Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint - symptoms, treatment and prevention of the disease

Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a common disease.Everyone experiences symptoms of the initial stage of this pathology.But some people immediately turn to a specialist and undergo treatment, preventing the development of the disease, while others start it and face serious problems.The information presented in the article will allow us to identify 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 joint is a painful change, destruction of cartilage tissue.As the disease progresses, it thins.Subsequently, the damaged areas are replaced by osteocytes.This destructive process is caused by the insufficient nutrition of the chondrocytes and the impaired production of substances such as elastin and collagen.To stop the destruction, it is important to diagnose the disease in a timely manner.See a doctor who will prescribe competent comprehensive restorative treatment.

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 injury – fracture or dislocation;
• Excess body weight;
• Hormonal imbalance;
• Professional sports;
• Pathologies of intrauterine development;
• Genetic predisposition.

In a young body, cartilage tissue recovers much faster.In adulthood, natural anabolic metabolic processes slow down in the body.This increases tissue degeneration.For this reason, it is so important to diagnose diseases in time and to undergo a course of treatment for arthrosis of the shoulder.

Symptoms

The first signs of arthrosis of the shoulder joint are associated with pain when moving the arm backwards or sideways.It is most pronounced in the morning and when weather conditions change.There is also pain on palpation and with factors such as:

1. Increased physical activity.
2. Weight lifting.
3. Hypothermia.

If the disease is not treated, pain in the shoulder joint begins to bother you at rest.Movement restriction increases.It becomes difficult to perform daily tasks.Contracture and crepitus gradually develop.These phenomena are based on the formation of growths called osteophytes.During an exacerbation, the shoulder swells and redness appears.An increase in temperature is felt in the shoulder area.

Stages of the disease

Pathology has three stages of development.It is worth knowing how arthrosis of the shoulder joint manifests itself, what symptoms are characteristic of each degree:

1. First.It manifests itself with painful pain.Unpleasant pain and stiffness increase at night.At the same time, movement is not restricted.
2. Second.As you move the shoulder, one hears a crunch.Pain torments a person constantly.A serious limitation in movements appears.
3. third.At this stage, a person begins to be exhausted by unbearable pain in the shoulder area.The arm is fixed in a comfortable, less painful position.Visually, the X-ray shows a pathological deformity.

The main difference between arthrosis of the shoulder joint and other diseases is the ability not to manifest itself or to develop for a long time.The condition will worsen only in the presence of provoking factors.

Diagnosis

Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint can be diagnosed by a standard x-ray of the shoulder.The picture is made in two projections.The doctor diagnoses the disease in the presence of factors such as:

• Narrowing of the joint space;
• Formation of osteophytes;
• Sclerosis of bone tissue.

Under certain conditions, other methods of examining the shoulder are prescribed.Ultrasound to determine cartilage thickness and assess the condition of soft tissues.

At the second stage of the development of the pathology, arthroscopy is prescribed.This is an invasive method of examination.During this procedure, the endoscope is inserted into the shoulder cavity.Simultaneously with the examination of the condition of the tissues, bone growths are removed.

If possible, ultrasound and X-rays can be replaced with MRI.This is a unique informative method for studying the body with arthrosis.The procedure allows you to assess the state of the bone structure, cartilage and ligaments and find out how to treat shoulder arthrosis.

Along with the standard instrumental methods, the doctor prescribes a urine test and a blood donation.This is necessary to detect inflammation.

Which doctor should I contact?

To conduct an initial examination, you must visit a therapist.He studies 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 results of the tests, the therapist prescribes an appropriate treatment for arthrosis of the shoulder joint.A meeting with this specialist is indicated in the first stage of the disease.If the problem develops with complications and an inflammatory process occurs, therapy is prescribed by a rheumatologist.

The help of a neurologist may be necessary if there is compression of the nerve bundle.The surgeon performs an intervention if the disease is advanced and requires intra-articular manipulation.

