Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a common disease.Each person encounters symptoms of the initial stage of this pathology.But some people immediately see a specialist and undergo treatment, preventing the disease from developing, while others start it and face serious problems.The information presented in the article will make it possible to identify the pathology at an early stage of development.You can learn how to treat osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.
What is shoulder osteoarthritis?
Arthrosis of the shoulder joint is a painful change, the destruction of cartilaginous tissue.As the disease progresses, it becomes thinner.Subsequently, the damaged areas are replaced by osteocytes.This destructive process is caused by insufficient nutrition of chondrocytes and impaired production of substances such as elastin and collagen.To prevent destruction, it is important to diagnose the disease in a timely manner.Visit a doctor who will prescribe a comprehensive and competent 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;
- Intrauterine development pathologies;
- Genetic predisposition.
In a young body, cartilaginous tissue is restored much faster.In adulthood, natural anabolic metabolic processes slow down in the body.This increases tissue degeneration.That is why it is so important to diagnose diseases in a timely manner and undergo treatment for shoulder osteoarthritis.
Symptoms
The first signs of arthrosis of the shoulder joint are associated with pain when moving the arm back or to the side.It manifests itself most strongly in the morning and when weather conditions change.There is also pain on palpation and with factors such as:
- Increased physical activity.
- Lifting weights.
- Hypothermia.
If the disease is not treated, pain in the shoulder joint begins to bother you at rest.Restriction in movement increases.It becomes difficult to complete daily 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
The pathology has three stages of development.It is worth knowing how arthrosis of the shoulder joint manifests itself, what symptoms are characteristic of each degree:
- First.Manifested by intense pain.Unpleasant pain and stiffness worsen at night.At the same time, movement is not limited.
- Second.When moving the shoulder, the person hears a squeaky sound.Pain torments a person constantly.Serious limitations in movement appear.
- Third.At this stage, the person begins to feel exhausted with unbearable pain in the shoulder area.The hand is fixed in a comfortable and less painful position.Visually, the x-ray shows a pathological deformation.
The main difference between arthrosis of the shoulder joint and other diseases is the ability not to manifest itself or develop over a long period.The condition will only worsen in the presence of provoking factors.
Diagnosis
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint can be diagnosed using a standard shoulder x-ray.The photo is taken in two projections.The doctor diagnoses the disease in the presence of factors such as:
- Narrowing of the joint space;
- Osteophyte formation;
- Bone tissue sclerosis.
Under certain conditions, other methods of studying the shoulder are prescribed.Ultrasound to determine cartilage thickness and assess soft tissue condition.
At the second stage of the development of pathology, an arthroscopy procedure is prescribed.This is an invasive research method.During this procedure, an endoscope is inserted into the shoulder cavity.Simultaneously with the study of the state of the tissues, 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 state of the bone structure, cartilage and ligaments, in addition to understanding how to treat shoulder osteoarthritis.
Along with standard instrumental methods, the doctor prescribes a urine test and a blood donation.This is necessary to detect inflammation.
Which doctor should I contact?
To carry out an initial examination, you must visit a therapist.He studies the patient's condition and prescribes tests.Provides referrals to other specialists:
- Orthopedist;
- Rheumatologist;
- Surgeon;
- Neurologist.
Having received the conclusions of these doctors and the results of examinations, the therapist prescribes the appropriate treatment for arthrosis of the shoulder joint.Consultation with this specialist is recommended in the first phase of the disease.If the problem develops with complications and an inflammatory process manifests itself, therapy is prescribed by a rheumatologist.
The help of a neurologist may be necessary if there is compression of the nerve bundle.The surgeon performs an 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 the acute inflammation is relieved, the doctor prescribes a series of restorative and regenerating agents.To increase the therapeutic effect, drug treatment is complemented with a diet and the use of alternative techniques.
Medication
For effective and quick treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, a specialist prescribes drugs from different pharmacological groups.They are necessary to restore damaged cartilaginous tissue, eliminate pain symptoms and improve the patient's general well-being.You can achieve results using the following medications:
- Chondroprotectors.These are medicines made from herbal ingredients.They effectively nourish cells.It is recommended to use medications during remission and during exacerbation.
