When confirming such a diagnosis as arthrosis of the shoulder joint, the symptoms and treatment are largely interconnected. This pathology refers to degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. This disorder is characterized by gradual wear of the cartilage tissue and the main elements of the articulation. According to statistics, more than 45% of modern older people have pronounced manifestations of this disease of the shoulder joint. This pathology is extremely dangerous, because it can cause early disability. At first, the shoulder joints crackle, but then more pronounced symptoms appear.
Primary signs of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
In relatively young people, traumatic arthrosis of the shoulder joint is most often observed. The causes of this pathological condition are rooted in tissue damage. Even minor injuries can provoke the development of the disease. In this case, the pathology manifests itself faster and proceeds in a more acute form than with tissue damage against the background of the natural aging process. Thus, when the characteristic symptoms of this pathological condition appear, targeted treatment is required to prevent the problem from worsening.
In most cases, this disorder is asymptomatic for a long time. At first, arthrosis of the right shoulder can manifest itself as a slight decrease in the mobility of the joint after significant physical stress. There are also short-term bouts of dull pain. Such signs of the development of pathology can be ignored by a person 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 hand movements, there is often a characteristic crunch in the shoulder. Painful sensations in this case may be completely absent. Shoulder-scapular arthrosis of the left shoulder joint, as well as the right one, for a long time can be manifested by minor morphological changes in the structure of tissues.
In this pathological condition, even after a short period of rest, severe stiffness may be present. It becomes difficult to fully move your hand. In some cases, discomfort may persist. Hand with osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint in the morning obeys with difficulty. Severe numbness may be present. In addition, with this disease, already in the early stages of its development, there is a violation of muscle tone in the affected area. In the future, with osteoarthritis, the shoulder joint crunches when performing various hand movements. Even in this case, intense painful sensations may be absent.
Many shoulder diseases are a contraindication for urgent military service. However, changes must be expressed clearly. Often, the army does not call on young people with severe post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the shoulder. This must be taken into account when passing a medical examination.
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
If the primary signs of the acromioclavicular joint were ignored by the patient himself, the situation may worsen in the future. Under the acromion is meant an element of the shoulder complex, consisting of the bones of the shoulder, scapula and collarbone. It is this element that is affected against the background of significant thinning and destruction of cartilage tissue. At stages 2 and 3 of the development of such a pathological condition as arthrosis of the shoulder joint, the symptoms become very distinct.
In this case, changes in the structure of tissues are pronounced. Already at the 2nd stage of the pathological process, when raising the arm up and moving it to the sides, the shoulder clearly crackles. The joint is gradually deformed, which is accompanied by episodes of the inflammatory process. In this case, when lifting even a small weight, pain may appear. Often there is tension in the muscles of the neck. The temperature in the area of the affected joint is increased. In addition, swelling and swelling are observed.
A crunch in the shoulder joint and pain at the 3rd stage of the development of the pathological process persist constantly. Gradually, the limitation of the mobility of the joint increases. Shoulder arthrosis is accompanied by an increase in sensitivity to changes in weather conditions. In cold and rainy weather, the patient may complain of aches and pains in the shoulders. When raising the arm, the symptoms of the disease in a person intensify. In women, the aggravation of the manifestations of this pathology is observed in the postmenopausal period. Osteoarthritis of the shoulder leads to the complete destruction of the articular surfaces and bone elements. This causes immobilization of the limb. Such an unfavorable course is extremely rare. Usually, the causes of its development are rooted in the absence of adequate treatment and the presence of increased physical stress on the joint.
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
When characteristic signs of a pathological condition appear, you should contact a specialist as soon as possible. Considering which doctor treats osteoarthritis, it must be taken into account that this disease in some highly specialized centers is stopped under the control of an arthrologist. In most cases, patients are assisted by a traumatologist, rheumatologist or orthopedist. Comprehensive diagnosis of shoulder joint disease is carried out under the supervision of a number of doctors. 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 evaluates the patient's complaints. A physical examination is carried out.
This allows the doctor to suspect a pathology when finding out the reason why the joints crunch during rotation.
Restricted mobility and other symptoms may indicate a problem. However, in order to understand what to do to eliminate the symptoms, a number of studies and analyzes are required. In order to make an accurate diagnosis of DOA of the shoulder joint, it is necessary to conduct a conventional x-ray in two projections. In rare cases, doctors have to resort to more specific research methods that allow obtaining accurate data about the condition of the joint. A comprehensive examination 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 can reveal signs of the inflammatory process. In addition, indicators of changes obtained from laboratory tests may indicate the addition of arthritis, which is quite often observed in this case.
Medical treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
After a comprehensive examination of the condition of the shoulder joint, the doctor will select an adequate 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 a cut or elastic bandage can be prescribed. This reduces the intensity of symptomatic manifestations. During this period, the use of a number of drugs is shown to eliminate the bright signs of pathology.
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 to eliminate not only the inflammatory process, but also edema. In addition, they reduce the tension of the neck muscles.
