When confirming such a diagnosis as arthrosis of the shoulder joint, the symptoms and the treatment are largely interrelated. This pathology refers to degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. This disorder is characterized by gradual wear of cartilage tissue and the main elements of articulation. According to statistics, more than 45% of modern elderly people have pronounced manifestations of this disease of the shoulder joint. This pathology is extremely dangerous, because it can cause early disability. At the beginning, the shoulder joints crack, but then more pronounced symptoms appear.
Primary signs of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
Traumatic arthrosis of the shoulder joint is most common in relatively young people. The causes of this pathological condition are rooted in tissue damage. Even minor injuries can cause the development of the disease. In this case, the pathology manifests itself more quickly and progresses in a more acute form than with tissue damage in the background of the natural aging process. Therefore, when the characteristic symptoms of this pathological condition appear, targeted treatment is needed to prevent the problem from getting worse.
In most cases, this disorder is asymptomatic for a long time. Initially, osteoarthritis of the right shoulder may be manifested by a slight decrease in joint mobility after significant physical stress. There are also short-term attacks of dull pain. Such signs of pathology development can be ignored for a long time.
It should be noted that deforming osteoarthritis (DOA) of the left shoulder joint is observed many times less than the right one. This is due to the peculiarities of load distribution when lifting weights in everyday life. However, in this case, the symptoms are much more intense even in the early stages of the development of the pathological process. With certain arm movements, there is often a characteristic crunch in the shoulder. Painful feelings in this case may be completely absent. Shoulder-scapular arthrosis of the left shoulder joint, as well as the right, can be manifested for a long time by minor morphological changes in the tissue structure.
In this pathological condition, even after a short period of rest, severe stiffness may be present. It becomes difficult to move your arm completely. In some cases, the discomfort may last. The hand with osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint listens with difficulty in the morning. Severe numbness may be present. In addition, in this disease, already in the early stages of development, there is a violation of muscle tone in the affected area. In the future, in osteoarthritis, the shoulder joint will squeak when performing various hand movements. Even in this case, intense painful sensations may be absent.
Many shoulder diseases are a contraindication for emergency military service. However, the changes must be clearly articulated. Often the military does not call young people with severe post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the shoulder. This must be taken into account when taking a medical examination.
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
If the patient himself ignores the primary signs of acromioclavicular joint, the situation may worsen in the future. By acromion is meant an element of the shoulder complex consisting of the shoulder bones, the scapula and the collarbone. It is this element that is affected in the background of significant thinning and destruction of cartilage tissue. In stages 2 and 3 of the development of such a pathological condition as arthrosis of the shoulder joint, the symptoms become very pronounced.
In this case, changes in tissue structure are pronounced. Already in the 2nd phase of the pathological process, when raising the arm and moving to the side, the shoulder clearly cracks. The joint gradually deforms, which is followed by episodes of the inflammatory process. In that case, when lifting even a small weight, pain can occur. There is often tension in the neck muscles. The temperature in the affected joint area is elevated. In addition, swelling and edema are observed.
Crunching in the shoulder joint and pain in the 3rd phase of the development of the pathological process last constantly. The limitation of joint mobility is gradually increasing. Osteoarthritis of the shoulder is accompanied by an increase in sensitivity to changes in weather conditions. In cold and rainy weather, the patient may complain of shoulder pain. When the arm is raised, the symptoms of the disease in a person intensify. In women, worsening of the manifestations of this pathology was observed in the postmenopausal period. Osteoarthritis of the shoulder leads to complete destruction of joint surfaces and bone elements. This causes limb immobilization. Such an unfavorable course is extremely rare. Usually, the causes of its development are rooted in the lack of adequate treatment and the presence of increased physical stress on the joint.
