Shoulder arthrosis is a common disease. Every person faces 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 up and faces serious problems. The information presented in the article will help determine the pathology at an early stage of development. You can learn how to treat arthrosis of the shoulder joint.
What is shoulder arthrosis?
Shoulder arthrosis is a painful change, 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 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. Visit a doctor who will prescribe a competent comprehensive 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 them are:
- Physiological damage - fracture or dislocation;
- Overweight;
- Hormonal disbalance;
- 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 a timely manner, to undergo a course of treatment for shoulder arthrosis.
Symptoms
The first signs of arthrosis 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 the weather conditions change. Pain is also noted when palpating and with factors such as:
- Increased physical activity.
- Lifting weights.
- Hypothermia.
If the disease is not treated, pain in the shoulder joint begins to bother at rest. Restriction in movement is increasing. It becomes difficult to complete daily tasks. Contracture and crepitus 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
Pathology has three stages of development. It is worth knowing how arthrosis of the shoulder joint manifests itself, what symptoms are characteristic for each degree:
- First. It is manifested by aching pain. Unpleasant painful and constraining sensations are exacerbated at night. In this case, the movement is not limited.
- Second. In the process of moving the shoulder, a person hears a crunch. Pain torments a person constantly. There is a serious limitation in movement.
- Third. At this stage, the person begins to wear out unbearable pain in the shoulder region. The arm is fixed in one comfortable, less painful position. Visually, X-ray shows pathological deformity.
The main difference between arthrosis of the shoulder joint and other diseases is the ability not to manifest itself, not to develop for a long period. The condition will worsen only in the presence of provoking factors.
Diagnostics
Shoulder arthrosis can be diagnosed with a standard x-ray of the shoulder. The picture is taken in two projections. The doctor determines the disease in the presence of such factors as:
- Narrowing of the joint space;
- Osteophyte formation;
- Bone sclerosis.
Under certain conditions, other methods of shoulder research are prescribed. Ultrasound to determine the thickness of the cartilage, to assess the condition of the soft tissues.
At the second stage of the development of pathology, an arthroscopy procedure is prescribed. This is an invasive research method. During its implementation, an endoscope is inserted into the shoulder cavity. Simultaneously with the study of the state 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 arthrosis. The procedure allows you to assess the condition of the bone structure, cartilage and ligaments, to understand how to treat shoulder arthrosis.
Along with the standard instrumental methods, the doctor prescribes a urine test, blood donation. This is necessary to detect inflammation.
Which doctor should I go to?
For an initial examination, you must visit a therapist. He studies the patient's condition, prescribes tests. Gives referrals to other specialists:
- Orthopedist;
- Rheumatologist;
- Surgeon;
- Neurologist.
Having received the conclusions of these doctors, the test results, the therapist prescribes a suitable treatment for arthrosis of the shoulder joint. 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 manifests itself, a rheumatologist prescribes therapy.
The help of a neurologist may be required if compression of the nerve bundle is noted. The surgeon performs an intervention if the disease is advanced and requires intra-articular manipulations.
Treatment
Medicine offers many effective treatments. To eliminate inflammation, pain, pain relievers are prescribed. After the removal 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 an effective and quick treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, a specialist prescribes medicines of different pharmacological groups. They are necessary 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 such medicines:
- Chondroprotectors. These are medicinal preparations made from herbal ingredients. They effectively nourish the cells. Medicines are recommended for use in remission, during an exacerbation.
- Corticosteroid group. Medication can provide long-term relief from pain. This is an excellent solution for a serious stage of pathology. If you follow the scheme of a competent specialist, undergo a complete treatment of a diseased shoulder joint, you can reduce the foci of pathology and restore cartilage.
- NSAIDs. The drugs quickly eliminate pain that manifests itself with degenerative changes. Relief of pain and inflammation allows 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. Competently structured medical treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint relieves inflammation, removes soreness.
Surgical
This surgical intervention is indispensable for such factors:
- Lack of effect from the previously prescribed and carried out conservative treatment;
- The occurrence of complications;
- Manifestation of degenerative destructive changes.
If there are irreversible changes in appearance or functioning, arthroplasty is performed. The affected part is replaced with an artificial one through surgery. This is a complex operation that requires the ideal professional qualifications from the doctor.
Therapy
Physiotherapy is the focus of attention to alleviate the signs of shoulder arthrosis. After the main course of treatment, it is necessary to reduce pain and restore natural mobility. The following procedures are prescribed:
- Cryotherapy for 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 physiotherapy exercises. Gymnastics with a low load is prescribed at an early stage of pathology. This will relieve exacerbation attacks. It will allow you to quickly cure a sore shoulder joint. A standard training complex looks like this:
- The man sits down on a chair. Locks the brushes in the lock. Several stretches are done forward and immediately back. You need to perform such a movement twice with short pauses.
- 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.
- In a standing position, you should perform several jerks with the simultaneous abduction of the elbows behind the back. This is a great method to give the spine a load, to work out the entire shoulder area.
Exercising regularly will relieve pain for a long time and will 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;
- Removal of edema;
- Toning the muscles;
- Elimination of 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, the treatment of shoulder arthrosis with folk remedies is considered relevant. Here are the most effective recipes:
- Compress with cabbage leaf. Reduces pain in arthrosis, removes 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 calendula should be added to the bath.
- Hirudotherapy. It is an excellent option for dealing with acute and chronic shoulder arthrosis. 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 arthrosis of the shoulder joint by folk 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
Eating a simple diet is important to quickly restore cartilage. The body needs to be filled with nutrients. The diet should contain the following foods:
- Fruit jelly.
- Bran.
- Nuts of different varieties.
- Eggs.
- Buckwheat.
Vitamins are recommended. Eat small meals 4-5 times. To achieve a stable remission, this menu should be adhered to constantly.
Prophylaxis
Preventive measures aimed at getting rid of arthrosis 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 lifestyle. It is important to adhere to these rules:
- Introduce daily moderate exercise.
- It is important to avoid being in the cold.
- Use chondroprotectors for shoulder pain.
- Get rid of extra pounds.
- Avoid excessive physical work.
Following these rules will allow you to maintain health for many years. No shoulder arthrosis will be scary. These rules are important for people over 45 and for those involved in professional sports.
Contraindications
Lifting weights is considered the main contraindication. If a person is diagnosed with arthrosis of the shoulder, and he works as a loader, he will have to change his occupation. When buying goods in a supermarket, you should use a trolley and not burden your shoulder. It is categorically contraindicated to engage in boxing, wrestling and bodybuilding.
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, 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.