Shoulder osteoarthritis is a common condition. Everyone is faced with the symptoms of the initial stage of this pathology. But someone immediately turns to a specialist and receives treatment to prevent the disease from developing while someone starts it and has serious problems. The information contained 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?
Shoulder osteoarthritis is a painful change, 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 inadequate nutrition of chondrocytes and a 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 a timely manner. Visit a doctor who will prescribe you competent comprehensive restorative treatment.
The reasons for the development of the disease
There are many reasons for the appearance and development of the pathology. The most important of them are:
- Physiological damage - fracture or dislocation;
- Obesity;
- Hormonal imbalance;
- Professional sport;
- 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. This is why it is so important to diagnose diseases in good time and undergo treatment for shoulder osteoarthritis.
Symptoms
The first signs of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint are associated with pain when pulling back or to the side of the arm. It is strongest in the morning and in changing weather conditions. Pain is also experienced with palpation and with factors such as:
- Increased physical activity.
- Lift weights.
- Hypothermia.
If the disease is left untreated, shoulder joint pain begins to interfere with rest. The restriction of movement increases. It becomes difficult to do daily tasks. Contracture and crepitation gradually develop. These phenomena are based on the formation of growths called osteophytes. With an exacerbation, the shoulder swells, redness appears. There is a rise in temperature 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 is expressed, what symptoms are characteristic of each degree:
- First. It manifests itself in aching pain. Unpleasant painful and restrictive sensations are intensified at night. In this case, movement is not restricted.
- Second. When moving the shoulder, a person hears a crunch. Pain torments a person all the time. The freedom of movement is severely restricted.
- Third. At this stage, the person begins to wear out excruciating 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 osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint from other diseases is the ability not to manifest, not to develop over a long period of time. The condition will worsen only in the presence of provoking factors.
diagnosis
Shoulder osteoarthritis can be diagnosed with a standard x-ray of the shoulder. The picture is recorded in two projections. The doctor determines the disease in the presence of factors such as:
- Narrowing of the joint space;
- Osteophyte formation;
- Bone sclerosis.
Other methods of shoulder research are prescribed under certain conditions. Ultrasound to determine the thickness of the cartilage to assess the condition of the soft tissues.
At the second stage of the development of the pathology, an arthroscopic procedure is prescribed. This is an invasive research method. When performing it, an endoscope is inserted into the shoulder cavity. At the same time as examining the condition of the tissue, bone growths are removed.
If available, ultrasound and x-rays can replace MRI. This is a unique informative method of examining the body with osteoarthritis. The procedure allows you to assess the condition of the bone structure, cartilage and ligaments in order to understand the treatment of shoulder osteoarthritis.
In addition to the usual instrumental methods, the doctor prescribes a urine test and blood donation. This is necessary to detect inflammation.
Which doctor should I go to?
For an initial examination, you need to see a therapist. He examines the patient's condition, prescribes tests. Provides referrals to other specialists:
- Orthopedist;
- Rheumatologist;
- The surgeon;
- Neurologist.
After receiving the conclusions of these doctors and the results of the test, the therapist will prescribe an appropriate treatment for osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint. The reception of this specialist is indicated at the first stage of the development of the disease. If the problem develops with complications and an inflammatory process is manifested, a rheumatologist prescribes therapy.
If compression of the nerve bundle is found, help from a neurologist may be needed. The surgeon performs a procedure when the disease is advanced and requires intra-articular manipulation.
treatment
Medicine offers many effective treatments. To get rid of inflammation and pain, pain relievers are prescribed. After eliminating acute inflammation, the doctor prescribes a course of strengthening and regenerating agents. In order to increase the therapeutic effect, drug treatment is supplemented by diet and the use of alternative methods.
drug
For effective and rapid treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, a specialist prescribes drugs of various pharmacological groups. They are necessary to restore damaged cartilage tissue, eliminate symptoms of pain, and improve the patient's general well-being. The result can be achieved through the use of such drugs:
- Chondroprotectors. These are medicinal preparations made from herbal ingredients. They effectively nourish the cells. Drugs are recommended for remission during an exacerbation.