From arthrosis, chondroprotectors are often used. These drugs help to reduce the rate of destruction of cartilage tissue. Such remedies are especially effective when a patient has been diagnosed with post-traumatic arthrosis of the shoulder joint at the initial stage of its development. Often, glucocorticosteroid hormonal drugs are introduced into the therapy regimen. These drugs are used to treat arthrosis of the shoulder joint, which accompanies severe inflammation of the tissues. In addition, these drugs have a pronounced immunosuppressive and antiallergic effect. Thus, when the question arises of how to cure arthrosis, which is accompanied by an autoimmune reaction, one cannot do without such drugs.
To suppress arthrosis, medications are selected by the doctor individually for each patient. This will give you the best effect. However, treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint only with drugs in most cases is not advisable. To eliminate the manifestations and to prevent exacerbations of this pathological condition, it is required to use physiotherapy methods, follow a diet and certain rules of behavior. Currently, the answer to the question of whether osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint can be cured is negative. However, with the right integrated approach, it is possible to achieve a pronounced improvement in the condition.
Physiotherapy for the elimination of 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 any physiotherapeutic manipulations must be agreed with the doctor, because under certain circumstances they can aggravate the course of such a pathology as arthrosis of the ACS. Often, with DOA of the right shoulder joint, treatment involves:
- massage course;
- paraffin therapy;
- exercise therapy;
- UHF;
- hydrogen sulfide and radon baths;
- exposure to ultrasound;
- electrophoresis;
- magnetic field therapy.
In addition, a course of manual therapy may be recommended. How many sessions the osteopath should have depends largely on how quickly the DOA syndrome progresses. Often it takes a long time to turn to it to achieve a positive result. In most cases, with osteopathic treatment, a clear improvement can be achieved and the joints stop creaking. To recover from this disease, you need to learn how to properly perform a complex of exercise therapy. In the future, to maintain the normal function of the joint, it is required to do such exercises for the rest of your life.
Both in case of damage to the joint in the knee, and in case of violation of the integrity of the articulation of the scapula, therapeutic exercises are first learned under the supervision of a physiotherapist. This will avoid overstressing 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 with the patient forever, but its manifestations are effectively treated with an integrated approach.
Diet therapy for the relief of the manifestation of the disease
Equally important is proper nutrition in osteoarthritis. It should be aimed at reducing body weight. At the same time, it is very important that the products that are included in the daily diet fully satisfy the body's need for proteins, vitamins and minerals. The diet for arthrosis of the shoulder joint should be aimed at reducing the amount of salt consumed. When choosing foods that can be eaten, you need to take into account the recommendations of the doctor.
With a deformed shoulder, it is recommended to introduce dishes containing a lot of collagen into the diet. These include jelly, jellies and strong bone broths. With such diseases of the musculoskeletal system, it is desirable to increase the consumption of high-fat dairy products, since they contain a high content of calcium, which is necessary to restore damaged cartilage tissue.
In the presence of such a disease as shoulder arthrosis, it is imperative to introduce oatmeal, buckwheat and barley porridge into the diet. Nutrition with arthrosis has certain limitations. Products made from white flour and sweets should be discarded. The diet for this pathology involves the use of a large number of vegetables and fruits. These products help to increase the speed of metabolic processes and are distinguished by an increased content of vitamins and minerals. Their use helps to quickly cope even with such a disease as deforming arthrosis of the shoulder joint. When planning meals for arthrosis, any semi-finished products, canned food, marinades should be completely abandoned.
Vegetables and meat should be steamed or stewed. It is also allowed to bake dishes in the oven. To suppress clavicular arthrosis, as well as coxarthrosis, it is very important to get used to eating food in small portions. Systematic overeating contributes to an increase in body weight and negatively affects the rate of metabolic processes.
Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint
Surgical intervention is usually prescribed at stage 3 of the development of the pathological process, and in addition, if the disease progresses rapidly and cannot be suppressed by conservative methods. Surgical treatment for arthrosis of the shoulder joint can be used 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 suppress the disease if the articulation is deformed too much, because of which the mobility of the hand is impaired.
Proper surgical intervention, and then a course of rehabilitation, allows you to return a person to a normal life.
If deforming osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint was treated without complications, the patient can forget about 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 service life.
Folk remedies for arthrosis of the shoulder
Various recipes based on herbs and other natural ingredients can only be used as an additional method of exposure, and after agreeing on the appropriateness of such therapy with the attending physician. When the problem arises, how to treat arthrosis of the shoulder joint with folk remedies, they often use a mixture of propolis and pork fat. To prepare this composition, these components must be taken in equal proportions. In order for them to mix well, they must first be melted 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 brew with boiling water. It is required to insist the remedy for 5-10 minutes. Before each meal, you need to consume 1 tbsp. 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, you need to add a cool 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 compresses can eliminate acute manifestations of deforming osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint. First, this herbal product should be brewed and removed to infuse for 15-20 minutes. The finished product must be laid out on gauze folded several times and fixed on the shoulder with a bandage and adhesive plaster. It is necessary to keep the compress all night.
In folk medicine, burdock leaves are often used to eliminate the manifestations of this disease. They need to be fixed on the shoulder blade and left overnight. The course of treatment with this remedy is about 2 weeks.