Shoulder osteoarthritis is a common disease. Every person faces the symptoms of the initial stage of this pathology. But someone immediately turns to a specialist and takes treatment, preventing the disease from developing, while someone starts it and faces serious problems. The information presented in the article will help to determine the pathology at an early stage of development. You can learn how to treat osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.
What is shoulder osteoarthritis?
Shoulder osteoarthritis is a painful change, the destruction of cartilage 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 a violation of the 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 physician who will prescribe comprehensive and competent restorative treatment.
The reasons for the development of the disease
There are many reasons for the appearance and development of the pathology. Among the most important of them are:
- Physiological damage - fracture or dislocation;
- Overweight;
- Hormonal imbalance;
- Professional sports;
- Pathology of intrauterine development;
- Genetic predisposition.
In a young body, cartilage tissue regenerates much faster. In adulthood, the body's natural anabolic metabolic processes slow down. This increases tissue degeneration. For this reason, it is so important to diagnose diseases in a timely manner, undergo a course of treatment for osteoarthritis of the shoulder.
Symptoms
The first signs of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint are associated with pain when the arm is pulled back or to the side. It manifests itself most strongly in the morning and when weather conditions change. Pain is also noticed on palpation and with factors such as:
- Increase in physical activity.
- Lifting weights.
- Hypothermia.
If the disease is not treated, the pain in the shoulder joint begins to bother at rest. Movement restriction is increasing. It becomes difficult to complete daily tasks. Contracture and crepitus develop gradually. These phenomena are based on the formation of growths called osteophytes. With an exacerbation, the shoulder swells, redness appears. There is an increase in temperature in the shoulder area.
disease stages
The pathology has three stages of development. It is worth knowing how osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint manifests itself, which symptoms are characteristic of each degree:
- First. Manifested by painful pain. Unpleasant painful and embarrassing sensations are exacerbated at night. In this case, the movement is not limited.
- Second. In the process of moving the shoulder, a person hears a crunch. Pain torments a person constantly. There is a serious limitation of movement.
- Third. At this stage, the person begins to feel unbearable pain in the shoulder region. The arm is fixed in a comfortable and less painful position. Visually, the X-ray shows pathological deformity.
The main difference between arthrosis of the shoulder joint from other diseases is the ability to not manifest itself, not to develop for a long time. The condition will worsen only in the presence of provoking factors.
Diagnosis
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder can be diagnosed with a standard shoulder radiograph. The photo is taken in two projections. The doctor determines the disease in the presence of factors such as:
- Narrowing of the joint space;
- Formation of osteophytes;
- Bone sclerosis.
Under certain conditions, other shoulder research methods are prescribed. Ultrasound to determine cartilage thickness, to assess soft tissue condition.
In the second stage of the development of the pathology, an arthroscopy procedure is prescribed. This is an invasive research method. During its implementation, an endoscope is inserted into the cavity of the shoulder. Simultaneously with the study of tissue status, bone growths are removed.
If available, ultrasound and x-rays can be substituted for MRI. This is a unique informational method to examine the body with osteoarthritis. The procedure allows you to assess the condition of the bone structure, cartilage and ligaments, to understand how to treat shoulder arthrosis.
Along with standard instrumental methods, the doctor prescribes a urine test, blood donation. This is necessary to detect inflammation.
Which doctor should I consult?
For an initial exam, you should visit a therapist. He studies the patient's condition, prescribes tests. Give referrals to other specialists:
- orthopedist;
- Rheumatologist;
- Surgeon;
- Neurologist.
Having received the conclusions of these doctors, the results of the tests, the therapist prescribes a suitable treatment for arthrosis of the shoulder joint. The reception of this specialist is indicated at the first stage of the development of the disease. If the problem develops with complications and an inflammatory process manifests itself, a rheumatologist prescribes therapy.
The help of a neurologist may be necessary if compression of the nerve bundle is observed. The surgeon performs an intervention if the disease is advanced and requires intra-articular manipulations.
Treatment
Medicine offers many effective treatments. To eliminate inflammation, pain, painkillers are prescribed. After removing the acute inflammation, the doctor prescribes a course of strengthening and regenerating agents. To increase the therapeutic effect, drug treatment is supplemented with a diet, the use of alternative methods.
medicine
For effective and quick treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, a specialist prescribes drugs from different pharmacological groups. They are needed to restore damaged cartilage tissue, eliminate pain symptoms, and improve the patient's overall well-being. The result can be achieved through the use of such drugs:
- Chondroprotectors. These are medicinal preparations made from herbal ingredients. They effectively nourish the cells. Medications are recommended for use in remission, during an exacerbation.