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
When the characteristic signs of a pathological condition appear, you should consult a specialist as soon as possible. Given which doctor treats osteoarthritis, it must be taken into account that this disease is stopped in some highly specialized centers under the supervision of an arthrologist. In most cases, patients are assisted by a traumatologist, rheumatologist or orthopedist. A comprehensive diagnosis of shoulder joint disease is made under the supervision of a number of physicians. It should be borne in mind that such a pathological condition as arthrosis progresses slowly, but in the absence of targeted therapy, the outcome can be extremely unfavorable.
The specialist collects the most accurate anamnesis and assesses the patient's complaints. A physical examination is performed.
This allows the doctor to suspect pathology when he discovers the reason why the joints squeak during rotation.
Limited mobility and other symptoms may indicate a problem. However, in order to understand what to do to eliminate the symptoms, it is necessary to conduct a series of studies and analyzes. In order to make an accurate diagnosis of DOA of the shoulder joint, it is necessary to make a conventional X-ray in two projections. In rare cases, doctors must resort to more specific research methods that allow accurate data on the condition of the joint. A comprehensive review may require:
- Ultrasound of the affected area;
- MRI;
- scintigraphy;
- CT;
- thermography;
- arthroscopy.
In the process of diagnosing pathology, general blood and urine tests are performed. Such studies may reveal signs of an inflammatory process. In addition, indicators of change obtained from laboratory tests may indicate the addition of arthritis, which in this case is quite common.
Medical treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
After a comprehensive examination of the condition of the shoulder joint, the doctor will select the appropriate therapy. If the disease is in the acute phase of development, then when considering how to treat osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, external fixation of the joint with an incision or elastic bandage may be prescribed. This reduces the intensity of symptomatic manifestations. During this period, the use of numerous drugs to remove the bright signs of pathology has been shown.
In the presence of a pronounced pain syndrome, drugs belonging to the group of analgesics are usually prescribed. In addition, injections of corticosteroids into the joint cavity may be recommended. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are effective. They are used for long courses, because they help eliminate not only the inflammatory process, but also edema. In addition, they reduce neck muscle tension.
Chondroprotectors are often used for osteoarthritis. These drugs help reduce the rate of destruction of cartilage tissue. Such drugs are especially effective when a patient is diagnosed with post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint in the initial stage of its development. Glucocorticosteroid hormone drugs are often introduced into the treatment regimen. These drugs are used to treat osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, which is accompanied by severe inflammation of the tissues. In addition, these drugs have a pronounced immunosuppressive and antiallergic effect. So, when the question is asked how to cure osteoarthritis, which is accompanied by an autoimmune reaction, it is impossible without such drugs.
To combat osteoarthritis, medications are selected by the doctor individually for each patient. This will give you the best effect. However, treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint with drugs alone is not recommended in most cases. In order to eliminate the manifestations and prevent the worsening of this pathological condition, it is necessary to use physiotherapeutic methods, adhere to the diet and certain rules of conduct. Currently, the answer to the question of whether osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint can be cured is negative. However, with a proper integrated approach, a marked improvement in the situation can be achieved.
Physiotherapy to eliminate arthrosis of the shoulder joint
There are a number of procedures and exercises that can alleviate the condition of people suffering from this disease. At the same time, it must be taken into account that all physiotherapeutic manipulations must be agreed with the doctor, because under certain circumstances they can worsen the course of such pathology as arthrosis of the ACS. Often, in DOA of the right shoulder joint, treatment includes:
- massage course;
- paraffin therapy;
- exercise therapy;
- UHF;
- hydrogen sulfide and radon baths;
- ultrasound exposure;
- electrophoresis;
- magnetic field therapy.
In addition, a course of manual therapy may be recommended. How many sessions an osteopath should have depends largely on how quickly the DOA syndrome progresses. It often takes a long time to turn around in order to achieve a positive result. In most cases, osteopathic treatment can achieve clear improvement and the joints stop squeaking. To recover from this disease, you need to learn how to properly perform a complex of exercise therapy. In the future, to maintain normal joint function, it is necessary to do such exercises for the rest of your life.
