Arthrosis of the shoulder joint is a common disease.All people encounter the symptoms of the initial stage of pathology.But some people immediately go to a specialist and undergo treatment that prevents the development of the disease, while others start and face serious problems.The information presented in the article makes it possible to identify the pathology at an early stage of development.You can learn how to treat arthrosis of the shoulder joint.
What is shoulder joint arthrosis?
Arthrosis of the shoulder joint is a painful lesion, the destruction of the 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 cartilage cells and damage to the production of substances such as elastin and collagen.In order to stop the destruction, it is important to diagnose the disease in time.See a doctor who prescribes competent comprehensive restorative treatment.
Causes of the disease
There are many reasons for the appearance and development of pathology.The most important of them are:
- Physiological damage - fracture or dislocation;
- Excess body weight;
- Hormonal imbalance;
- Professional sports;
- Pathologies of intrauterine development;
- Genetic predisposition.
Cartilage tissue recovers much faster in a young body.In adulthood, natural anabolic metabolic processes slow down in the body.This increases tissue degeneration.For this reason, it is very important to diagnose diseases in time and carry out the treatment of shoulder joint arthrosis.
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.Pain also occurs when touched and as a result of factors such as:
- Increased physical activity.
- Lifting weights.
- Hypothermia.
If the disease is not treated, the pain in the shoulder joint starts to bother you at rest.Restriction of movements 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 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, what symptoms are typical for each degree:
- First of all.It manifests itself in excruciating pain.Unpleasant pain and stiffness worsen at night.However, movement is not limited.
- Second.While moving the shoulder, a person hears a creaking sound.Pain constantly torments a person.Severe movement restriction appears.
- Third.At this stage, a person begins to be exhausted by unbearable pain in the shoulder region.The hand 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 that it does not manifest or develop for a long time.The condition worsens 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 image was made in two projections.The doctor diagnoses the disease in the presence of the following factors:
- Narrowing of the joint space;
- Formation of osteophytes;
- Sclerosis of bone tissue.
Under certain conditions, other methods are prescribed to study the shoulder.Ultrasound to determine the thickness of the cartilage and assess the condition of the soft tissues.
In the second stage of the development of the pathology, an arthroscopic procedure is prescribed.This is an invasive research method.During the procedure, an endoscope is inserted into the shoulder cavity.The bone growth is removed at the same time as the condition of the tissues is examined.
If possible, we can replace ultrasound and X-ray with MRI.This is a unique informative method for arthrosis examination of the body.The procedure makes it possible to assess the condition of the bone structure, cartilage and ligaments, as well as to understand the treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint.
Along with the usual instrumental methods, the doctor prescribes a urine test and blood donation.This is necessary to detect inflammation.
Which doctor should I see?
You will need to visit a therapist for the first examination.He studies the patient's condition and prescribes tests.Provides referrals to other professionals:
- Orthopedic doctor;
- Rheumatologist;
- Surgeon;
- A neurologist.
After receiving the conclusions of these doctors and the test results, the therapist prescribes appropriate treatment for arthrosis of the shoulder joint.In the first stage of the disease, the appointment of a specialist is recommended.If the problem has complications and an inflammatory process occurs, the therapy is prescribed by a rheumatologist.
If the nerve bundle is compressed, the help of a neurologist may be necessary.The surgeon performs an intervention if the disease is advanced and requires intra-articular manipulation.
Treatment
Medical science offers many effective treatment methods.Painkillers are prescribed to eliminate inflammation and pain.After the acute inflammation subsides, the doctor prescribes a course of restorative and regenerating agents.In order to enhance the therapeutic effect, drug treatment is supplemented with diet and the use of alternative techniques.
Drug treatment
For effective and quick treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, the specialist prescribes drugs from different pharmacological groups.They are necessary to restore damaged cartilage tissue, eliminate pain symptoms and improve the general well-being of the patient.You can achieve results with the following drugs:
- Chondroprotectors.These are medicines made from herbal ingredients.They effectively nourish the cells.It is recommended to use drugs during remission and exacerbation.
