Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a common disease.Each person faces symptoms of the initial stage of this pathology.But some people immediately go to a specialist and undergo treatment that prevents the disease from developing, 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 osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.
What is shoulder osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a painful change, the destruction of cartilage tissue.As the disease progresses, you become thinner.Subsequently, the damaged areas are replaced by osteocytes.This destructive process is caused by insufficient nutrition of chondrocytes and poor 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 competent comprehensive restorative treatment.
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;
- 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 a timely manner and undergo treatment for osteoarthritis of the shoulder.
Symptoms
The first signs of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint are associated with pain when moving the arm backward or to the side.It manifests itself more strongly in the morning and when weather conditions change.There is also pain when palpating and with factors such as:
- Increased physical activity.
- Weightlifting.
- Hypothermia.
If the disease is not treated, pain in the shoulder joint begins to bother you at rest.Increases restriction of movements.It becomes difficult to complete daily tasks.Gradually contractures and crepitations 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 osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint manifests itself, what symptoms are characteristic of each degree:
- First.Manifested by painful pain.The unpleasant pain and stiffness worsen at night.At the same time, movement is not limited.
- Second.When moving the shoulder, a person hears a crunch.Pain torments a person constantly.A serious limitation in movements appears.
- Third.At this stage, a person begins to be exhausted by 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 osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint and other diseases is the ability not to manifest itself and develop for a long period.The condition will worsen only in the presence of provoking factors.
Diagnosis
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint can be diagnosed using a standard x-ray of the shoulder.The image is taken in two projections.The doctor diagnoses the disease in the presence of such factors as:
- Narrowing of the joint space;
- Osteophyte formation;
- Sclerosis of bone tissue.
Under certain conditions, other methods of studying the shoulder are prescribed.Ultrasound to determine cartilage thickness and evaluate the condition of soft tissues.
At the second stage of the development of 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 state of the tissues, bone growths are removed.
If possible, ultrasound and x-rays can be replaced by an MRI.This is a unique informative method of examining the body with osteoarthritis.The procedure allows you to evaluate the condition of the bone structure, cartilage and ligaments and understand how to treat osteoarthritis of the shoulder.
Along with standard instrumental methods, the doctor prescribes a urine test and blood donation.This is necessary to detect inflammation.
Which doctor should I contact?
To conduct an initial examination, it is necessary to visit a therapist.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 the appropriate treatment for osteoarthritis 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 manifests itself, 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 treatment methods.To eliminate inflammation and pain, pain relievers are prescribed.Once the acute inflammation has been relieved, the doctor prescribes treatment with restorative and regenerating agents.To increase the therapeutic effect, drug treatment is complemented by diet and the use of alternative techniques.
medication
For quick and effective treatment of osteoarthritis 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 patient's general well-being.You can achieve results using the following medications:
- Chondroprotectors.These are medicines made from herbal ingredients.They effectively nourish cells.It is recommended to use medications during remission and during exacerbation.
- Corticosteroid group.Medications 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 comprehensive treatment of the diseased shoulder joint, you can reduce the foci of pathology and restore cartilage.
- NSAIDs.Medications quickly eliminate the pain that arises with degenerative changes.Relieving pain and inflammation ensures free circulation.
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 osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint relieves inflammation and eliminates pain.
Surgical
This surgical intervention cannot be avoided if the following factors occur:
- Lack of effect of previously prescribed and administered conservative treatment;
- The appearance of complications;
- Manifestation of destructive degenerative changes.
If irreversible changes in appearance or function occur, a stent is performed.The affected part is replaced by surgery with an artificial one.This is a complex operation that requires ideal professional qualifications on the part of the doctor.
Therapy
To relieve signs of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, attention is paid to physiotherapy.After the main treatment, it is necessary to reduce pain and restore natural mobility.The following procedures are prescribed:
- Cryotherapy in the affected area;
- Electrophoresis;
- Magnetic therapy.
You can achieve results with 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.
Gym
We are talking about physiotherapy.Gymnastics with a light load is prescribed at an early stage of pathology.This will relieve exacerbation attacks.It will allow you to quickly cure pain in the shoulder joint.A standard training complex looks like this:
- A man sits in a chair.Secure the brushes in a lock.Several stretches are performed forward and immediately backward.You must perform this movement twice with short pauses.
- In the same position, you should 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 must perform several pulls 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 massage treatment.This will provide results like:
- Improve tissue nutrition;
- Relieve swelling;
- Tone muscles;
- Eliminate pain.
If you entrust the massage to a professional, after a few sessions you will be able to notice a positive effect.
Traditional methods
Despite the rapid development of modern medicine, the treatment of shoulder osteoarthritis with folk remedies is considered relevant.Here are the most effective recipes:
- Compress with cabbage leaf.Reduces osteoarthritis pain, eliminates inflammation and improves mobility.The method is easy to use.You should apply the leaf on 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 option to combat acute and chronic shoulder osteoarthritis.The procedure quickly restores blood circulation, relieves pain and swelling.
Despite the ease of use and versatility of popular methods, it is not advisable to self-medicate.Treatment of chronic osteoarthritis 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 must contain the following products:
- Fruit jelly.
- Bran.
- Walnuts of different varieties.
- Eggs.
- Buckwheat.
It is recommended to take vitamins.Eat small meals 4 to 5 times.To achieve stable remission, this menu must be followed constantly.
Prevention
Preventive measures aimed at eliminating osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint are based on eliminating the factors that can provoke the disease.It is necessary to lead a healthy and fairly active lifestyle.It is important to comply with these rules:
- Introduce daily moderate exercise.
- It is important to avoid getting cold.
- Use chondroprotectors for shoulder pain.
- Get rid of extra kilos.
- Avoid excessive physical work.
Following these rules will help you maintain your health for many years.No shoulder osteoarthritis will be scary.These rules are important for people over 45 years old and for those who play professional sports.
Contraindications
The main contraindication is lifting heavy objects.If a person has been diagnosed with shoulder osteoarthritis and works as a loader, they will have to change their occupation.When buying products in a supermarket, you should use a cart and not put pressure 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 use of medications, the cartilage tissue of the shoulder will gradually deteriorate.Movements will become limited and pain will appear.At the first symptoms, you should immediately visit a doctor and undergo the prescribed treatment.At the initial stage, the prognosis for recovery is favorable.