Approximately 30% of people sooner or later encounter diseases of the shoulder joints of the hands: even if they managed to beware of injuries or serious illnesses in their youth, the “shelf life” of the skeleton will come to an end by old age. In addition to people of advanced age, at risk are those who have weak joints of the bones inherited, as well as athletes, people engaged in physical labor, suffering from obesity, diabetes mellitus and other chronic diseases. What are the diseases of the shoulder joint?
Bursitis
Bursitis is the name of a shoulder joint disease. This is an inflammatory process in the synovial bag, which can have a chronic or acute course. Inside it, a large amount of liquid is formed and accumulates. And the first symptom of the disease is considered an increase in temperature and general malaise. Also, patients note the appearance of pain and swelling in the place where the synovial bag is affected. Gradually, the joint is limited in movement. On palpation, the presence of fluctuations is noticeable, which confirms the accumulation of fluid. We will talk about the symptoms and treatment of the shoulder joint disease, whose name is "bursitis".
In the future, the symptoms only increase, so the temperature rises to 39-40 ° C, and the pain intensifies so much that it is impossible to remove them with improvised means. If we talk about neglected cases, then the soft tissues can be affected by a purulent infection. This will lead to the development of phlegmon.
Bursitis treatment
If a patient with a shoulder joint disease - bursitis - was given appropriate treatment in a timely manner, then it is quite possible to achieve success. In some cases, this does not happen, so bursitis from the acute stage goes into the chronic.
First, the patient must take care of the complete rest of the affected limb. Together with this, it is recommended to take medications that relieve inflammation and pain. Sometimes a puncture is required to remove excess fluid and inject corticosteroids.
If an infection joins the underlying disease, then an antibiotic is prescribed and, if necessary, repeated puncture is performed. Also, the doctor may recommend drainage, which allows you to flush the cavity with an antiseptic and antibiotic. In the advanced case, bursa is excised by surgical intervention. What follows is a treatment suitable for purulent wounds, but the healing process can take a long period of time.
Tendinitis
Tendonitis is an inflammatory disease that occurs near the tendon. It can develop in acute and chronic stages.
In the latter case, a degenerative process in the affected tendon is gradually observed. The main symptomatology is the occurrence of severe pain, especially when making movements. In addition, swelling, hyperemia, and a local increase in temperature are noted in the affected area of the tendon. Doctors can prescribe not only conservative treatment, but also surgical. When detecting chronic tendonitis, it is important to prevent the onset of exacerbation.
Another characteristic symptom of the disease is associated with the occurrence of a crunch during movement, and it can be quite quiet and, conversely, too loud.
Treatment of tendonitis
Medication for shoulder joint disease, the symptoms of which are higher, is the use of an analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug. True, in addition to eliminating the symptoms, the doctor must work to eradicate the causes themselves.
Almost all patients are helped only by a conservative technique. It includes taking a non-steroidal drug to relieve inflammation, as well as observing bed rest and the gradual start of rehabilitation. If a person is at rest, this will avoid aggravating the situation. Significantly improve the condition using an ice compress and tightening the limb with an elastic bandage. Experts recommend raising the affected arm or leg to a specific height.
Shoulder capsulitis
This disease is characterized by inflammation and damage to the joint bag of the shoulder. In the future, capsulitis leads to complete immobilization of the arm, which means disability.
Symptoms and treatment
Symptoms of a shoulder joint disease depend on the stage of the disease, of which there are only four. The only signs for them are severe discomfort in the shoulder area when moving, as well as acute pain. Stage capsulitis:
- Plain.
- Acute.
- Chronic.
- Adhesive.
The stage of the disease is determined only by a specialist who conducts a number of studies, including an x-ray. Do not run the ailment. Long non-interference of doctors leads to strong fusion of bone tissue directly in the joint, which finally fetters movement.
Treatment is determined based on the stage of the disease, the individual structure of the human body and the pain threshold. At the first stage, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. When fixing the joint, pain decreases, but this affects the timing of shoulder recovery.
For acute pain, doctors use injections containing glucocorticosteroids. Important stages on the path to recovery are laser and magnetic therapy and massage in combination with medications. This combination contributes to the speedy recovery and healing of the shoulder joint.
