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

arthrosis of the shoulder joint

Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a common disease.Every person encounters symptoms of the initial stage of this pathology.But some people immediately turn to a specialist doctor 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 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.The damaged areas are then replaced by osteocytes.This destructive process is caused by insufficient nutrition of chondrocytes and impaired production of substances such as elastin and collagen.To stop the destruction, it is important that the disease is diagnosed at the right time.Visit a doctor who will prescribe competent comprehensive restorative treatment.

shoulder pain due to arthrosis

Causes of disease development

There are many reasons for the appearance and development of pathology.Among the most important of them are:

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

In a new body, cartilage tissue is restored 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 at the right time and undergo a course of treatment for shoulder arthrosis.

Symptoms

The first signs of arthrosis of the shoulder joint are accompanied by pain when moving the arm back or to the side.It manifests itself more strongly in the morning and when the weather conditions change.There is also pain during palpation and with factors such as:

  1. Increased physical activity.
  2. Lifting weights.
  3. Hypothermia.

If the disease is not treated, pain in the shoulder joint begins to bother you at rest.The limitation in movement increases.It becomes difficult to perform daily tasks.Contracture and crepitus develop gradually.These phenomena are based on the formation of growths called osteophytes.During an irritation, 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 is manifested, which symptoms are characteristic for each degree:

  1. First.It is manifested by painful pain.Unpleasant pain and stiffness worsen at night.At the same time, movement is not limited.
  2. Secondly.While moving the shoulder, a person hears a popping noise.Pain constantly torments a person.Serious limitations in movement appear.
  3. Thirdly.At this stage, a person begins to get tired of unbearable pain in the shoulder region.The hand is fixed in a comfortable and less painful position.Visually, the radiograph shows a pathological deformation.

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

destruction of the shoulder joint due to arthrosis

Diagnosing

Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint can be diagnosed through 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 common space;
  • Formation of osteophytes;
  • Sclerosis of bone tissue.

In certain conditions, other methods of studying the shoulder are prescribed.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 arthroscopy procedure is prescribed.This is an invasive research method.During this procedure, an endoscope is inserted into the shoulder cavity.Simultaneously with the study 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 examining the body with arthrosis.The 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, the doctor prescribes a urine analysis and blood donation.This is necessary to detect inflammation.

arthrosis of the shoulder joint on x-ray

Which doctor should I contact?

To perform an initial examination, you must visit a therapist.He studies the patient's condition and prescribes tests.Provides referrals to other specialists:

  • Orthopedic;
  • Rheumatologist;
  • Surgeon;
  • Neurologist.

After receiving the conclusions of these doctors and the results of the tests, the therapist prescribes the appropriate treatment for arthrosis of the shoulder joint.Meeting with this specialist is indicated in the first stage of the disease.If the problem develops with complications and an inflammatory process appears, therapy is prescribed by a rheumatologist.

The help of a neurologist may be required 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 many effective methods of treatment.To eliminate inflammation and pain, sedatives are prescribed.After relief of acute inflammation, 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.

treatment of shoulder arthrosis

Treatment

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

  1. Chondroprotectors.These are medicines made from herbal ingredients.They effectively nourish the cells.It is recommended to use medicines during remission and during irritation.
  2. Corticosteroid group.Medications can provide long-term pain relief.This is an excellent solution for a serious stage of the pathology.If you follow the scheme of a competent specialist and undergo complete treatment of the diseased shoulder joint, you can reduce the focus of the pathology and restore the cartilage.
  3. NSAIDs.Medicines quickly eliminate the pain that occurs with degenerative changes.Relief of pain and inflammation ensures free movement.

Along with medications for internal use, the attending physician prescribes external treatments.We are talking about ointments and gels.They are rubbed directly on the inflamed area.Properly structured drug treatment for arthrosis of the shoulder joints relieves inflammation and eliminates pain.

shoulder injection for arthrosis

surgery

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

  • Lack of effect from previously prescribed and administered conservative treatment;
  • Emergence of complications;
  • Manifestation of destructive degenerative 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

During the relief of 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 described:

  • Cryotherapy in the affected area;
  • Electrophoresis;
  • Magnet therapy.

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 qualified doctors.

physiotherapeutic treatment of shoulder arthrosis

Gymnastics

We are talking about physiotherapy.Gymnastics with a light load is prescribed at an early stage of the pathology.This will ease the attacks of deterioration.It will allow you to quickly cure a common shoulder pain.A standard training complex looks like this:

  1. A man sits on a chair.Secures the brushes in a lock.Some stretches are done forward and immediately behind.You should perform this movement twice with short pauses.
  2. In the same position, you should put your hands on your hips and relax.Next, you need to do 4-5 shoulder manipulations, moving in different directions.
  3. In a standing position, you should perform several vibrations while simultaneously moving your elbows behind your back.This is a great method to load the spine 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 such as:

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

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

shoulder massage for arthrosis

Traditional methods

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

  1. Compress with cabbage leaves.It reduces pain due to arthrosis, removes inflammation and improves mobility.The method is easy to use.You should apply the leaf on the injured 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 to combat acute and chronic shoulder arthrosis.The procedure quickly restores blood circulation, removes pain and swelling.

Despite the ease of use and versatility of popular 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 ingredients present in the prescription.

Nutrition for arthrosis

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

  1. Fruit jelly.
  2. bran
  3. Nuts of different varieties.
  4. Eggs.
  5. Buckwheat.

It is recommended to take vitamins.Eat small meals 4-5 times.To achieve lasting remission, this menu must be followed consistently.

products and plates for shoulder arthrosis

Preventing

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

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

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

Contraindications

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