Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a common disease.Every person encounters the symptoms of the initial stage of this pathology.But some people immediately turn to a specialist and undergo treatment, preventing the development of the disease, while others start it and face serious problems.The information presented in the article will allow us to identify the pathology at an early stage of development.You can learn how to treat osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.
What is osteoarthritis of the shoulder?
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a painful change, the destruction of cartilage tissue.As the disease progresses, it becomes thinner.After that, the damaged areas are replaced by osteocytes.This destructive process is caused by insufficient nutrition of chondrocytes and disturbed production of substances such as elastin and collagen.To stop the destruction, it is important to diagnose the disease in time.Visit a doctor who will prescribe you a competent comprehensive restorative treatment.
Reasons for the development of the disease
There are many reasons for the appearance and development of pathology.Among the most important of them are:
- Physiological damage – fracture or dislocation;
- Excess body weight;
- Hormonal imbalance;
- Professional sports;
- Pathologies of intrauterine development;
- Genetic predisposition.
In a young body, cartilage tissue regenerates much faster.In adulthood, natural anabolic metabolic processes slow down in the body.This increases tissue degeneration.For this reason, it is so important to timely diagnose diseases and undergo treatment for shoulder arthrosis.
Symptoms
The first signs of arthrosis of the shoulder joint are associated with pain when moving the arm backwards or sideways.It manifests itself most strongly in the morning and when the weather conditions change.There is also pain on palpation and with factors such as:
- Increased physical activity.
- Weight lifting.
- Hypothermia.
If the disease is not treated, pain in the shoulder joint begins to bother you at rest.Movement restriction increases.It becomes difficult to perform everyday tasks.Contracture and crepitus develop gradually.These phenomena are based on the formation of growths called osteophytes.During an exacerbation, the shoulder swells and redness appears.An increase in temperature is felt in the shoulder area.
Stages of the disease
Pathology has three stages of development.It is worth knowing how arthrosis of the shoulder joint manifests itself, which symptoms are characteristic for each degree:
- First.It is manifested by aching pain.Unpleasant pain and stiffness worsen at night.At the same time, movement is not limited.
- Second.As he moves his shoulder, the person hears a creaking sound.Pain torments man constantly.A severe limitation in movements appears.
- Third.At this stage, the person begins to wear himself out with unbearable pain in the shoulder area.The arm is fixed in a comfortable, less painful position.Visually, the X-ray shows pathological deformation.
The main difference between arthrosis of the shoulder joint and other diseases is the ability not to manifest or develop for a long time.The condition will worsen only in the presence of provoking factors.
Diagnostics
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint can be diagnosed with a standard x-ray of the shoulder.The picture was taken in two projections.The doctor diagnoses the disease in the presence of such factors as:
- Narrowing of the joint space;
- Osteophyte formation;
- Sclerosis of bone tissue.
Under certain conditions, other methods of studying the shoulder are also prescribed.Ultrasound to determine cartilage thickness and assess the condition of soft tissues.
In the second stage of the development of the pathology, an arthroscopy procedure is prescribed.This is an invasive research method.During this procedure, an endoscope is inserted into the shoulder cavity.At the same time as studying the condition of the tissue, bone growths are removed.
If possible, ultrasound and X-rays can be replaced by MRI.This is a unique informative method of examining the body with arthrosis.The procedure allows you to assess the condition of the bone structure, cartilage and ligaments and understand how to treat shoulder arthrosis.
In addition to standard instrumental methods, the doctor prescribes urine analysis and blood donation.This is necessary to detect inflammation.
Which doctor should I contact?
To have an initial examination, you must see a therapist.He studies the patient's condition and prescribes tests.Provides referrals to other specialists:
- Orthopedist;
- Rheumatologist;
- Surgeon;
- A neurologist.
Having received the conclusions of these doctors and the results of the tests, the therapist prescribes the appropriate treatment for arthrosis of the shoulder joint.An appointment with this specialist is indicated in the first stage of the disease.If the problem develops with complications and the inflammatory process manifests itself, the therapy is prescribed by a rheumatologist.
If there is compression of the nerve bundle, the help of a neurologist may be needed.The surgeon performs the intervention if the disease is advanced and requires intra-articular manipulation.
Treatment
Medicine offers many effective treatment methods.To eliminate inflammation and pain, painkillers are prescribed.After relieving the acute inflammation, the doctor prescribes a course of restorative and restorative agents.In order to increase the therapeutic effect, drug treatment is supplemented with diet and the use of alternative techniques.
Medicines
For effective and quick treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, the specialist prescribes drugs from different pharmacological groups.They are necessary for restoring damaged cartilage tissue, removing pain symptoms and improving the patient's general condition.You can achieve results by using the following drugs:
- Chondroprotectors.These are medicines made from herbal ingredients.Effectively care for cells.It is recommended to use drugs during remission and during exacerbation.