After a course of treatment, doctors strongly recommend physical therapy classes. But to do this is under the supervision of a specialist who will help restore joint mobility through balanced loads.
Brachial neuritis
Under neuritis understand the course of the inflammatory process in the nerve itself. Many people call this disease neuralgia of the shoulder joint. Of course, pain is noted in the shoulder region, but due to the anatomy of the shoulder joint, the disease is associated with damage to the nerve ending.
Symptoms are manifested depending on the course of the disease. For example, during physical exertion, quite severe pains will be felt in the hand. In the upper part, a feeling of weakness is noted, but gradually it leads to muscle atrophy. On palpation from the outside, the patient may talk about a decrease in sensitivity. On the affected side, the shoulder drops, the patient’s elbow joint is extended, and the arm is turned inwards.
If the lower part is affected, then there is a violation of the motor activity of the hand. Sensitivity in the forearm and hand is also lost. This leads to the development of atrophic paresis, that is, strength and muscle tone are reduced.
Neuritis treatment
In modern medicine, such inflammation is easily treated with a conservative method. Almost all patients manage to cope with the disease. After treatment is over, muscle strength and tone are restored. If we talk about the main treatment options for neuritis, then here we can distinguish:
- painkillers;
- massage;
- physiotherapeutic procedures;
- special gymnastics.
The acute stage of a human shoulder joint disease requires intensive care to completely eliminate the pain syndrome.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine, during which an intervertebral disc is affected. If the disease proceeds without treatment, it will spread to nearby tissues.
The main symptom that indicates the presence of such a problem is a feeling of pain in the back, neck and lower back. Negative dynamics are manifested by muscle atrophy and loss of sensation. Without timely therapy, osteochondrosis goes into a stage that is no longer treatable. The intensity of the symptoms is determined by the stage of the disease.
Osteochondrosis Treatment
Osteochondrosis can be cured only through an integrated approach. The duration of therapy depends on the course of the disease and sometimes reaches several months. In order to consolidate the result obtained and prevent the development of relapse, it is recommended that support activities be carried out for 1 year.
The conservative method includes taking medications and performing certain exercises. This helps to relieve pain, and also restore the ability of the spine to function normally. Surgical intervention requires the absence of positive dynamics, as well as the further progression of the disease. Treatment of shoulder joint disease with folk remedies will be effective only in combination with drug therapy.
In addition, patients should follow some recommendations. For example, change the diet and do not forget about the need to take measures for a speedy recovery.
Arthritis
Several types of arthritis are known, and each of them has its own characteristics. But most often there is osteoarthritis. Other species include gout and arthritis of infectious origin.
If we talk about symptoms, then it includes the appearance of edema and a change in the joint structure. This leads to damage and pain in the joint. Gradually, it may lose its functionality.
Arthritis Treatment
You can maintain the condition of the joints with a variety of devices. This may include a splint, tourniquet and dressing that reduce the load on the joint.
It is important to engage in moderate exercise, as this reduces pain. The joints themselves become flexible, which is beneficial for the general condition of the body. It all depends on the inflamed joint and the course of the disease. Before classes, it is recommended to consult with a specialist.
It is necessary to avoid stressful situations, and also learn to relax. If you have excess weight, you need to try to lose it. Doctors advise giving up alcohol and foods that contain animal fats and proteins.
Of the medicines, only two groups of drugs that relieve pain, and also eliminate inflammation, are suitable. With regular use, you can get rid of swelling of the joint. You should inform the specialist about all over-the-counter drugs that the patient is taking. If gout is diagnosed, then you definitely need to start treatment with a means to block the formation of uric acid.
Arthrosis
What is the name of the disease of the shoulder joint during which cartilage is destroyed? This is arthrosis. A pathological change also occurs in the capsule and bone structures located nearby. Most often, such a disease manifests itself against the background of metabolic disorders. Arthrosis is characterized by severe pain, and in the morning stiffness and limited mobility are noted. Gradually, the symptoms begin to progress, but this process proceeds differently for everyone. Almost all patients talk about such a first sign, as a crunch with any movement.
