoms on the top “surface” of the shoulder, where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the shoulder blade (scapula).
If you have an AC joint arthritis or injury, you might have pain when you move or swing your arm across your body - for instance, when you swing a tennis racket or golf club.
Although the AC joint isn't as “well known” as the knee or elbow joint or the joint that connects your upper arm with your shoulder blade, AC joint arthritis is surprisingly common. Here's what you should know about AC joint injuries or arthritis, including its symptoms, its diagnosis and its treatment.
What causes AC joint arthritis?
Most AC joint arthritis is caused by normal wear and tear in the joint that causes the joint surfaces to break down and wear away over time. This type of arthritis is called osteoarthritis, and it can be exacerbated by age-related changes, repetitive use, or some sports and weight-bearing activities, or it may develop following an injury to a joint. As the joint surfaces wear away, the bony surfaces of the joints begin to rub against each other, causing painful friction and inflammation inside the joint. Often, bony growths called bone spurs form along the joint edges, pressing against muscles and other tissues and contributing to pain and immobility.
What kinds of symptoms do AC joint injuries or arthritis cause?
Arthritis is associated with pain and stiffness in the affected joint. In either AC joint arthritis or injuries, you may experience pain and tenderness on the top or front of the shoulder, as well as discomfort and stiffness when performing certain shoulder movements, like reaching across your body or stretching or reaching up. Occasionally, you may notice slight swelling in the area as inflammation inside the joint increases. Symptoms tend to progress slowly, and often, they're “written off” as a natural part of the aging process, which means the disease can progress unchecked. Having shoulder pain symptoms evaluated early can help slow the progression of the disease and prevent other related problems like shoulder impingement from developing later on.
Treatment & AC Joint Arthritis Surgery
Treatment begins with a careful evaluation of the joint, usually accompanied by X-rays or MRIs to evaluate the joint structures and assess the extent of any joint damage. Once the diagnosis of AC joint arthritis has been confirmed, treatment begins with conservative options like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and warm compresses to improve joint mobility. Activity modification and corticosteroid injections may also be helpful. Although some studies show gentle stretching may help improve symptoms in the AC joint, physical therapy can also be beneficial.
When conservative approaches aren't effective in relieving your symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove tissue fragments or to reshape the bones in the joint to help reduce friction and promote normal, pain-free range of motion. Most shoulder surgery to correct AC joint arthritis can be performed using a minimally-invasive technique called arthroscopy, which relies on small incisions and promotes a faster recovery compared to traditional surgical techniques.
What is causing your shoulder pain?
The shoulder joint is very complex, and there are lots of issues that can cause pain and other symptoms in and around the joint. Dr. Van Thiel with OrthoIllinois uses state-of-the-art techniques to evaluate shoulder pain and diagnose its cause so it can be treated using the most appropriate and most effective approaches. Like other joint pain, shoulder pain responds best when “caught” and treated early. To find out what's causing your shoulder pain and to learn about your available treatment options, call Dr. Van Thiel with OrthoIllinois at and schedule an appointment today.
Why Choose Dr. Geoffrey Van Thiel for AC Joint Arthritis Treatment in Rockford, Elgin & Northern Illinois?
Patients throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin trust Dr. Geoffrey Van Thiel for expert care of AC joint arthritis, shoulder injuries, and other complex shoulder conditions. His advanced sports medicine training and extensive experience in shoulder preservation and minimally invasive surgery allow him to provide individualized treatment focused on restoring comfort and function.
Patients choose Dr. Van Thiel because of:
- Fellowship-trained expertise in sports medicine and shoulder disorders
- Comprehensive evaluation of AC joint injuries and arthritis
- Advanced minimally invasive arthroscopic shoulder surgery techniques
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's lifestyle and goals
- Emphasis on conservative, non-surgical treatment whenever possible
- Experience treating athletes, active adults, and degenerative shoulder conditions
- Focus on long-term pain relief, improved mobility, and return to activity
From diagnosis through recovery, Dr. Van Thiel is committed to helping patients achieve the best possible outcome and maintain healthy shoulder function.
AC Joint Arthritis FAQs
What is AC joint arthritis?
AC joint arthritis is the degeneration of the cartilage within the acromioclavicular joint, where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. As the cartilage wears away, pain, inflammation, and stiffness can develop.
What causes AC joint arthritis?
The condition is most commonly caused by osteoarthritis related to aging and normal wear and tear. Repetitive overhead activities, previous shoulder injuries, heavy lifting, and sports participation may also contribute.
What are the symptoms of AC joint arthritis?
Common symptoms include pain on the top of the shoulder, tenderness over the AC joint, stiffness, swelling, and discomfort when reaching across the body, lifting objects, or participating in sports activities.
How is AC joint arthritis diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, review of symptoms, and imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI scans to evaluate joint degeneration and rule out other shoulder conditions.
Can AC joint arthritis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients find relief with non-surgical treatments including anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, and stretching exercises.
When is surgery recommended for AC joint arthritis?
Surgery may be recommended when conservative treatments fail to provide lasting relief and symptoms continue to interfere with work, sports, sleep, or daily activities.
What is arthroscopic AC joint surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions and specialized instruments to remove damaged tissue, address bone spurs, and improve joint function while minimizing recovery time.
