When confirming such a diagnosis as osteoarthritis 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 a gradual wear of the cartilage tissue and major elements of the joint. According to statistics, more than 45% of modern elderly people have pronounced manifestations of this shoulder joint disease. This pathology is extremely dangerous, because it can cause premature 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 osteoarthritis 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 tissue damage against the background of the natural aging process. Therefore, 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. In the beginning, osteoarthritis of the right shoulder can manifest itself with 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 several 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 some hand movements, there is often a characteristic shoulder crunch. Painful sensations in this case can be completely absent. Shoulder-scapular arthrosis of the left shoulder joint, as well as the right one, for a long time can manifest itself with small morphological changes in the structure of the tissues.
In this pathological condition, even after a short period of rest, severe stiffness may be present. It becomes difficult to move the hand completely. In some cases, the discomfort may persist. Hand with arthrosis of the shoulder joint in the morning obeys with difficulty. Severe numbness may be present. Also, 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 creaks when performing various hand movements. Again, intense painful sensations may be absent.
Many shoulder diseases are a contraindication for urgent military service. However, the changes must be clearly stated. Often the military does not call young people with severe post-traumatic shoulder osteoarthritis. This must be taken into consideration 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 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 in the 2nd stage of the pathological process, when lifting the arm 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. There is often tension in the neck muscles. The temperature in the affected joint area has risen. In addition, swelling and swelling are observed.
A creak in the shoulder joint and pain in the 3rd stage of the development of the pathological process persist constantly. Gradually, the limitation of the mobility of the joint increases. Shoulder osteoarthritis 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 the arm is raised, 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. Shoulder arthrosis leads to complete destruction of the joint surfaces and bone elements. This results in 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.
Shoulder Joint Osteoarthritis Diagnosis
When the characteristic signs of a pathological condition appear, it is necessary to 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 supervision of an arthrologist. In most cases, patients are cared for by a traumatologist, rheumatologist or orthopedist. Comprehensive diagnosis of shoulder joint disease is carried out under the supervision of numerous doctors. It should be borne in mind that a pathological condition such as osteoarthritis progresses slowly, but in the absence of targeted therapy, the outcome can be extremely unfavorable.
The specialist collects the most accurate medical history and evaluates the patient's complaints. A physical exam is performed.
This allows the doctor to suspect a pathology when he finds out why the joints creak during rotation.
Reduced mobility and other symptoms can indicate a problem. However, in order to understand what to do to eliminate symptoms, numerous studies and analyzes are required. To make an accurate diagnosis of DOA of the shoulder joint, it is necessary to conduct a conventional radiograph in two views. In rare cases, doctors have to resort to more specific research methods that allow to obtain accurate data on the condition of the joint. A comprehensive examination may require:
- Ultrasound of the affected area;
- magnetic resonance;
- scintigraphy;
- TC;
- 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. In addition, the indicators of the changes obtained by laboratory tests may indicate the addition of arthritis, which in this case is quite often observed.
Medical treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
After a comprehensive examination of the condition of the shoulder joint, the doctor will select an appropriate therapy. If the disease is in the acute stage of development, 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 numerous 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. Additionally, corticosteroid injections 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 reduce the rate of destruction of the cartilage tissue. Such remedies are especially effective when a patient has been diagnosed with post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint early in its development. Often, glucocorticosteroid hormonal drugs are introduced into the therapeutic 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. Therefore, when the question arises of how to cure osteoarthritis, 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. This will give you the best effect. However, the treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint only with drugs in most cases is not recommended. To eliminate the manifestations and prevent exacerbations of this pathological condition, it is necessary to use methods of physiotherapy, 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, a marked improvement in the condition can be achieved.
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 should be taken into account that any physiotherapeutic manipulations must be agreed with the doctor, because in certain circumstances they can aggravate the course of a pathology such as osteoarthritis of ACS. Often, with DOA of the right shoulder joint, treatment includes:
- massage course;
- paraffin therapy;
- physical therapy;
- UHF;
- hydrogen sulphide and radon baths;
- ultrasound exposure;
- electrophoresis;
- magnetic field therapy.
Additionally, a course of manual therapy may be recommended. The number of sessions the osteopath should have depends largely 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, a marked improvement can be achieved with osteopathic treatment and the joints stop creaking. To recover from this disease, you need to learn how to properly perform a physical therapy complex. In the future, in order to maintain the normal function of the joint, it is necessary to perform such exercises for the rest of life.
Both in case of damage to the knee joint, and in case of violation of the integrity of the shoulder blade joint, therapeutic exercises are first learned under the supervision of a physiotherapist. This will avoid overloading the joint and at the same time help strengthen the muscles that act as a frame. 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.
Diet therapy for the relief of the manifestation of the disease
Equally important is proper nutrition in arthritis. 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 meet the body's needs for proteins, vitamins and minerals. The shoulder joint osteoarthritis diet should aim to reduce the amount of salt consumed. When choosing foods that can be consumed, it is necessary 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, as they contain a high content of calcium, which is necessary to restore damaged cartilage tissue.
In the presence of a disease such as osteoarthritis of the shoulder, it is imperative to introduce oatmeal, buckwheat and barley porridge into the diet. Nutrition with osteoarthritis has some limitations. White and sweet flour products should be discarded. The diet for this pathology involves the use of a large number of fruits and vegetables. 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 osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint. When planning meals for osteoarthritis, any semi-finished, canned food, marinades should be completely abandoned.
Vegetables and meat must 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 weight gain and adversely 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, moreover, if the disease progresses rapidly and cannot be suppressed by conservative methods. Surgical treatment for osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint can be used in the presence of a 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 joint is too deformed, as a result of which the mobility of the hand is impaired.
A correct surgery, and therefore a rehabilitation process, allows you to bring a person back to a 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 the arm and making other movements with it. Modern endoprostheses are made with 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 adequacy 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 dissolved in a water bath. The resulting composition must 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 tablespoons. L. vegetable raw materials and infused with boiling water. It is necessary to insist on the remedy for 5-10 minutes. Before each meal, it is necessary to consume 1 tbsp. L. liquids. The course of treatment can be continued until the acute symptoms of joint damage disappear.
Herbal baths can have a certain 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 the acute manifestations of deforming osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint. First, this herbal product must be prepared and removed to infuse for 15-20 minutes. The finished product must be spread on gauze folded several times and fixed on the shoulder with a bandage and an 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.