Both in the case of damage to the knee joint and in the case of impaired integrity of the shoulder blade articulation, therapeutic exercises are first taught under the supervision of a physiotherapist. This will avoid overloading the joint and at the same time help strengthen the muscles that serve as its frame. Such damage to the region of the clavicle and shoulder-shoulder joint remains in the patient forever, but its manifestations are effectively treated with an integrated approach.
Diet therapy to alleviate the manifestation of the disease
Proper nutrition is equally important in arthritis. It should be aimed at reducing body weight. At the same time, it is very important that the products in the daily diet fully satisfy the body's needs for proteins, vitamins and minerals. The diet for osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint should be aimed at reducing the amount of salt consumed. When choosing foods that can be eaten, you must take into account the recommendations of your doctor.
With a deformed shoulder, it is recommended to introduce foods that contain a lot of collagen into the diet. These include jellies, jellies and strong bone soups. In such diseases of the musculoskeletal system, it is desirable to increase the consumption of dairy products with a high fat content, because they contain a high content of calcium, which is necessary to repair damaged cartilage tissue.
In the presence of such a disease as shoulder arthrosis, it is necessary to introduce oatmeal, buckwheat and barley porridge into the diet. The diet with osteoarthritis has certain limitations. White flour products and sweets should be discarded. The diet for this pathology includes the use of a large number of vegetables and fruits. These products help increase the speed of metabolic processes and are characterized by increased content of vitamins and minerals. Their use helps to quickly cope with even such a disease as deforming arthrosis of the shoulder joint. When planning a meal for osteoarthritis, you should completely abandon all semi-finished products, canned food, marinades.
Vegetables and meat should be steamed or stewed. Baking dishes in the oven is also allowed. To combat clavicular arthrosis, as well as coxarthrosis, it is very important to get used to food in small portions. Systematic overeating contributes to weight gain and negatively affects the speed of metabolic processes.
Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
Surgical intervention is usually prescribed in the 3rd phase of the development of the pathological process, and in addition, if the disease progresses rapidly and cannot be suppressed by conservative methods. Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint can be applied in the presence of severe deformity. In this situation, the installation of an endoprosthesis is indicated, the damaged elements of the joint are replaced with artificial ones.
This is the only way to control the disease if the articulation is too deformed, which impairs the mobility of the hand.
Proper surgical intervention, and then the course of rehabilitation, allows you to return the person to a normal life.
If deforming osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is treated without complications, the patient can forget about the pain and discomfort for a long time, raising his arm and making other movements with it. Modern endoprostheses are made of high-strength polymers and titanium. They are characterized by a long working life.
Folk remedies for osteoarthritis of the shoulder
Various recipes based on herbs and other natural ingredients can be used only as an additional way of exposure, and after agreeing on the appropriateness of such therapy with the attending physician. When the problem arises, how to treat osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint with folk remedies, they often use a mixture of propolis and lard. To prepare this composition, these components must be taken in equal proportions. In order to mix well, they must first be dissolved in a water bath. The resulting composition should be rubbed into the affected area.
To eliminate inflammation and painful manifestations, it is necessary to take a decoction of corn stigmas. To prepare it, you need to take about 2-3 tbsp. l. vegetable raw materials and boil in boiling water. It is necessary to insist on the drug for 5-10 minutes. It is necessary to consume 1 tbsp before each meal. l. liquids. The course of treatment can be continued until the acute symptoms of joint damage disappear.
Herbal baths can give a certain positive effect. To prepare them, it is necessary to add a cold decoction of medicinal plants such as chamomile, burdock and nettle to hot water. After the procedure, be sure to rub with a dry towel.
In addition, oatmeal dressings can eliminate the acute manifestations of deforming osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint. First, this herbal product should be cooked and removed to stand for 15-20 minutes. The finished product must be laid on several times folded gauze and fastened to the shoulder with a bandage and adhesive plaster. The compress needs to be kept on all night.
In folk medicine, burdock leaves are often used to eliminate the manifestation of this disease. They should be attached to the spatula and left overnight. The course of treatment with this drug is about 2 weeks.