The doctor prescribes a specific treatment for arthrosis in order to prevent the destruction of cartilage and preserve the basic function of the joint. Therapy includes local and general methods. If the patient has remission, then physiotherapy exercises are prescribed, and the exercises themselves are selected in accordance with the stage of arthrosis.
During an exacerbation of the disease, the doctor prescribes non-steroidal drugs that relieve the inflammatory process. Some patients are advised sedatives and muscle relaxants. The dosage is selected by a specialist in accordance with all contraindications.
If the articular surface is destroyed, an endoprosthetics procedure is performed.
Cervical intervertebral hernia
With the appearance of pain in the neck, an intervertebral hernia is almost always diagnosed. If we talk about the main symptoms, then it is expressed by the manifestation of acute or dull pain in the neck, as well as between the shoulder blades. Sometimes it passes into the arm, so numbness is felt in the upper limbs. With certain movements, the pain begins to intensify.
Some patients with a hernia of the cervical disc are at risk, as they have a high probability of compression of the spinal cord. This condition is considered quite serious, so the doctor goes to an aggressive treatment plan. If a person has gait disturbances and it is difficult for him to perform accurate movements with his hands, then this indicates compression of the spinal cord.
Hernia treatment
Most patients get rid of an intervertebral hernia without surgery. The specialist prescribes certain medications that help relieve inflammation and swelling. To eliminate intense pain, it is recommended to take strong analgesics. Also, quite often a technique is prescribed, which is based on physiotherapeutic procedures.
If the conservative technique does not bring the proper result, then the specialist decides on the operation. To eliminate nerve compression, you must remove the disk itself. Intervention is performed using a minimally invasive technique, that is, without the presence of large incisions. Through a minimum incision, specialized thin instruments and devices are introduced. It is a microscope and an endoscope.
Periarthritis of the shoulder blade
About 80% of patients suffering from shoulder pain have periarthritis. It is associated with the course of the inflammatory process inside the joint capsule, which does not lead to significant changes in the cartilage tissue. There are several forms of periarthritis, and each of them has its own symptoms.
First of all, patients talk about the occurrence of pain during movement. Initially, they have low intensity. If you rotate your hand through force, then the feeling of pain increases significantly, but completely disappears after the cessation of all movements of the affected limb. In the acute form of the disease, the pain already becomes intolerable and gives to the cervical spine. Puffiness also appears, and discomfort is activated at night. In some cases, there is an increase in body temperature. If periarthritis is not treated, then the disease goes into the chronic stage with sluggish symptoms.
Periarthritis treatment
All patients, regardless of the form of the disease, need timely and proper therapy. With its help, you can not only eliminate the pain, but also remove the inflammatory process. Doctors recommend acupuncture and manual therapy. To obtain a quick effect, it is recommended to consult an acupressure specialist.
If there is significant tension in the shoulder joint, then the doctor will perform manipulations to stretch it. Traction techniques are used for this. Almost the same result can be obtained after visiting a chiropractor.
Myalgia
Almost every one of us faced the problem of muscle pain, but few people know that this phenomenon has a separate name - myalgia. In people with this diagnosis, pain is most felt in the neck, spine and limbs. The causes of this disease are constant fatigue, stress, rheumatism, metabolic disturbances, a sedentary lifestyle. At first, the disease manifests itself as pain after exercise or with unsuccessful movement, general weakness appears. The main signs of this disease are: swelling, nausea and vomiting, fever, headache and dizziness.
Therapy is focused on the discovery of causes and their elimination. The treatment is carried out comprehensively, this includes medication and therapeutic exercises. Of the medicines, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs are mainly attributed. Warming ointments are also highly effective. Individually for each patient, a set of special exercises is developed. Apply the procedure of electrophoresis, as well as UV radiation.
Traditional medicine also helps. Widespread remedies are warm baths, mud wraps and paraffin treatment, nettle tea, primrose flowers and other medicinal plants (pour 20 g of the mixture with 200 ml of boiling water, boil for 3 minutes, cool for 45 minutes, strain and drink 2 tablespoons 3 times per day, before meals). A course of acupuncture is also very effective. This helps to enhance microcirculation of the fluid and stimulate natural reactions.
Of course, other diseases are included in the list of shoulder joint diseases, but we examined the most common of them.