Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a common disease.Every person experiences symptoms of the initial stage of this pathology.However, some people immediately contact a specialist and undergo treatment to prevent the development of the disease, while others start it and face serious problems.The information presented in the article allows us to detect pathologies at an early stage of development.You can learn how to treat osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.
What is shoulder osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a painful change and the destruction of cartilage tissue.As the disease progresses, it becomes thinner.The damaged areas are then replaced by osteocytes.This destructive process is caused by inadequate nutrition of chondrocytes and impaired production of substances such as elastin and collagen.To stop the destruction, it is important to diagnose the disease in a timely manner.Visit a doctor who will prescribe competent and comprehensive restorative treatment.
Reasons for the development of the disease
There are many reasons for the appearance and development of pathology.The most important of these include:
- Physiological damage – fracture or dislocation;
- obesity;
- Hormonal imbalance;
- professional sports;
- pathologies of intrauterine development;
- Genetic predisposition.
In a young body, cartilage tissue is restored much faster.In adulthood, the body's natural anabolic metabolic processes slow down.This increases tissue degeneration.This is why it is so important to diagnose diseases in a timely manner and carry out treatment for shoulder arthrosis.
Symptoms
The first signs of arthrosis of the shoulder joint are accompanied by pain when moving the arm backwards or to the side.It manifests itself most strongly in the morning and in changing weather conditions.There is also pain on palpation and the following factors:
- Increased physical activity.
- Lift weights.
- Hypothermia.
If the disease is not treated, pain in the shoulder joint begins to interfere with rest.The restriction of movement is increasing.It becomes difficult to complete daily tasks.Contractures and crepitation gradually develop.These phenomena are due to the formation of growths called osteophytes.During an exacerbation, the shoulder swells and redness appears.An increase in temperature can be 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 and what symptoms are characteristic of each degree:
- First.Manifested by aching pain.Unpleasant pain and stiffness worsen at night.At the same time, movement is not restricted.
- Second.When moving the shoulder, a person hears a crunching sound.Pain constantly torments a person.There are significant restrictions on movement.
- Third.At this stage, a person begins to be exhausted by unbearable pain in the shoulder area.The hand is fixed in a comfortable, less painful position.Visually, the x-ray image shows a 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 period of time.The condition will only worsen if provoking factors are present.
diagnosis
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint can be diagnosed through a standard x-ray of the shoulder.The image is taken in two projections.The doctor diagnoses the disease if the following factors are present:
- Narrowing of the joint space;
- formation of osteophytes;
- Sclerosis of bone tissue.
Under certain circumstances, other methods for examining the shoulder are prescribed.Ultrasound to determine cartilage thickness and assess the condition of soft tissues.
At the second stage of pathology development, arthroscopy is prescribed.This is an invasive research method.During this procedure, an endoscope is inserted into the shoulder cavity.Simultaneously with the examination of 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 for 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 the usual instrumental methods, the doctor prescribes a urine test and blood donation.This is necessary to detect inflammation.
Which doctor should I contact?
To conduct an initial examination, you need to see a therapist.He examines the patient's condition and prescribes tests.Provides referrals to other specialists:
- orthopedist;
- Rheumatologist;
- Surgeon;
- Neurologist.
After receiving the conclusions of these doctors and the test results, the therapist prescribes 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 an inflammatory process manifests itself, therapy is prescribed by a rheumatologist.
If the nerve bundle is compressed, the help of a neurologist may be required.The surgeon performs surgery when the disease is advanced and intra-articular manipulation is required.
Treatment
Medicine offers many effective treatment methods.To eliminate inflammation and pain, painkillers are prescribed.After the acute inflammation has been relieved, the doctor prescribes a course of strengthening and regenerating agents.To increase the therapeutic effect, drug treatment is complemented by diet and the use of alternative techniques.
