When a diagnosis such as osteoarthritis of the shoulder is confirmed, the symptoms and treatment are largely interrelated. This pathology refers to degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. This disorder is characterized by gradual consumption of cartilage tissue and key elements of the joint. According to statistics, more than 45% of modern elderly have pronounced manifestations of this disease of the shoulder joints. This pathology is extremely dangerous because it can cause early disability. At first the shoulder joints crack, but then more pronounced symptoms appear.
Primary signs of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
In relatively young adolescents, traumatic arthrosis of the shoulder joint is more often observed. The causes of this pathological condition have their roots in tissue damage. Even minor injuries can provoke the development of the disease. In this case, the pathology manifests itself more quickly and persists 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 getting worse.
In most cases, this disorder is asymptomatic for a long time. At first, osteoarthritis of the right shoulder may manifest with a slight decrease in joint mobility after considerable physical stress. There are also short periods of dull pain. Such signs of pathology development 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 that of the right. This is due to the peculiarities of load distribution when lifting weights in daily life. However, in this case, the symptoms are much more intense even in the early stages of development of the pathological process. With certain hand movements, there is often a characteristic crack 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 small morphological changes in the tissue structure.
In this pathological condition, even after a short period of rest, there may be severe stiffness. It becomes difficult to fully move the hand. In some cases, the concern may persist. Hand with osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint in the morning obeys with difficulty. There may be severe numbness. 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 jumps when you perform various hand movements. Even in this case, strong painful sensations may be absent.
Many shoulder diseases are a contraindication to emergency military service. However, the differences need to be clearly stated. Often, the military does not call young people with severe post-traumatic shoulder osteoarthritis. This should be taken into account when undergoing a medical examination.
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joints
If the primary signs of the acromioclavicular node are ignored by the patient himself, the situation may worsen in the future. By 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 considerable thinning and destruction of cartilage tissue. In stages 2 and 3 of the development of such a pathological condition as osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, the symptoms become very distinct.
In this case, changes in tissue structure are pronounced. Already in the second stage of the pathological process, when the arm is raised up and moved to the sides, the shoulder is clearly bounced. The joint is gradually deformed, which is accompanied by episodes of the inflammatory process. In this case, when even a small weight is lifted, pain may appear. There is often tension in the neck muscles. The temperature in the affected wrist area has increased. In addition, swelling and swelling are observed.
A crack in the shoulder joint and pain in the 3rd stage of development of the pathological process continue constantly. Gradually, the restriction of joint mobility increases. Osteoarthritis of the shoulders is associated with an increased 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 worsening of the manifestations of this pathology is observed in the postmenopausal period. Osteoarthritis of the shoulder leads to complete destruction of articular surfaces and bone elements. This causes the immobilization of the limbs. 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 joints.
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joints
When characteristic signs of a pathological condition appear, you should contact a specialist as soon as possible. Considering which doctor treats osteoarthritis, it should be borne in mind 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 performed under the supervision of a number of physicians. It should be borne in mind that such a pathological condition as osteoarthritis progresses slowly, but in the absence of targeted therapy, the result can be extremely unfavorable.
The specialist collects the most accurate medical history and evaluates the patient's complaints. A physical examination is performed.
This allows the doctor to suspect a pathology when he discovers the reason why the joints crackle during rotation.
Limited mobility and other symptoms may indicate a problem. However, to understand what needs to be done to eliminate the symptoms, a number of studies and analyzes are required. To make an accurate diagnosis of DOA of the shoulder joint, it is necessary to perform a conventional radiograph in two projections. In rare cases, doctors should use more specific research methods that allow obtaining accurate data on the condition of the wrist. 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. Moreover, indicators of changes obtained from laboratory tests may indicate an increase in arthritis, which is observed quite often 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 choose an adequate therapy. If the disease is in the acute stage of development, then when considering how to treat osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, external fixation of the ankle with an incision or elastic bandage may be prescribed. This reduces the intensity of symptomatic manifestations. During this period, the use of a number of medications is indicated 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 ankle 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 the tension of the neck muscles.