Treatment

Medicine offers very effective methods of treatment.To eliminate inflammation and pain, pain relievers are prescribed.After relieving the acute inflammation, the doctor prescribes a course of restorative and regenerating agents.To increase the therapeutic effect, drug treatment is supplemented with diet and the use of alternative techniques.

medicines

For effective and quick treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, the specialist prescribes drugs from various 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 using the following drugs:

1. Chondroprotectors.These are medicines made from plant ingredients.Effectively nourish the cells.The use of drugs during remission and during exacerbation is recommended.
2. Corticosteroid group.Medicines can provide long-term pain relief.This is an excellent solution for a serious stage of pathology.If you follow the scheme of a competent specialist and undergo complete treatment of the diseased shoulder joint, you can reduce the foci of pathology and restore the cartilage.
3. NSAIDs.Medicines quickly remove the pain that occurs with degenerative changes.Relieving pain and inflammation allows for free movement.

Along with drugs for internal use, the attending physician prescribes external treatment.We are talking about ointments and gels.They are rubbed directly into the sore spot.Properly structured drug therapy for arthrosis of the shoulder joint relieves inflammation and eliminates pain.

Surgically

This surgical intervention cannot be avoided if the following factors occur:

• Lack of effect from previously appointed and carried out conservative treatment;
• The occurrence of complications;
• Manifestation of degenerative destructive changes.

If irreversible changes in appearance or function occur, arthroplasty 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

In alleviating the signs of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, attention is paid to physiotherapy.After the main course of treatment, you should reduce pain and restore natural mobility.The following procedures are prescribed:

• Cryotherapy of the affected area;
• Electrophoresis;
• Magnetotherapy.

You can get results from 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 stage of the pathology, gymnastics with a light load is prescribed.This will relieve flare-ups.It will allow you to quickly heal the sore shoulder joint.The standard training complex looks like this:

1. A man sits on a chair.Fixes the brushes in a lock.A few stretches are done forward and immediately back.You should perform this movement twice with short breaks.
2. In the same position, you should put your hands on your hips and relax.Then you need to do 4-5 shoulder manipulations, moving in different directions.
3. In a standing position, you need to make several strokes, while simultaneously moving your elbows behind your back.This is an excellent method of loading the spine and working the entire shoulder area.

Regular exercises will relieve the pain for a long time and restore the mobility of the shoulder.

massage

When deciding how to treat the shoulder joint, doctors often prescribe a course of massage.This will provide results such as:

• Improvement of tissue nutrition;
• Swelling relief;
• Muscle toning;
• Eliminate the pain.

If you entrust the massage to a professional, after a few sessions you can notice a positive effect.

Traditional methods

Despite the rapid development of modern medicine, the treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder with folk remedies is considered relevant.Here are the most effective recipes:

1. Cabbage leaf compress.Reduces pain in arthrosis, removes inflammation and improves mobility.The method is easy to use.You should apply the leaf on the sore shoulder and leave it overnight.
2. Decoctions of chamomile, nettle, burdock and calendula should be added to the bath.
3. Hirudotherapy.This is an excellent option for combating acute and chronic shoulder arthrosis.The procedure quickly restores blood circulation, removes pain and swelling.

Despite the ease of use and universality 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 understanding that there is no allergy to the components present in the prescriptions.

Nutrition for arthrosis

To quickly restore cartilage tissue, it is important to follow a simple diet.The body must be saturated with nutrients.The diet should include the following products:

1. Fruit jelly.
2. Bran.
3. Nuts of different varieties.
4. eggs.
5. buckwheat

Taking vitamins is recommended.Eat in small portions 4-5 times.To achieve a stable remission, this menu must be followed constantly.

Prevention

Preventive measures aimed at eliminating arthrosis of the shoulder joint are based on eliminating the factors that can provoke the disease.It is necessary to lead a healthy and quite active lifestyle.It is important to adhere to these rules:

1. Introduce daily moderate exercise.
2. It is important to avoid standing in the cold.
3. For shoulder pain, use chondroprotectors.
4. Get rid of extra pounds.
5. Avoid excessive physical work.

Following these rules will help you maintain your health for many years.No arthrosis of the shoulder will be scary.These rules are important for people over 45 and for those who are professionally involved in sports.

Contraindications

The main contraindication is lifting heavy objects.If a person is diagnosed with shoulder arthrosis and works as a loader, he will have to change his profession.When buying goods in a supermarket, you should use a trolley and not strain your shoulder.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 the use of drugs, the cartilage tissue of the shoulder will gradually deteriorate.Movements will become restricted and pain will occur.At the first symptoms, you should immediately visit a doctor and undergo the prescribed course of treatment.At the initial stage, the prognosis for recovery is favorable.