When confirming a diagnosis such as osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, symptoms and treatment are largely interconnected. This pathology refers to degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. This disorder is characterized by progressive wear of the cartilage tissue and the main elements of the joint. 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, as it can lead to early disability. At first, the shoulder joints crack, but later 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 pathology appear, targeted treatment is necessary to prevent the problem from getting worse.
In most cases, this disorder is asymptomatic for a long time. At first, osteoarthritis of the right shoulder can manifest itself by a slight decrease in the mobility of the joint after a major physical effort. There are also short-lived 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 arthrosis (DOA) of the left shoulder joint is observed much less than the right. 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 snap 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, can manifest itself for a long time with minor morphological changes in the structure of the tissues.
In this condition, even after a short period of rest, severe stiffness may be present. It becomes difficult to fully move your hand. In some cases, the discomfort may persist. The hand with arthrosis 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 arthrosis, the shoulder joint creaks when performing various hand movements. Even in this case, intense painful sensations may be absent.
Many shoulder diseases are a contraindication to urgent military service. However, the 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 arthrosis 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 clavicle. It is this element that is affected against the background of a significant thinning and destruction of cartilage tissue. In stages 2 and 3 of the development of a pathological condition such as osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, the symptoms become very distinct.
In this case, the changes in the structure of the tissues are pronounced. Already at the 2nd stage of the pathological process, raising the arm and moving it to the sides, the shoulder clearly crackles. The joint gradually deforms, which is accompanied by episodes of the inflammatory process. In this case, when lifting even a small weight, pain may appear. There is often tension in the neck muscles. The temperature in the affected joint area is increased. In addition, swelling and swelling are observed.
A crack in the shoulder joint and pain in the 3rd stage of the development of the pathological process constantly persists. Gradually, the limitation of joint mobility increases. Shoulder osteoarthritis is accompanied by an increased sensitivity to changes in weather conditions. In cold and rainy weather, the patient may complain of pain in the shoulders. 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. Arthrosis of the shoulder leads to the complete destruction of articular surfaces and bone elements. This causes immobilization of the limb. Such an unfavorable development 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 characteristic signs of a pathological condition appear, you should contact a specialist as soon as possible. Considering which doctor treats arthrosis, it should 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. A comprehensive diagnosis of the disease of the shoulder joint is carried out under the supervision of a number of doctors. It should be borne in mind that a pathological condition such 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 a pathology when he finds out the reason why the joints creak 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 needed. In order to make an accurate diagnosis of AOD of the shoulder joint, it is necessary to perform a conventional radiograph in two projections. In rare cases, doctors have to resort to more specific research methods that allow obtaining accurate data on the state of the joint. A full examination may require:
- Ultrasound of the affected area;
- MRI;
- scintigraphy;
- CT;
- thermography;
- arthroscopy.
In the process of diagnosing the pathology, general blood and urine tests are performed. Such studies can reveal signs of the inflammatory process. Also, 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 full 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 arthrosis of the shoulder joint, external fixation of the joint with a cut or an elastic bandage can be prescribed. This reduces the intensity of symptomatic manifestations. During this period, the use of a number of drugs has been 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. Additionally, corticosteroid injections into the joint cavity may be recommended. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are effective. They are used for long courses, as 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 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 treatment regimen. These drugs are used to treat osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, which accompanies severe tissue inflammation. In addition, these drugs have a pronounced immunosuppressive and antiallergic effect. So, 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, drugs are selected by the doctor individually for each patient. It will give you the best effect. However, treating osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint with medication alone in most cases is not advised. To eliminate manifestations and prevent exacerbations of this pathological condition, it is necessary to use methods of physiotherapy, 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 relieve the condition of people suffering from this disease. At the same time, it should be taken into account that any physiotherapeutic manipulations should be agreed with the doctor, since in certain circumstances it can aggravate the course of such a pathology as ACS arthrosis. Often, with DOA of the right shoulder joint, treatment involves:
- massage courses;
- paraffin therapy;
- exercise therapy;
- UHF;
- hydrogen sulfide and radon baths;
- ultrasound exposure;
- electrophoresis;
- magnetic field therapy.
Additionally, a manual therapy course may be recommended. The number of sessions the osteopath should have largely depends on how quickly the DOA syndrome progresses. It often takes a long time to turn to it to get a positive result. In most cases, with osteopathic treatment, a marked improvement can be achieved and the joints stop grinding. To recover from this disease, you need to learn how to perform an exercise therapy complex correctly. In the future, to maintain the normal function of the joint, it is necessary to do such exercises for the rest of your life.
Both in case of injury to the knee joint, and in case of violation of the integrity of the scapula joint, therapeutic exercises are first learned under the supervision of a physiotherapist. This will avoid putting too much strain on the joint and will at the same time help strengthen the muscles that serve as its framework. Such damage to the region of the collarbone and the shoulder-shoulder joint remains with the patient forever, but its manifestations are effectively treated with an integrated approach.
Dietary therapy for the relief of disease manifestation
Proper nutrition in arthritis is equally important. It should be aimed at reducing body weight. At the same time, it is very important that the products included in the daily diet fully satisfy the body's need for proteins, vitamins and minerals. The diet for osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint should aim to reduce the amount of salt consumed. When choosing foods that can be eaten, you should 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 arthrosis of the shoulder, it is imperative to introduce oatmeal, buckwheat and barley porridge into the diet. Nutrition with osteoarthritis 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, all semi-finished products, canned goods, pickles should be completely abandoned.
Vegetables and meat should be steamed or stewed. It is also allowed to cook dishes in the oven. To remove 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 rhythm of metabolic processes.
Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
Surgical intervention is usually prescribed at stage 3 of the development of the pathological process, and additionally, if the disease progresses rapidly and cannot be suppressed by conservative methods. Surgical treatment of 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 remove the disease if the joint is too deformed, due to which the mobility of the hand is impaired.
Proper surgical intervention, and then a rehabilitation course, allows you to return a person to normal life.
If the deforming arthrosis 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 stents 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 be used only 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. I. vegetable raw materials and brew with boiling water. It is necessary to insist on the remedy for 5-10 minutes. Before each meal, you need to consume 1 tbsp. I. liquids. Treatment may be continued until acute symptoms of joint damage resolve.
Herbal baths can give some positive effect. To prepare them, you need to add a fresh 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 arthrosis of the shoulder joint. First, this herbal product should be infused and removed to infuse for 15-20 minutes. The finished product should be laid out on a gauze folded several times and fixed on the shoulder with a bandage and an adhesive bandage. It is necessary to keep the compress all night.
In folk medicine, burdock leaves are often used to eliminate manifestations of this disease. They should be fixed on the shoulder blade and left overnight. The duration of treatment with this remedy is about 2 weeks.