From osteoarthritis, chondroprotectors are often used. These drugs help reduce the rate of cartilage tissue destruction. Such tools are especially effective when a patient is diagnosed with post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint in the initial stage of its development. Often, hormonal glucocorticosteroid medications are included in the therapy 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. Thus, when the question arises how to cure osteoarthritis, which is associated with an autoimmune reaction, it can not be done without such drugs.
To suppress osteoarthritis, medications are chosen by the doctor individually for each patient. This will give you the best effect. However, treating osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint with medication alone is in most cases not advised. To eliminate the manifestations and prevent the worsening of this pathological condition, the use of physiotherapy methods, following a diet and certain rules of behavior are required. 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 marked improvement of the situation.
Physiotherapy to eliminate osteoarthritis 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 borne in mind that any physiotherapeutic manipulation should be agreed with the doctor, because in certain circumstances they can worsen the course of a pathology such as osteoarthritis of the ACS. Often, with DOA of the right shoulder joint, treatment includes:
- massage course;
- paraffin therapy;
- exercise therapy;
- UHF;
- baths with hydrogen sulfide and radon;
- ultrasound exposure;
- electrophoresis;
- magnetic field therapy.
In addition, a course of manual therapy may be recommended. How many sessions osteopathy should have depends largely on how quickly DOA syndrome progresses. It often takes a long time to turn to her to achieve a positive result. In most cases, with osteopathic treatment, a clear improvement can be achieved and the joints stop cracking. To be cured of this disease, you need to learn how to properly perform a complex of exercise therapy. In the future, to maintain normal joint function, you are required to do such exercises throughout your life.
Both in the case of damage to the knee joint and in the case of violation of the integrity of the scapular joint, therapeutic exercises are taught initially under the supervision of a physiotherapist. This will avoid excessive stress on the joint and at the same time will help strengthen the muscles that serve as its frame. Such damage to the region of the clavicle and shoulder-shoulder joint remains forever with the patient, but its manifestations are effectively treated with an integrated approach.
Diet therapy to alleviate 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 need for protein, 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 consider your doctor's recommendations.
With a deformed shoulder, it is recommended to include dishes that contain a lot of collagen in the diet. These include jellies, jellies and strong bone juices. 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 shoulders, it is necessary to include oatmeal, buckwheat and barley in the diet. Osteoarthritis nutrition has certain limitations. Products made from white flour 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 distinguished by an increased content of vitamins and minerals. Their use helps to quickly cope with even a disease such as deforming arthrosis of the shoulder joint. When planning meals for osteoarthritis, any semi-finished product, canned food, marinade should be completely abandoned.
Vegetables and meat should be steamed or boiled. Baking dishes in the oven is also allowed. To suppress clavicle arthritis as well as coxarthrosis, it is very important to learn to eat food in small portions. Systematic overeating contributes to an increase in body weight and negatively affects the rate of metabolic processes.
Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder
Surgical intervention is usually prescribed in stage 3 of the development of the pathological process, and in addition, if the disease progresses rapidly and can not be suppressed by conservative methods. Surgical treatment for osteoarthritis 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 wrist are replaced with artificial ones.
This is the only way to suppress the disease if the joint is deformed too much, 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 a normal life.
If deforming osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint was treated without complications, the patient may forget the pain and discomfort for a long time, raising the 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 shoulder osteoarthritis
Various recipes based on herb and other natural ingredients can only be used as an additional method of exposure, and after you agree 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, often use a mixture of propolis and lard. To prepare this composition, these ingredients 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 tablespoons. l. vegetable raw materials and create with boiling water. It is required to insist the drug for 5-10 minutes. Before each meal, you should consume 1 tablespoon. l. fluids. The course of treatment can be continued until the acute symptoms of joint damage disappear.
Plant baths can give a certain positive effect. To prepare them, you need to add a cold decoction of medicinal herbs like chamomile, burdock and nettle in hot water. After the procedure, be sure to rub it with a dry towel.
In addition, oatmeal compresses can eliminate the acute manifestations of deforming osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint. First, this herbal product should be baked and removed to inject for 15-20 minutes. The finished product should be stretched on gauze folded several times and fixed on the shoulder with a bandage and adhesive plaster. It is necessary to keep the compress overnight.
In folk medicine, burdock leaves are often used to eliminate the manifestations of this disease. They should be fixed to the shoulder blade and left overnight. The course of treatment with this drug is about 2 weeks.