How Do I Know If My Shoulder Pain Is Arthritis Or Rotator Cuff?
Arthritis pain usually feels like deep joint stiffness or a dull ache that worsens with inactivity, while rotator cuff pain is sharper and occurs when lifting or rotating the arm. Arthritis often affects both shoulders over time, whereas a rotator cuff injury is usually one-sided and movement-specific. Imaging and physical exams can confirm which condition is causing discomfort.