- Corticosteroid group.Medicines can provide long-term pain relief.This is an excellent solution in the severe stage of the pathology.If you follow the scheme of a competent specialist and fully treat the diseased shoulder joint, you can reduce the focus of the pathology and restore the cartilage tissue.
- NSAIDs.Medicines quickly eliminate the pain that occurs with degenerative changes.Relief of pain and inflammation ensures free movement.
Along with drugs for internal use, the attending physician prescribes external treatments.We are talking about ointments and gels.It is rubbed directly into the inflamed area.Drug treatment designed in accordance with 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 applied conservative treatment;
- Occurrence of complications;
- Manifestation of degenerative destructive changes.
If irreversible changes in appearance or function occur, an endoprosthesis is performed.The affected part is surgically replaced with an artificial one.It is a complex operation that requires ideal professional qualifications from the doctor.
Therapy
When alleviating the symptoms of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, attention is paid to physical therapy.After the main course, you should reduce pain and restore natural mobility.The following procedures are prescribed:
- Cryotherapy in the affected area;
- electrophoresis;
- Magnetic therapy.
You can get results with this form of treatment if you follow the rules.Physiotherapy is prescribed only in the absence of acute painful manifestations.The procedures must be performed by highly qualified doctors.
Gymnastics
We are talking about physical therapy.In the early stages of the pathology, gymnastics with a light load is prescribed.This relieves the attacks of exacerbation.It enables quick healing of the painful shoulder joint.A standard training complex looks like this:
- A man sits on a chair.The brushes are fixed in a lock.There are several stretches forward and immediately back.You should perform this movement twice with short breaks.
- In the same position, put your hands on your hips and rest.Then you need to perform 4-5 shoulder manipulations, moving in different directions.
- In a standing position, you should perform several jerks while moving your elbows behind your back.This is an excellent way to stress the spine and work the entire shoulder area.
Regular exercise relieves pain and restores shoulder mobility for a long time.
Massage
When deciding on the treatment of the shoulder joint, doctors often prescribe massage.This provides results such as:
- Improving tissue nutrition;
- Swelling relief;
- Toning the muscles;
- Remove the pain.
If you entrust the massage to a professional, you can experience a positive effect after a few sessions.
Traditional methods
Despite the rapid development of modern medicine, the treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joints with folk remedies is considered relevant.Here are the most effective recipes:
- Compress with cabbage leaves.It reduces pain caused by arthrosis, removes inflammation and improves mobility.The method is easy to use.The leaf should be applied to the sore shoulder and left overnight.
- A decoction of chamomile, nettle, burdock and calendula should be added to the bath.
- Hirudotherapy.This is an excellent option for combating acute and chronic arthrosis of the shoulder joint.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 examining and understanding that there is no allergy to the ingredients present in the recipes.
Nutrition in case of arthrosis
To quickly restore cartilage tissue, it is important to follow a simple diet.The body needs to be filled with nutrients.The diet should include the following products:
- Fruit jelly.
- Bran.
- Different types of nuts.
- Egg.
- Buckwheat.
Taking vitamins is recommended.Eat small portions 4-5 times.In order to achieve a stable remission, this menu must be followed continuously.
Prevention
Preventive measures aimed at getting rid of arthrosis of the shoulder joint are based on the elimination of the factors that cause the disease.It is necessary to lead a healthy and fairly active lifestyle.It is important to follow these rules:
- Introduce daily moderate exercise.
- It is important that it is not cold.
- Use chondroprotectors for shoulder pain.
- Get rid of extra pounds.
- Avoid excessive physical work.
Following these rules will help you stay healthy for many years.The shoulder joint will not be scary.These rules are important for people over 45 and professional athletes.
Contraindications
The main contraindication is lifting heavy objects.If someone has been diagnosed with shoulder arthritis and is working as a loader, you need to change occupations.If you buy goods in a supermarket, use a trolley and do not burden your shoulders.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 gradually deteriorates.Movements will be limited and pain will occur.When the first symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor and take the prescribed treatment.In the initial stage, the prognosis for recovery is favorable.