- Corticosteroid group. Medication can provide lasting pain relief. This is an excellent solution for a serious stage of pathology. If you follow the scheme of a competent specialist, undergo full treatment of a diseased shoulder joint, you can reduce the foci of pathology and restore cartilage.
- NSAIDs. The drugs quickly eliminate pain, which is manifested by degenerative changes. Relief from pain and inflammation allows free movement.
In addition to drugs for internal use, the attending physician prescribes external treatments. We're talking about ointments and gels. They are rubbed directly into the inflamed area. Competently structured medical treatment for osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint relieves inflammation, eliminates pain.
Surgical
This surgical intervention is indispensable for such factors:
- Lack of effectiveness of previously prescribed and performed conservative treatment;
- The occurrence of complications;
- Manifestation of degenerative destructive changes.
In the event of irreversible changes in appearance or function, endoprosthetics are performed. The affected part is replaced by an artificial one through surgery. This is a complex procedure that requires the best professional qualifications of the doctor.
therapy
Physiotherapy is the focus to alleviate the signs of shoulder osteoarthritis. After the main treatment, it is necessary to relieve pain and restore natural mobility. The following procedures are required:
- Cryotherapy for the affected area;
- Electrophoresis;
- Magnetic Therapy.
You can get results with this form of treatment if you follow the rules. Physiotherapy is prescribed only in the absence of acute painful manifestations. The interventions must be carried out by highly qualified doctors.
gymnastics
We're talking about physiotherapy exercises. Low-load gymnastics is prescribed at an early stage of the pathology. This will relieve attacks of exacerbation. It allows you to heal a sore shoulder joint quickly. A standard training complex looks like this:
- The man sits down on a chair. Locks the brushes in the lock. Several stretches are performed forwards and immediately backwards. You need to do such a movement twice with short breaks.
- In the same position, you need to put your hands on your hips and relax. Next, you need to do 4-5 shoulder manipulations and move in different directions.
- While standing you should perform several convulsions with simultaneous abduction of the elbows behind the back. This is a great way to put weight on the spine to work out the entire shoulder area.
Regular exercise relieves pain for a long time and restores shoulder mobility.
massage
When deciding how to treat the shoulder joint, doctors often prescribe massage. This gives results such as:
- Improvement of tissue nutrition;
- Removal of edema;
- Toning the muscles;
- Elimination of pain.
If you entrust the massage to a professional, you can see a positive effect after a few sessions.
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 pain in osteoarthritis, eliminates inflammation and improves mobility. The method is easy to use. You need to attach the sheet to the sore shoulder and leave it overnight.
- Decoctions of chamomile, nettle, burdock and marigolds should be added to the bath.
- Hirudotherapy. It is an excellent option for treating acute and chronic shoulder osteoarthritis. 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 using folk methods should be prescribed by a doctor after an examination and understanding that there is no allergy to the components included in the recipes.
Diet for osteoarthritis
A simple diet is essential to restore cartilage quickly. The body needs to be filled with nutrients. The diet should include the following foods:
- Fruit jelly.
- Bran.
- Different types of nuts.
- Eggs.
- Buckwheat.
Vitamins are recommended. Eat small meals 4-5 times. In order to achieve a stable remission, this menu should be adhered to at all times.
prophylaxis
Preventive measures to get rid of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint are based on the exclusion of factors that can provoke the disease. It is necessary to lead a healthy and relatively active lifestyle. It is important to follow these rules:
- Introduce moderate exercise every day.
- It is important to avoid the cold.
- Use chondroprotectors for shoulder pain.
- Get rid of extra pounds.
- Avoid excessive physical labor.
If you follow these rules, you can keep your health for many years. No shoulder osteoarthritis is going to be scary. These rules are important for anyone over 45 and for those involved in professional sports.
Contraindications
Lifting weights is considered the main contraindication. If a person is diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the shoulder and works as a loader, they will have to change their occupations. When shopping for goods in the supermarket, you should use a trolley and not put any weight on your shoulder. It is categorically contraindicated to practice boxing, wrestling, and bodybuilding.
Conclusion
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a condition that destroys the joint. Without treatment and taking medication, the cartilage tissue of the shoulder gradually deteriorates. Movements are restricted, pain occurs. At the first symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor and undergo the prescribed treatment. At the initial stage, the prognosis for recovery is favorable.