Medication
For effective and quick treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, a specialist prescribes medications from various pharmacological groups.They are necessary to restore damaged cartilage tissue, eliminate pain symptoms and improve the patient's general well-being.You can achieve results with the following medications:
- Chondroprotectors.These are medicines made from herbal ingredients.They nourish the cells effectively.It is recommended to take medication during remission and during exacerbation.
- corticosteroid group.Medication can provide lasting 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.The drugs quickly eliminate the pain that occurs with degenerative changes.Relieving pain and inflammation ensures free movement.
In addition to medications for internal use, the treating doctor also prescribes external treatments.We are talking about ointments and gels.They are rubbed directly into the inflamed area.Properly structured drug treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint relieves inflammation and eliminates pain.
Surgical
This surgical procedure cannot be avoided if the following factors occur:
- Lack of effect of previously prescribed and carried out conservative treatment;
- The occurrence of complications;
- Manifestation of degenerative destructive changes.
If irreversible changes in appearance or function occur, endoprosthetics is performed.The affected part is replaced with an artificial one through surgery.It is a complex procedure that requires the doctor to have optimal professional qualifications.
therapy
Physiotherapy is used to alleviate the signs of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.After the main treatment, you need to relieve pain and restore natural mobility.The following procedures are required:
- cryotherapy in the affected area;
- electrophoresis;
- Magnetic field therapy.
If you follow the rules, you can achieve success with this form of treatment.Physiotherapy is prescribed only in the absence of acute painful manifestations.The procedures must be carried out by highly qualified doctors.
gymnastics
We're talking about physiotherapy.Gymnastics with light loads is prescribed at an early stage of pathology.This relieves attacks of exacerbations.This allows you to quickly heal a painful shoulder joint.A standard training complex looks like this:
- A man sits down on a chair.Secures brushes in a lock.Several stretching exercises are performed forward and immediately backward.You need to do this movement twice with short pauses.
- In the same position, you need to put your hands on your hips and relax.Next, you need to perform 4-5 shoulder manipulations, moving in different directions.
- While standing, you should perform several movements, simultaneously moving your elbows behind your back.This is an excellent way to load the spine and work the entire shoulder area.
Regular exercise provides lasting pain relief and restores shoulder mobility.
massage
When deciding how to treat the shoulder joint, doctors often prescribe massage.This provides results like:
- improving tissue nutrition;
- relief from swelling;
- toning muscles;
- Eliminate pain.
If you entrust the massage to a professional, you can notice a positive effect after just 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:
- 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 painful shoulder and leave it overnight.
- Decoctions of chamomile, nettle, burdock and calendula should be added to the bath.
- Hirudotherapy.This is an excellent way to combat acute and chronic shoulder osteoarthritis.The procedure quickly restores blood circulation, relieves 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 determining that there is no allergy to the components included in the recipes.
Nutrition for osteoarthritis
To quickly restore cartilage tissue, it is important to follow a simple diet.The body needs to be filled with nutrients.The diet should contain the following products:
- fruit jelly.
- Bran.
- Nuts of different types.
- Eggs.
- buckwheat.
It is recommended to take vitamins.Eat small meals 4-5 times.To achieve stable remission, this menu should be followed constantly.
Prevention
Preventive measures to eliminate arthrosis of the shoulder joint are based on eliminating factors that can trigger the disease.It is necessary to lead a healthy and reasonably active lifestyle.It is important to follow these rules:
- Introduce moderate exercise daily.
- It is important to avoid the cold.
- Use chondroprotectors for shoulder pain.
- Get rid of excess pounds.
- Avoid excessive physical work.
Following these rules will help you maintain your health for many years.No shoulder arthritis will be scary.These rules are important for people over 45 years old and for those involved in 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 shopping in the supermarket, you should use a shopping cart and avoid straining your shoulder.Boxing, wrestling and bodybuilding are strictly contraindicated.
Conclusion
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a disease that leads to the destruction of the joint.Without treatment and the use of medication, the cartilage tissue of the shoulder gradually breaks down.Movements are restricted and pain occurs.At the first symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor and undergo the prescribed treatment.In the initial stages, the prognosis for recovery is favorable.