Arthrosis of the shoulder joint - symptoms, treatment and prevention of the disease

Arthrosis 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 and undergo treatment, preventing 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 arthrosis of the shoulder joint.

What is shoulder arthrosis?

Arthrosis of the shoulder joint is a painful change, the destruction of cartilage 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 impaired 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 of them 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 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 in a timely manner 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 back or to the side.It manifests itself most strongly in the morning and when weather conditions change.There is also pain when palpating and with such factors 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.Restriction in movements increases.It becomes difficult to complete daily tasks.Contracture and crepitus 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

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.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 torments a person constantly.Serious limitation in movements appears.
3. Third.At this stage, a person begins to be exhausted by unbearable pain in the shoulder region.The hand is fixed in one comfortable, 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 period.The condition will worsen only in the presence of provoking factors.

Diagnostics

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

• Narrowing of the joint space;
• Formation of osteophytes;
• Sclerosis of bone tissue.

Under 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.

At the second stage of pathology development, 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 by MRI.This is a unique informative method of examining the body with arthrosis.The procedure allows you to assess the condition of the bone structure, cartilage and ligaments, and understand how to treat shoulder arthrosis.

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, you must visit a therapist.He studies the patient’s condition and prescribes tests.Provides referrals to other specialists:

• Orthopedist;
• Rheumatologist;
• Surgeon;
• Neurologist.

Having received the conclusions of these doctors and test results, the therapist prescribes appropriate treatment for arthrosis of the shoulder joint.Appointment with this specialist is indicated at 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, painkillers are prescribed.After the acute inflammation is relieved, the doctor prescribes a course of restorative and regenerating agents.To increase the therapeutic effect, drug treatment is supplemented with diet and the use of alternative techniques.

Medication

For effective and rapid 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 by using the following medications:

1. Chondroprotectors.These are medicines made from herbal ingredients.They effectively nourish cells.It is recommended to use medications during remission and during exacerbation.
2. 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 complete 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 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 into the inflamed area.Properly structured drug treatment for arthrosis of the shoulder joint relieves inflammation and eliminates pain.

Surgical

This surgical intervention 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 functioning occur, endoprosthetics 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 relieving the signs of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, attention is paid to physical therapy.After the main course of treatment, you need to reduce pain and restore natural mobility.The following procedures are prescribed:

• Cryotherapy on 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.The procedures must be performed by highly qualified doctors.

Gymnastics

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

1. A man sits down on a chair.Secures brushes in a lock.Several stretches are made forward and immediately back.You need to perform this movement twice with short pauses.
2. In the same position, you need to 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 jerks while simultaneously moving your elbows behind your back.This is an excellent method to give the spine a load 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 such as:

• Improving tissue nutrition;
• Relieving swelling;
• Toning muscles;
• Eliminate pain.

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

Traditional methods

Despite the rapid development of modern medicine, 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 arthrosis, removes inflammation and improves mobility.The method is easy to use.You need to apply the leaf to 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 for combating acute and chronic shoulder arthrosis.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 using 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 arthrosis

To quickly restore 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 stable remission, this menu should be followed constantly.

Prevention

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

1. Introduce daily moderate 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 of age and for those involved in professional sports.

Contraindications

The main contraindication is lifting heavy objects.If a person has been diagnosed with shoulder arthrosis and works as a loader, he will have to change his occupation.When buying goods in a supermarket, you should use a cart and not put any strain on your shoulder.Boxing, wrestling and bodybuilding are strictly contraindicated.

Conclusion

Arthrosis 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 become constrained and pain will appear.At the first symptoms, you should immediately visit a doctor and undergo the prescribed course of treatment.At the initial stage, the prognosis for recovery is favorable.