Osteoarthritis of the shoulder is a common disease. Each person is faced with the symptoms of the initial stage of this pathology. But someone immediately turns to a specialist and undergoes treatment, preventing the disease from developing, while someone starts it and faces serious problems. The information presented in the article will help to determine the pathology at an early stage of development. You can learn how to treat osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.
What is osteoarthritis of the shoulder?
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder is a painful change, a destruction of cartilage tissue. As the disease progresses, it thins. Subsequently, the damaged areas are replaced by osteocytes. This destructive process is caused by insufficient nutrition of chondrocytes and a violation of the 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 a comprehensive and competent restorative treatment.
The reasons for the development of the disease
There are many reasons for the appearance and development of pathology. Among the most important of these are:
- Physiological damage - fracture or dislocation;
- Overweight;
- Hormonal imbalance;
- Professional sports;
- 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. For this reason, it is so important to diagnose diseases in time, to undergo treatment for osteoarthritis of the shoulder.
Symptoms
The first signs of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint are associated with pain when the arm is pulled back or to the side. It manifests itself most strongly in the morning and when weather conditions change. Pain is also noted on palpation and with factors such as:
- Increased physical activity.
- Lifting weights.
- Hypothermia.
If the disease is left untreated, pain in the shoulder joint begins to interfere with rest. Restriction of movement increases. It becomes difficult to accomplish daily tasks. The contracture and crackle gradually develop. These phenomena are based on the formation of growths called osteophytes. With an exacerbation, the shoulder swells, redness appears. There is an increase in temperature in the shoulder area.
Stages of the disease
The pathology has three stages of development. It should be known how osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is manifested, what are the characteristic symptoms of each degree:
- First of all. It manifests as painful pain. Unpleasant painful and constraining sensations are exacerbated at night. In this case, the movement is not limited.
- Second. When moving the shoulder, a person hears a crunch. Pain constantly torments a person. There is a serious limitation of movement.
- Third. At this point, the person begins to feel unbearable pain in the shoulder area. The arm 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, not to develop for a long time. The condition will only get worse in the presence of provoking factors.
Diagnostic
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder can be diagnosed by a standard x-ray of the shoulder. The photo is taken in two projections. The doctor determines the disease in the presence of factors such as:
- Narrowing of the joint space;
- Formation of osteophytes;
- Bone sclerosis.
Under certain conditions, other methods of finding the shoulder are prescribed. Ultrasound to determine the thickness of the cartilage, to assess 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 its placement, an endoscope is inserted into the shoulder cavity. Simultaneously with the study of the condition of the tissues, bone growths are removed.
If available, ultrasound and x-rays can be substituted for MRI. This is a unique, informative method for examining the body with osteoarthritis. The procedure allows you to assess the condition of the bone structure, cartilage and ligaments, understand how to treat osteoarthritis of the shoulder.
Along with standard instrumental methods, the doctor prescribes a urine test, blood donation. This is necessary to detect inflammation.
Which doctor should I contact?
For a first examination, you must consult a therapist. He studies the patient's condition, prescribes tests. Gives referrals to other specialists:
- Orthopedist;
- rheumatologist;
- Surgeon;
- Neurologist.
After receiving the conclusions of these doctors, the results of the tests, the therapist prescribes appropriate treatment for osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint. Reception of this specialist is indicated at the first stage of development of the disease. If the problem develops with complications and an inflammatory process manifests itself, a rheumatologist prescribes treatment.
The help of a neurologist may be necessary if compression of the nerve bundle is noted. The surgeon performs an intervention if the disease is advanced and requires intra-articular manipulations.
Processing
Medicine offers many effective treatments. To eliminate inflammation, pain, pain relievers are prescribed. After the elimination of acute inflammation, the doctor prescribes a course of fortifying and regenerating agents. To increase the therapeutic effect, drug treatment is supplemented with a diet, the use of alternative methods.
Medication
For effective and timely treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, a specialist prescribes drugs of different pharmacological groups. They are needed to restore damaged cartilage tissue, eliminate pain symptoms, and improve the general well-being of the patient. The result can be achieved through the use of these drugs:
- Chondroprotectors. These are medicinal preparations made from herbal ingredients. They effectively nourish the cells. Drugs are recommended for use in remission, during an exacerbation.
