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

arthrosis of the shoulder joint

Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a common disease.Every person encounters the 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 pathology at an early stage of development.You can learn how to treat arthrosis of the shoulder joint.

What is shoulder arthritis?

Arthrosis of the shoulder joint is a painful change, destruction of cartilaginous 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 reduced 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 doctor who will prescribe a comprehensive and competent restorative treatment.

shoulder pain due to osteoarthritis

Reasons for the development of the 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;
  • Intrauterine developmental pathologies;
  • Genetic predisposition.

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

Symptoms

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

  1. Increased physical activity.
  2. Weightlifting.
  3. Hypothermia.

If the disease is not treated, pain in the shoulder joint begins to bother you at rest.Movement restrictions increase.It becomes difficult to complete daily tasks.Contractures and crackles 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

The 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.Manifested by aching pain.The unpleasant pain and stiffness worsen at night.At the same time, movement is not limited.
  2. Second.While moving the shoulder, a person hears a crunching sound.Pain constantly torments a person.There appears to be a serious limitation in movement.
  3. Third.At this stage, a person begins to feel exhausted due to unbearable pain in the shoulder region.The hand is fixed in a comfortable and less painful position.Visually the x-ray shows a 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.The condition will only worsen in the presence of provoking factors.

destruction of the shoulder joint due to arthrosis

Diagnostics

Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint can be diagnosed through a standard x-ray of the shoulder.The photo was taken in two projections.The doctor diagnoses the disease in the presence of factors such as:

  • Narrowing of the joint space;
  • Osteophyte formation;
  • Sclerosis of the 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.

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 socket.Simultaneously with the study of the condition of the tissues, bone growths are removed.

If possible, ultrasound and x-rays can be replaced by MRI.This is a unique informative method of examining the body with arthrosis.The procedure allows you to evaluate the condition of the bone structure, cartilage and ligaments and to understand how to treat shoulder arthritis.

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

arthrosis of the shoulder joint on x-ray

Which doctor should I contact?

To conduct an initial examination, you need to 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 test results, the therapist prescribes appropriate treatment for arthrosis of the shoulder joint.An appointment 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.

You may need help from a neurologist if there is compression of the nerve bundle.The surgeon performs surgery 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 reparative and regenerating agents.To increase the therapeutic effect, drug treatment is integrated with diet and the use of alternative techniques.

treatment of shoulder arthritis

Drug

For effective and quick treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, a specialist prescribes drugs 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 drugs during remission and during exacerbation.
  2. Corticosteroid group.Medications can provide long-term pain relief.This is an excellent solution for a severe stage of the pathology.If you follow the scheme of a competent specialist and undergo comprehensive treatment of the diseased shoulder joint, you can reduce the foci of pathology and restore cartilage.
  3. NSAIDs.The drugs quickly eliminate the pain that occurs with degenerative changes.Relieving pain and inflammation ensures freedom of movement.

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

shoulder injection for osteoarthritis

Surgical

This surgery cannot be avoided if the following factors occur:

  • Lack of effect from previously prescribed and administered conservative treatment;
  • The occurrence of complications;
  • Manifestation of degenerative destructive changes.

If irreversible changes in appearance or function occur, endoprosthesis is performed.The affected part is replaced through surgery with an artificial one.This is a complex operation that requires ideal professional qualifications from the doctor.

Therapy

When alleviating the signs of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, attention is paid to physical therapy.After the main course of treatment, it is necessary to reduce pain and restore natural mobility.The following procedures are prescribed:

  • Cryotherapy on 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 trained doctors.

Physiotherapy treatment of shoulder arthritis

Gymnastics

We are talking about physiotherapy.Gymnastics with a light load is prescribed at an early stage of the pathology.This will relieve exacerbation attacks.It will allow you to quickly heal a sore shoulder joint.A standard training complex looks like this:

  1. A man sits in a chair.Protects the brushes in a lock.Several sections are carried out forwards and immediately backwards.You need to perform this movement twice with short breaks.
  2. 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.
  3. In a standing position, you should perform several jerks while simultaneously moving your elbows behind your back.This is an excellent 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 provide results like:

  • Improve tissue nutrition;
  • Relieve swelling;
  • Tone muscles;
  • Eliminate the pain.

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

Shoulder massage for osteoarthritis

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:

  1. Compress with cabbage leaf.Reduces pain due to osteoarthritis, removes inflammation and improves mobility.The method is easy to use.You need to 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 to combat acute and chronic arthrosis of the shoulder.The procedure quickly restores blood circulation, removes pain and swelling.

Despite the ease of use and versatility 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 recipes.

Nutrition for osteoarthritis

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

  1. Fruit jelly.
  2. Bran.
  3. Nuts of different varieties.
  4. Egg.
  5. Buckwheat.

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

products and dishes for shoulder arthrosis

Prevention

Preventive measures aimed at eliminating 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 fairly active lifestyle.It is important to respect 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 arthritis will be scary.These rules are important for people over the age of 45 and for those who play professional sports.

Contraindications

The main contraindication is lifting heavy objects.If a person has been diagnosed with shoulder arthritis and works as a loader, he will have to change occupation.When purchasing goods at the supermarket, you should use a trolley and not shoulder load.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 cartilaginous tissue of the shoulder gradually deteriorates.Movements will become limited and pain will appear.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.