If your shoulder hurts or feels stiff when you reach up to take an item from a shelf, you may have shoulder, or AC arthritis. This is arthritis that occurs in your acromioclavicular, or AC, joint. Your AC joint is between your collar bone, or clavicle, and a part of your shoulder blade called the acromion. Your other shoulder joint is the glenohumeral joint, which is located between your arm and shoulder blade. Arthritis can occur in either joint, but it’s more common in the AC joint.
Online Medical Reviewer: Foster, Sara, RN, MPH
Online Medical Reviewer: newMentor board-certified, academically affiliated clinician
Date Last Reviewed: 07/01/2021
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Need Help? We're Here for You
Our Member and Recipient Services Team is here to help you understand your benefits, find care, or resolve concerns.
800-510-9132
Call NC Quitline
Need support to quit smoking, vaping, or to quit other nicotine products? You can receive support including medicines free of charge:
800-784-8669
Schedule Transportation
Need transportation to a doctor's office, pharmacy, or other covered healthcare service? Contact us to arrange your ride.
800-510-9132
Provider Directory
Need to find a provider like a Primary Care Physician, Specialist, OB/GYN, or a Psychiatrist?
Provider DirectoryRelated Articles
Cervical Arthritis
Cervical arthritis means arthritis of the neck bones. Your neck has 7 vertebrae, and cushiony disks sit between the vertebrae. Over time or with injury, the disks can have problems and may bulge outward or get thinner.
All About Arthritis
Arthritis refers to a group of disorders that involve the body’s joints and have similar symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and swelling. Learn about the different types of arthritis and their treatment.
Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) causes numbness and pain in the hands and arms. Certain sports and types of jobs can make it worse. Learn how CTS develops and what you can do to prevent it.
What Is Knee Replacement?
Watch this video to learn how knee replacement surgery will relieve your pain and restore your joint function.