- Corticosteroid group. Medication can provide long-term pain relief. It is an excellent solution for a severe stage of the pathology. If you follow the scheme of a competent specialist, undergo comprehensive treatment of a diseased shoulder joint, you can reduce the foci of pathology and restore cartilage.
- NSAIDs. The drugs quickly get rid of the pain, which manifests itself in degenerative changes. The relief of pain and inflammation allows for free movement.
In addition to drugs for internal use, the attending physician prescribes external treatments. We are talking about ointments and gels. They are rubbed directly into the inflamed area. Competently structured medical treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint relieves inflammation, eliminates pain.
Surgical
This surgical intervention is essential for such factors:
- Lack of effect of previously prescribed and carried out conservative treatment;
- The occurrence of complications;
- Manifestation of degenerative destructive changes.
If there are irreversible changes in appearance or function, joint replacement is performed. The affected part is replaced by an artificial part by surgery. This is a complex operation which requires the ideal professional qualifications of the doctor.
Therapy
Physiotherapy is the center of attention to reduce the signs of osteoarthritis of the shoulder. After the main treatment, it is necessary to reduce pain and restore natural mobility. The following procedures are prescribed:
- Cryotherapy for the affected area;
- electrophoresis;
- Magnetic therapy.
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 should be performed by highly qualified physicians.
Gymnastic
We are talking about physiotherapy exercises. Low-load gymnastics is prescribed at an early stage of pathology. This will relieve exacerbation attacks. It will allow you to quickly heal a painful shoulder joint. A standard training complex looks like this:
- The man sits on a chair. Locks the brushes in the lock. Several stretches are performed forwards and immediately backwards. You need to perform such a movement twice with short pauses.
- In the same position, you should put your hands on your hips and relax. Then you need to perform 4-5 manipulations of the shoulders, moving in different directions.
- In a standing position, you need to perform several shakes with the simultaneous abduction of the elbows behind the back. This is a great method to put a load on the spine, to work the entire shoulder area.
Regular exercise will provide long-lasting pain relief and restore shoulder mobility.
Massage
When deciding how to treat the shoulder joint, doctors often prescribe a course of massage. This will provide results such as:
- Improve tissue nutrition;
- Elimination of edema;
- Tone the muscles;
- Elimination of pain.
If you entrust the massage to a professional, after a few sessions you can see a positive effect.
Traditional methods
Despite the rapid development of modern medicine, the treatment of arthritis of the shoulder with folk remedies is considered relevant. Here are the most effective recipes:
- Compress with the cabbage leaf. Reduces pain in osteoarthritis, eliminates inflammation and improves mobility. The method is easy to use. You need to tie the sheet to the painful shoulder and leave it overnight.
- Decoctions of chamomile, nettle, burdock and calendula should be added to the bath.
- Hirudotherapy. It is a great option for treating acute and chronic osteoarthritis of the shoulder. The procedure quickly restores blood circulation, relieves pain and swelling.
Despite the ease of use and versatility of traditional methods, you do not have to self-medicate. Treatment of chronic osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint by traditional methods should be prescribed by a doctor after an examination and understand that there is no allergy to the components in the recipes.
Nutrition for osteoarthritis
Eating simple foods is important for quickly restoring cartilage. The body needs to be filled with nutrients. The diet should contain the following foods:
- Fruit jelly.
- Fiber.
- Nuts of different varieties.
- Eggs.
- Buckwheat.
Vitamins are recommended. Eat small meals 4 to 5 times. To achieve stable remission, this menu must be followed 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 fairly active life. It is important to respect these rules:
- Introduce moderate daily exercise.
- It is important to avoid getting cold.
- Use chondroprotectors for shoulder pain.
- Get rid of extra pounds.
- Avoid excessive physical labor.
Adherence to these rules will allow you to stay healthy for many years. No arthritis of the shoulder will be scary. These rules are important for people over 45 and for those who play professional sport.
Contraindications
Lifting weights is considered the main contraindication. If a person is diagnosed with arthritis of the shoulder and works as a loader, they will have to change jobs. When you buy goods in a supermarket, you should use a cart and not weigh your shoulder down. It is categorically contraindicated to practice boxing, wrestling and weight training.
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 in the shoulder will gradually deteriorate. The movements will become constrained, the pain will appear. At the first symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor and follow the prescribed treatment. At the initial stage, the prognosis for recovery is favorable.