Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a common disease.Everyone experiences symptoms of the early stages of this pathology.But some people immediately turn to specialists and undergo treatment, preventing the disease from developing, while others start it and face serious problems.The information presented in this article will allow us to identify pathology at an early stage of development.You can learn how to treat arthrosis of the shoulder joint.
What is shoulder arthrosis?
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a painful change, the destruction of cartilage tissue.As the disease progresses, it becomes thinner.Next, the damaged area is replaced by osteocytes.This destructive process is caused by insufficient chondroitin nutrition and the production of affected substances such as elastin and collagen.To stop the destruction, it is important to diagnose this disease in time.Visit a doctor who will prescribe competent comprehensive rehabilitation treatment.
The reason for the development of this disease
There are many reasons for the appearance and development of pathology.Among the most important are:
- Physiological damage - fracture or dislocation;
- Excess body weight;
- Hormonal imbalance;
- Professional sports;
- Pathology of intrauterine development;
- Genetic predisposition.
In a young body, cartilage tissue is restored faster.In adulthood, natural anabolic metabolic processes slow down in the body.This increases tissue degeneration.For this reason, it is very important to diagnose the disease in time and undergo treatment for shoulder 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 shows itself most strongly in the morning and when the weather conditions change.There is also pain when it spreads 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 while resting.Restrictions in movement increase.It becomes difficult to complete daily tasks.Contractures and Crepitus gradually develop.This phenomenon is based on the formation of growths called osteophytes.During exacerbation, the shoulder swells and redness appears.An increase in temperature is felt in the shoulder area.
Disease stage
Pathology has three stages of development.It is necessary to know how arthrosis of the shoulder joint manifests itself, the symptoms of which are characteristic of each stage:
- First.Shown with pain.Unpleasant pain and stiffness worsen at night.At the same time, movement is not limited.
- Second.When moving the shoulder, one hears a crunching sound.Pain torments a person constantly.Serious limitations in movement appear.
- Third.At this stage, a person begins to be consumed by unbearable pain in the shoulder area.The hand remains in a position that is comfortable and less painful.Visually, X-rays show pathological deformation.
The main difference between arthrosis of the shoulder joint and other diseases is the ability not to manifest itself or develop for a long time.This situation will worsen only with the presence of provoking factors.
Diagnostics
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint can be diagnosed through a standard x-ray of the shoulder.The picture is taken in two projections.Doctors diagnose diseases in the presence of factors such as:
- Narrowing the common space;
- The formation of osteophytes;
- Sclerosis of bone tissue.
Under certain conditions, other methods of studying the shoulder are prescribed.Ultrasound to determine the thickness of the cartilage and evaluate the condition of the soft tissues.
At the second stage of pathological development, 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 the study of the condition of the tissue, bone growth is removed.
If possible, ultrasound and x-ray can be replaced by MRI.This is a unique method of information to study the body with arthrosis.This procedure allows you to assess the state of the bone structure, cartilage and ligaments, and understand how to treat shoulder arthrosis.
Along with standard instrumental methods, doctors prescribe urine tests and blood donations.This is necessary to detect inflammation.
Which doctor should I contact?
To conduct an initial examination, you must visit a therapist.He examines the patient's condition and prescribes tests.Referral to other specialists:
- Orthopedist;
- Rheumatologist;
- Surgeon;
- Neurologist.
After receiving the doctor's conclusion and the results of this test, the therapist prescribes the appropriate treatment for arthrosis of the shoulder joint.An appointment with this specialist is indicated at the first stage of the disease.If the problem develops with complications and the 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 intervenes 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 course of restorative and regenerative agents.To increase the therapeutic effect, drug treatment is supplemented with diet and the use of alternative techniques.
Medicines
For effective and rapid treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, experts prescribe drugs from different pharmacological groups.They need to restore damaged cartilage tissue, relieve pain symptoms and improve the general well-being of the patient.You can achieve results by using the following drugs:
- Chondroprotectors.These are medicines made from herbal ingredients.They nourish the 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 serious pathological conditions.If you follow the scheme of a competent specialist and undergo complete treatment of the diseased shoulder joint, you can reduce the pathological focus and restore the cartilage.
- NSAIDs.Medicines quickly eliminate the pain that occurs with degenerative changes.Relieves pain and inflammation ensuring free movement.
Along with drugs for internal use, the attending physician prescribes external treatment.We are talking about ointments and gels.They are applied directly to the inflamed area.Correctly structured drug treatment for arthrosis of the shoulder joint relieves inflammation and relieves pain.
Surgery
This surgical intervention is unavoidable if the following factors occur:
- Lack of effect from previously prescribed and administered conservative treatment;
- The occurrence of complications;
- Manifestations of degenerative destructive changes.
If irreversible changes in appearance or function occur, endoprosthetics are performed.The affected part is surgically replaced with an artificial one.This is a complex operation that requires ideal professional qualifications from the doctor.
Therapy
When relieving the symptoms of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, attention is paid to physical therapy.After the main treatment, you should reduce pain and restore natural mobility.The following procedures are established:
- Cryotherapy in the affected area;
- Electrophoresis;
- Magnetic therapy.
You can achieve results from this form of treatment if you follow the rules.Physiotherapy is prescribed only in the absence of painful manifestations.The procedure must be performed by a qualified doctor.
Gymnastics
We are talking about physical therapy.Gymnastics with a small load is prescribed in the early stages of the pathology.This will relieve anxiety attacks.Will allow you to quickly heal a sore shoulder joint.The standard training complex looks like this:
- A man sits on a chair.Secure the brush in the lock.Some stretches are made forward and immediately back.You need to do 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 perform 4-5 shoulder manipulations, moving in different directions.
- In a standing position, you should do several screams while simultaneously moving your elbows behind you.This is an excellent way to give the spine a load and work the entire shoulder area.
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 course of massage.This will give results like:
- Improve tissue nutrition;
- Relieves swelling;
- Muscle toning;
- Relieves pain.
If you master the massage to a professional, after a few sessions you can see positive effects.
Traditional method
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 leaves.Reduces pain due to arthrosis, eliminates inflammation and improves mobility.This method is easy to use.You need to apply the leaves to 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 choice for combating acute and chronic shoulder arthrosis.This procedure quickly restores blood circulation, relieves pain and swelling.
Despite the ease of use and flexibility of folk methods, you should not self-medicate.Treatment of chronic arthrosis of the shoulder joint using traditional methods should be prescribed by a doctor after an examination and understanding that there is no allergy to the components present in the recipe.
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:
- Jelly fruit.
- Bran.
- Different types of nuts.
- Eggs.
- Buckwheat.
It is recommended to take vitamins.Eat small meals 4-5 times.To achieve stable remission, this menu should be followed continuously.
Prevention
Preventive measures aimed at getting rid of arthrosis of the shoulder joint are based on the elimination of factors that can cause this disease.It is necessary to lead a healthy and sufficiently active lifestyle.It is important to follow these rules:
- Introducing simple daily exercises.
- It is important to avoid 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.This rule is important for people over the age of 45 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 needs to change his job.When buying things in the supermarket, you should use the cart and not put any strain on your shoulders.Boxing, wrestling and bodybuilding are strict.
Conclusion
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a disease that destroys the joint.In the absence of treatment and the use of drugs, the shoulder cartilage tissue will gradually deteriorate.Movement will be restricted and pain will appear.At the first symptom, you should immediately visit a doctor and undergo the prescribed treatment.In the early stages, the prognosis for recovery is good.