Osteoarthritis of the shoulder is a common disease. Every person faces the symptoms of the initial phase of this pathology. But someone immediately turns to a specialist and undergoes treatment, preventing the development of the disease, and someone initiates it and faces serious problems. The information presented in the article will help determine the pathology 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 is a painful change, destruction of 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 chondrocytes and violation of the production of substances such as elastin and collagen. In order to stop the destruction, it is important to diagnose the disease in time. Visit a doctor who will prescribe you a competent comprehensive restorative treatment.
Reasons for the development of diseases
There are many reasons for the appearance and development of 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 the disease in a timely manner, to undergo a course of treatment for shoulder osteoarthritis.
Symptoms
The first signs of arthrosis of the shoulder joint are associated with pain when the arm is pulled back or to the side. It is most pronounced in the morning and when the weather changes. Pain is also observed on palpation and with factors such as:
- Increased physical activity.
- Weightlifting.
- Hypothermia.
If the disease is not treated, the pain in the shoulder joint begins to torment at rest. Restriction of movement is increasing. It becomes difficult to perform daily tasks. Contracture and crepitus develop gradually. These phenomena are based on the formation of growths called osteophytes. With worsening, the shoulder swells, redness appears. There is an increase in temperature in the shoulder area.
Stages of the disease
Pathology has three stages of development. It is worth knowing how osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint manifests, what are the symptoms characteristic of each degree:
- First. It is manifested by excruciating pain. Unpleasant painful and restraining sensations worsen at night. In this case, movement is not restricted.
- Second. In the process of moving the shoulders, the person hears a squeak. Man's pain constantly torments him. There is a serious restriction of movement.
- Third. At this stage, the person begins to experience unbearable pain in the shoulder area. The arm is fixed in one comfortable, less painful position. Visually, the X-ray shows a pathological deformity.
The main difference between arthrosis of the shoulder joint from other diseases is the ability not to manifest, 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 by standard X-ray of the shoulder. The image was taken in two projections. The doctor determines the disease in the presence of factors such as:
- Narrowing of the joint space;
- Osteophyte formation;
- Bone sclerosis.
Under certain conditions, other methods of shoulder examination are prescribed. Ultrasound to determine the thickness of cartilage, to assess the condition of soft tissues.
In the second phase of pathology development, an arthroscopy procedure is prescribed. This is an invasive research method. During its implementation, the endoscope is inserted into the shoulder cavity. Simultaneously with the study of tissue condition, bone growths are removed.
If available, ultrasound and X-rays may be replaced by MRI. This is a unique informative method for examining the body with osteoarthritis. The procedure allows you to assess the condition of the structure of bones, cartilage and ligaments, in order to understand how to treat arthrosis of the shoulder.
In addition to standard instrumental methods, the doctor prescribes urine analysis, blood donation. This is necessary to detect inflammation.
Which doctor should I go to?
For the first examination you must visit a therapist. He studies the patient's condition, prescribes tests. Gives recommendations to other specialists:
- Orthopedist;
- Rheumatologist;
- surgeon;
- Neurologist.
Having obtained the conclusions of these doctors, the results of tests, the therapist prescribes the appropriate treatment for arthrosis of the shoulder joint. Admission of this specialist is indicated in the first phase of disease development. If the problem develops with complications and an inflammatory process is manifested, therapy is prescribed by a rheumatologist.
Neurological help may be needed if nerve bundle compression is noticed. The surgeon performs the intervention if the disease has progressed 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 regeneration. To increase the therapeutic effect, drug treatment is supplemented by diet, using alternative methods.
Medications
For efficient and fast treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, the specialist prescribes drugs of different pharmacological groups. They are necessary for the restoration of damaged cartilage tissue, elimination of pain symptoms and improvement of the general condition of the patient. The result can be achieved by using such drugs:
- Chondroprotectors. These are medicinal preparations made from herbal ingredients. They effectively nourish the cells. The drugs are recommended for use in remission, during exacerbations.
- A group of corticosteroids. Medications can provide long-term pain relief. This is a great solution for a serious stage of pathology. If you follow the scheme of a competent specialist, undergo a complete treatment of the diseased shoulder joint, you can reduce the foci of pathology and restore cartilage.
