Shoulder arthritis - symptoms, treatment and prevention

Shoulder osteoarthritis is a common disease.Everyone experiences symptoms of the early stages of this pathology.But some people immediately turn to a specialist and undergo treatment, preventing the disease from developing, while others develop the disease and face serious problems.The information presented in the article will allow us to identify pathology at the initial stages of development.You can learn how to treat shoulder arthritis.

What is shoulder arthritis?

Shoulder osteoarthritis is a painful change and destruction of cartilage tissue.As the disease progresses, it becomes thinner.Then, the damaged areas will be replaced by bone cells.This destructive process is due to cartilage cells not having enough nutrition and a reduced ability to produce substances such as elastic and collagen.To prevent devastation, it is important to diagnose the disease promptly.Visit a doctor who will prescribe competent comprehensive rehabilitation treatment.

Cause of development of the disease

There are many causes leading to the appearance and development of pathology.Among the most important of them are:

• Physiological damage – bone fracture or dislocation;
• Excess body weight;
• Hormonal imbalance;
• Professional sports;
• Pathology that develops in the uterus;
• Genetic predisposition.

In a young body, cartilage tissue is restored much faster.In adulthood, the body's natural anabolic metabolism slows down.This increases tissue degeneration.For this reason, it is important to diagnose the disease promptly and undergo a course of treatment for shoulder arthrosis.

Symptom

The first sign of shoulder osteoarthritis is associated with pain when moving the arm back or to the side.It manifests itself most strongly in the morning and when weather conditions change.There is also a feeling of pain when palpated and there are factors such as:

1. Increase physical activity.
2. Lift weights.
3. Hypothermia.

If the disease is not treated, pain in the shoulder joint begins to make you uncomfortable when resting.Restrictions in movement increase.Completing daily tasks becomes difficult.Contractures and crepitus gradually develop.These phenomena are based on the formation of growth cells called bone spurs.During an exacerbation, the shoulder swells and redness appears.Temperature increases in the shoulder area.

Stages of the disease

The disease has three stages of development.It is worth knowing how shoulder joint disease manifests and what are the typical symptoms of each level:

1. Firstly.Manifested by pain.The pain and stiffness become worse at night.At the same time, movement is not limited.
2. Monday.When moving the shoulder, a person hears a crunching sound.Pain torments a person constantly.Severe limitations in movements appear.
3. Tuesday.At this stage, a person begins to be exhausted by unbearable pain in the shoulder area.The hand is fixed in a comfortable, less painful position.Visually, X-rays show pathological deformity.

The main difference between shoulder arthritis and other diseases is the ability to not manifest or develop over a long period of time.The condition will only get worse when provoking factors are present.

Diagnose

Shoulder osteoarthritis can be diagnosed through a standard shoulder X-ray.The image is captured in two projections.Doctors diagnose the disease when factors such as:

• Narrowing of joint space;
• Formation of bone spurs;
• Hardening of bone tissue.

Under certain conditions, other methods of studying the shoulder are prescribed.Ultrasound to determine cartilage thickness and evaluate soft tissue condition.

At the second stage of the development of pathology, an arthroscopic procedure is prescribed.This is an invasive research method.During this procedure, an endoscope is inserted into the shoulder cavity.At the same time as studying the condition of the tissues, bone growths will be removed.

If possible, ultrasound and X-rays can be replaced by MRI.This is a uniquely informative method of examining the body for joint disease.This procedure allows you to evaluate the condition of your bone structure, cartilage, and ligaments as well as understand how to treat shoulder arthritis.

Along with standard instrumental methods, the doctor prescribes a urine test and blood donation.This is necessary to detect inflammation.

Which doctor should I contact?

To conduct an initial examination, you must see a therapist.He studies the patient's condition and prescribes tests.Provide referrals to other specialists:

• Orthopedist;
• Rheumatologist;
• Surgeon;
• Neurologist.

After receiving the conclusions of the doctors and the results of these tests, the therapist will prescribe the appropriate treatment for shoulder arthritis.An appointment with this specialist is indicated at the early stages of the disease.If the problem develops with complications and an inflammatory process manifests itself, the rheumatologist will prescribe treatment.

A neurologist's help may be needed if a nerve bundle is compressed.The surgeon will perform intervention if the disease progresses and intra-articular manipulation is required.

Treatment

Medicine offers many effective treatments.To eliminate inflammation and pain, painkillers are prescribed.After the acute inflammation subsides, the doctor will prescribe a course of restorative and regenerative drugs.To increase the effectiveness of treatment, drug treatment is supplemented with diet and the use of alternative techniques.

medicine

For effective and quick treatment of shoulder arthritis, a specialist will prescribe drugs from different pharmacological groups.They are necessary to restore damaged cartilage tissue, eliminate pain symptoms and improve the patient's general health.You can achieve results by using the following drugs:

1. Chondroprotectors.These are medicines made from herbal ingredients.They nourish cells effectively.The drug should be used during remission and during exacerbations.
2. Corticosteroid group.Medication can provide long-term pain relief.This is an excellent solution for a serious stage of pathology.If you follow the plan of a competent specialist and undergo comprehensive treatment of the diseased shoulder joint, you can reduce pathological foci and restore cartilage.
3. NSAIDs.The drug quickly eliminates the pain that occurs with degenerative changes.Reduces pain and inflammation ensuring free movement.