- Corticosteroid group.Medicines can provide long-term pain relief.This is an excellent solution for a serious stage of the pathology.If you follow the scheme of a competent specialist and undergo complete treatment of the affected shoulder joint, you can reduce the foci of pathology and restore the cartilage.
- NSAIDs.Medicines quickly eliminate the pain that occurs with degenerative changes.Relieving pain and inflammation ensures free movement.
Along with drugs for internal use, the doctor also prescribes external treatments.We are talking about ointments and gels.They are rubbed directly into the inflamed area.Properly structured treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint relieves inflammation and eliminates pain.
Surgical
This surgical intervention cannot be avoided if the following factors occur:
- Lack of effect from previously prescribed and applied conservative treatment;
- Occurrence of complications;
- Manifestation of degenerative destructive changes.
If there are irreversible changes in appearance or functioning, endoprosthetics are performed.The affected part is replaced by an artificial one through surgery.This is a complex operation that requires ideal professional qualifications of the doctor.
Therapy
When eliminating signs of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, attention is paid to physical therapy.After the main course of treatment, it is necessary to reduce pain and restore natural mobility.The following procedures are prescribed:
- Cryotherapy on the affected area;
- Electrophoresis;
- Magnetotherapy.
You can achieve results from this form of treatment if you follow the rules.Physiotherapy is prescribed only in the absence of acute painful manifestations.Procedures must be performed by highly qualified doctors.
gymnastics
We are talking about physical therapy.Gymnastics with a light load is prescribed in the early stage of the pathology.This will alleviate the exacerbation attacks.It will allow you to quickly heal a painful shoulder joint.A standard training complex looks like this:
- A man sits down on a chair.Secures the brushes in the lock.A few stretches are done forward and immediately back.You must perform this movement twice with short breaks.
- In the same position, you need to put your hands on your hips and relax.Then you need to do 4-5 shoulder manipulations, moving in different directions.
- In a standing position, you should perform several jerks while simultaneously moving your elbows behind your back.This is an excellent method for loading the spine and working the entire shoulder area.
Regular exercise will relieve pain and restore shoulder mobility for a long time.
Massage
When deciding how to treat the shoulder joint, doctors often prescribe a course of massage.This will produce results such as:
- Improving tissue nutrition;
- Removal of swelling;
- Muscle toning;
- Take away the pain.
If you entrust the massage to professionals, you can notice a positive effect after a few sessions.
Traditional methods
Despite the rapid development of modern medicine, the treatment of shoulder arthrosis with folk remedies is considered relevant.Here are the most effective recipes:
- Cabbage leaf compress.It reduces pain due to arthrosis, removes inflammation and improves mobility.The method is easy to use.The leaf should be applied to the painful shoulder and left overnight.
- Decoctions of chamomile, nettle, thistle and calendula should be added to the bath.
- Hirudotherapy.This is an excellent option for combating acute and chronic arthrosis of the shoulder.The procedure quickly restores blood circulation, removes pain and swelling.
Despite the ease of use and versatility of folk methods, you should not self-medicate.Treatment of chronic arthrosis of the shoulder joint with traditional methods should be prescribed by a doctor after an examination and understanding that there is no allergy to the components present in the prescriptions.
Nutrition for arthrosis
To quickly restore cartilage tissue, it is important to follow a simple diet.The body must be filled with nutrients.The diet should contain the following products:
- Fruit jelly.
- Bran.
- Nuts of different varieties.
- Eggs.
- Buckwheat.
Taking vitamins is recommended.Eat small meals 4-5 times.In order to achieve a stable remission, this menu should be constantly monitored.
Prevention
Preventive measures aimed at eliminating arthrosis of the shoulder joint are based on the elimination of factors that can cause the disease.It is necessary to lead a healthy and quite active lifestyle.It is important to follow these rules:
- Introduce daily moderate exercise.
- It is important to avoid being in the cold.
- Use chondroprotectors for shoulder pain.
- Get rid of extra pounds.
- Avoid excessive physical work.
Following these rules will help you maintain your health for many years.No shoulder arthrosis will be scary.These rules are important for people over the age of 45 and for those who play professional sports.
Contraindications
The main contraindication is lifting heavy objects.If a person is diagnosed with shoulder arthrosis and works as a loader, he will have to change his occupation.When you buy goods in the supermarket, use a trolley and do not strain your shoulder.Boxing, wrestling and bodybuilding are strictly contraindicated.
Conclusion
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a disease that destroys the joint.In the absence of treatment and medication, the cartilage tissue of the shoulder will gradually deteriorate.Movements will become restricted and pain will occur.At the first symptoms, it is necessary to immediately visit a doctor and undergo the prescribed treatment.In the initial phase, the prognosis for recovery is favorable.