- Corticosteroid group.Medications can provide long-term pain relief.This is an excellent solution for a serious stage of pathology.If you follow the scheme of a competent specialist and undergo full treatment of the diseased shoulder joint, you can reduce the foci of pathology and restore the cartilage.
- NSAIDs.Medicines quickly eliminate pain that occurs with degenerative changes.Relief from pain and inflammation ensures freedom of movement.
Along with medications for internal use, the attending physician prescribes external treatments.We are talking about ointments and gels.They are rubbed directly into the inflamed area.Properly structured drug treatment for 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 of previously prescribed and administered conservative treatment;
- The occurrence of complications;
- Manifestation of degenerative destructive changes.
If irreversible changes in appearance or function occur, endoprosthesis is performed.The affected part is replaced through surgery with an artificial one.This is a complex operation that requires optimal professional qualifications from the doctor.
Therapy
When relieving the signs of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, attention is paid to physiotherapy.After the main course of treatment, it is necessary to reduce pain and restore natural mobility.The following procedures are prescribed:
- Cryotherapy in the affected area;
- Electrophoresis;
- Magnetic therapy.
You can get 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 at the initial stage of pathology.This will alleviate exacerbation attacks.It will allow you to quickly cure shoulder joint pain.A standard training complex looks like this:
- A man sits on a chair.Protects brushes in a lock.Several stretches are done forward and immediately backward.You need to perform this movement twice with short breaks.
- In the same position, you need to put your hands on your hips and relax.Next, you need to do 4-5 shoulder manipulations, moving in different directions.
- While standing, you must perform several sharp movements while simultaneously moving your elbows behind your back.This is an excellent method for loading the spine and working the entire shoulder region.
Regular exercise will relieve pain for a long time and restore shoulder mobility.
Massage
When deciding how to treat the shoulder joint, doctors often prescribe a series of massages.This will give you results like:
- Improve tissue nutrition;
- Relieve swelling;
- Tone your muscles;
- Eliminate the pain.
If you entrust the massage to a professional, after a few sessions you may notice a positive effect.
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:
- Compress with cabbage leaf.Reduces pain due to osteoarthritis, eliminates inflammation and improves mobility.The method is easy to use.You need to apply the leaf on the sore shoulder and leave it overnight.
- Decoctions of chamomile, nettle, burdock and calendula should be added to the bath.
- Hirudotherapy.This is an excellent option to combat acute and chronic shoulder osteoarthritis.The procedure quickly restores blood circulation, eliminates pain and swelling.
Despite the ease of use and versatility of folk methods, you should not self-medicate.Treatment of chronic osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint using traditional methods should be prescribed by the doctor after examination and understanding that there is no allergy to the components present in the recipes.
Nutrition for osteoarthritis
To quickly restore cartilage tissue, it is important to follow a simple diet.The body must be full of nutrients.The diet should contain the following products:
- Fruit jelly.
- Bran.
- Nuts of different varieties.
- Eggs.
- Buckwheat.
It is recommended to take vitamins.Eat small meals 4-5 times.To achieve stable remission, this menu must be followed constantly.
Prevention
Preventive measures aimed at eliminating arthrosis of the shoulder joint are based on eliminating factors that can provoke the disease.It is necessary to lead a healthy and very active lifestyle.It is important to follow these rules:
- Introduce daily moderate exercise.
- It is important to avoid getting 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 osteoarthritis will be scary.These rules are important for people over 45 and for those who play professional sports.
Contraindications
The main contraindication is lifting heavy objects.If a person has been diagnosed with shoulder arthrosis and works as a loader, he will have to change his profession.When purchasing goods in the supermarket, you should use a cart and not strain your shoulders.Boxing, wrestling and weight training are strictly contraindicated.
Conclusion
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a disease that destroys the joint.In the absence of treatment and use of medication, the cartilaginous tissue of the shoulder will gradually deteriorate.Movements will be restricted and pain will appear.At the first symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor and follow the prescribed treatment.In the initial phase, the prognosis for recovery is favorable.