Along with internal medications, the doctor prescribes external treatments.We are talking about ointments and gels.They are rubbed directly onto the inflamed area.Structured drug treatment for shoulder arthritis helps reduce inflammation and eliminate pain.

Surgery

This surgical intervention cannot be avoided if the following factors occur:

• Lack of effectiveness from previously prescribed and performed conservative treatment;
• The appearance of complications;
• Manifestations of destructive degenerative changes.

If irreversible changes in appearance or function occur, an endoscopy will be performed.The affected part is replaced surgically with an artificial part.This is a complex surgery that requires an ideal level of expertise from the doctor.

therapy

When reducing signs of shoulder osteoarthritis, attention should be paid to physical therapy.After the main treatment, you need pain relief and natural mobility restored.The following procedures are prescribed:

• Cryotherapy on the affected area;
• Electrophoresis;
• Magnet therapy.

You can achieve results from this form of treatment if you follow the rules.Physical therapy is only indicated in the absence of acute pain.The procedures must be performed by highly qualified physicians.

gymnastics

We are talking about physical therapy.Gymnastics with light loads is prescribed at the early stages of the pathology.This will reduce aggravating attacks.Will allow you to quickly cure shoulder pain.A standard training complex looks like this:

1. A man sat down on a chair.Secure the brush in a lock.Some stretches are performed forward and immediately back.You need to do this movement twice with short pauses.
2. In the same position, you need to put your hands on your hips and relax.Next, you need to perform 4-5 shoulder movements, moving in different directions.
3. In a standing position, you should perform several jerking movements while moving your elbows behind your back.This is a great way to load the spine and work the entire shoulder area.

Regular exercise will provide long-term pain relief and restore shoulder mobility.

Massage

When deciding how to treat the shoulder joint, doctors often prescribe a course of massage.This will yield results like:

• Improve tissue nutrition;
• Reduce swelling;
• Firms muscles;
• Eliminate pain.

If you entrust the massage to a professional, after a few sessions you can notice a positive effect.

Traditional method

Despite the rapid development of modern medicine, the treatment of shoulder joint diseases with folk remedies is still considered appropriate.Here are the most effective recipes:

1. Compress with cabbage leaves.Reduces pain caused by arthritis, eliminates inflammation and improves mobility.This method is very easy to use.You need to apply the leaves on the painful shoulder area and leave it overnight.
2. It is recommended to add decoctions of chamomile, nettle, burdock and calendula to the bath.
3. Hirudo therapy.This is a great option to combat acute and chronic shoulder arthritis.The procedure quickly restores blood circulation, eliminates pain and swelling.

Although folk methods are easy to use and versatile, you should not self-treat.Treatment of chronic shoulder arthrosis with traditional methods should be prescribed by the doctor after examination and understanding that there is no allergy to the ingredients included in the formula.

Nutrition for arthritis

To quickly restore cartilage tissue, it is important to follow a simple diet.The body must be fully supplemented with nutrients.The diet should include the following products:

1. Fruit jelly.
2. Bran.
3. Different types of nuts.
4. Egg.
5. Buckwheat.

You should take vitamins.Eat small meals 4-5 times.To achieve stable remission, this menu must be followed continuously.

prevent

Preventive measures aimed at eliminating shoulder arthritis are based on eliminating factors that can cause the disease.It is necessary to have a healthy and fairly active lifestyle.It is important to adhere to the following rules:

1. Introduce moderate exercise daily.
2. It is important to avoid catching a cold.
3. Use chondroprotectors to relieve shoulder pain.
4. Get rid of extra pounds.
5. Avoid excessive physical work.

Following these rules will help you maintain your health for many years.Not having shoulder arthritis would be scary.These rules are important for people over 45 years old and those participating in professional sports.

Contraindicated

The main contraindication is lifting heavy objects.If a person is diagnosed with shoulder arthritis and works as a porter, he or she will have to change careers.When shopping in the supermarket, you should use a cart and should not put pressure on your shoulders.Boxing, wrestling and bodybuilding are strictly contraindicated.

Conclude

Shoulder arthritis is a disease that destroys the joint.Without treatment and medication, cartilage tissue in the shoulder will gradually degenerate.Movements will become limited and pain will appear.At the first symptoms, you should immediately see a doctor and undergo the prescribed course of treatment.In the early stages, the prognosis for recovery is favorable.