- Corticosteroid group. Medication can provide long-term pain relief. This is an excellent solution for a severe stage of pathology. If you follow the scheme of a competent specialist, undergo a thorough treatment of a diseased shoulder joint, you can reduce the foci of pathology and restore cartilage.
- Ines. Medications quickly eliminate the pain that manifests itself with degenerative changes. Relief from pain and inflammation allows free movement.
Along with medications for internal use, the attending physician prescribes external treatments. We're talking ointments and gels. They are rubbed directly into the inflamed area. Competently structured medical treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint relieves inflammation, removes pain.
Surgical
This surgical intervention is indispensable for such factors:
- Lack of effect of previously prescribed and performed conservative treatment;
- The occurrence of complications;
- Manifestation of degenerative destructive changes.
If there are irreversible changes in appearance or function, arthroplasty is performed. The affected part is replaced by an artificial one through surgery. This is a complex operation that requires the doctor to have the ideal professional qualifications.
Therapy
Physiotherapy is the focus of attention to alleviate the signs of osteoarthritis of the shoulder. After the main course of treatment, it is necessary to reduce pain and restore natural mobility. The following procedures are prescribed:
- Cryotherapy for 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. Procedures must be performed by highly qualified physicians.
Fitness
We are talking about physical therapy exercises. Gymnastics with a low load is prescribed at an early stage of the pathology. This will alleviate exacerbation attacks. This will allow you to quickly heal a painful shoulder joint. A standard training complex looks like this:
- The man sits on a chair. He locks the brushes in the lock. Several stretches are done forwards and immediately backwards. You need to perform this movement twice with short pauses.
- In the same position, you need to put your hands on your hips and relax. Then you need to do 4-5 manipulations on the shoulder, moving in different directions.
- In the standing position, you should perform several movements with simultaneous abduction of the elbows behind the back. This is a great method to overload the spine, to work the entire shoulder area.
Exercising regularly will relieve pain for a long time and restore shoulder mobility.
Massage
When deciding how to treat the shoulder joint, doctors often prescribe a massage course. This will bring results like:
- Improve tissue nutrition;
- Removal of edema;
- Tone the muscles;
- Elimination of 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 osteoarthritis pain, removes inflammation and improves mobility. The method is easy to use. You need to attach the sheet to the sore shoulder and leave it overnight.
- Decoctions of chamomile, nettle, burdock and calendula should be added to the bath.
- Hirudotherapy. It is an excellent option for treating acute and chronic osteoarthritis of the shoulder. The procedure quickly restores blood circulation, relieves pain and swelling.
Despite the ease of use and versatility of popular methods, you should not self-medicate. Treatment of chronic osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint by popular methods should be prescribed by a doctor after an examination and understanding that there is no allergy to the components present in the recipes.
Nutrition for osteoarthritis
Eating a simple diet is important for quickly restoring cartilage. The body needs to be filled with nutrients. The diet should contain the following foods:
- Fruit Gelatin.
- Bran.
- Nuts of different varieties.
- Eggs.
- Buckwheat.
Vitamins are recommended. Eat small meals 4-5 times. To achieve a stable remission, this menu must be followed constantly.
Prophylaxis
Preventive measures aimed at getting rid of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint are based on excluding 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 moderate daily exercise.
- It is important to avoid the cold.
- Use chondroprotectors for shoulder pain.
- Get rid of the extra pounds.
- Avoid excessive physical work.
Following these rules will allow you to maintain your health for many years to come. No osteoarthritis of the shoulder will be scary. These rules are important for people over 45 years old and for those who practice professional sports.
contraindications
Lifting weights is considered the main contraindication. If a person is diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the shoulder and works as a porter, he will have to change his occupation. When buying goods in a supermarket, you should use a cart and not strain your shoulder. It is categorically contraindicated to practice boxing, wrestling and bodybuilding.
Conclusion
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a disease that destroys the joint. In the absence of treatment and use of medications, the cartilaginous tissue of the shoulder will gradually deteriorate. Movements will be restricted, pain will appear. At the first symptoms, you should immediately visit a doctor and undergo the prescribed treatment. In the initial phase, the prognosis for recovery is favorable.