- NSAIDs. Medications quickly eliminate the pain manifested by degenerative changes. Relieves pain and inflammation allows free movement.
In addition to medications for internal use, the doctor also prescribes external treatments. We are talking about ointments and gels. They rub directly into the inflamed area. Competently structured medical treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint relieves inflammation, relieves pain.
Surgical
This surgery is necessary for the following factors:
- Lack of effect from previously prescribed and implemented conservative treatment;
- Occurrence of complications;
- Manifestation of degenerative destructive changes.
If there are irreversible changes in appearance or function, arthroplasty is performed. The surgically affected part is replaced with an artificial one. This is a complex operation that requires ideal professional qualifications of the doctor.
Therapy
Physiotherapy is the focus of attention to alleviate the signs of shoulder arthrosis. After the main course of treatment it is necessary to reduce pain and restore natural mobility. The following procedures are prescribed:
- Cryotherapy of the affected area;
- Electrophoresis;
- Magnetotherapy.
You can achieve 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 physiotherapy exercises. Low-load gymnastics is prescribed in the early stages of pathology. This will alleviate exacerbations. It will allow you to quickly heal a sore shoulder joint. The standard training complex looks like this:
- The man is sitting on a chair. Locks the brushes in the lock. Several stretches are done forward and immediately backward. You should perform such a movement twice with short breaks.
- In the same position, you need to put your hands on your hips and relax. Then you have to do 4-5 shoulder manipulations, moving in different directions.
- In the standing position, you should perform several twitches with simultaneous abduction of the elbows behind the back. This is a great method for loading the spine, for exercising the entire shoulder area.
Regular exercise will relieve pain and restore shoulder mobility for a long time.
Massage
When deciding how to treat a shoulder joint, doctors often prescribe a course of massage. This will give results such as:
- Improving tissue nutrition;
- Elimination of edema;
- Muscle toning;
- Pain relief.
If you entrust the massage to professionals, after a few sessions you may notice a positive effect.
Traditional methods
Despite the rapid development of modern medicine, the treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder with folk remedies is considered relevant. Here are the most effective recipes:
- Cabbage leaf compress. Reduces pain in osteoarthritis, eliminates inflammation and improves mobility. The method is easy to use. The sheet should be attached to the sore shoulder and left overnight.
- Decoctions of chamomile, nettle, burdock and calendula should be added to the bath.
- Hirudotherapy. It is an excellent option for the treatment of 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 folk methods, you should not self-medicate. Treatment of chronic osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint by folk methods should be prescribed by a doctor after examination and understanding that there is no allergy to the components present in the prescriptions.
Diet for osteoarthritis
A simple diet is important for the rapid recovery of cartilage. The body needs to be filled with nutrients. The diet should include the following foods:
- Fruit jellies.
- Bran.
- Nuts of different varieties.
- Eggs.
- Buckwheat.
Vitamins are recommended. Eat small meals 4-5 times. To achieve stable remission, this menu should be constantly adhered to.
Prophylaxis
Preventive measures aimed at eliminating osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint are based on the exclusion of factors that can cause the disease. It is necessary to lead a healthy and quite active lifestyle. It is important to adhere to these rules:
- Introduce daily moderate exercise.
- It is important to avoid staying in the cold.
- Use chondroprotectors for shoulder pain.
- Get rid of extra pounds.
- Avoid excessive physical work.
Adhering to these rules will allow you to maintain your health for many years to come. No arthrosis of the shoulder will be frightening. These rules are important for people over the age of 45 and for those who play professional sports.
Contraindications
Lifting weights is considered a major contraindication. If a person is diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the shoulder and works as a loader, they will need to change their occupation. When buying goods in the supermarket, use a cart and do not burden the shoulder. Boxing, wrestling and bodybuilding are categorically contraindicated.
Conclusion
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a disease that destroys the joint. In the absence of treatment and application of drugs, the cartilaginous tissue of the shoulder will gradually deteriorate. Movements will become constrained, pain will appear. At the first symptoms, it is necessary to visit a doctor immediately and undergo the prescribed course of treatment. In the initial phase, the prognosis for recovery is favorable.