Quite a lot of people who lead an active lifestyle or, due to working conditions, are exposed to a heavy load, face such a problem as arthrosis of the shoulder joint. This is a serious enough disease that can lead to the destruction of cartilage and, as a result, the loss of ability to move the hand.
What is arthrosis
Studying shoulder arthrosis, symptoms and treatment of this disease, it is important to understand that such an ailment develops as a result of destructive processes in the cartilage tissue. This, in turn, provokes the development of dystrophic changes in adjacent bone tissue. A progressive course is characteristic of such a disease. It becomes difficult for the patient to move his shoulders, as the joints wear out quickly. If this problem is not affected on time, then there is a risk of loss of motor function of the whole arm.
At the same time, destructive processes in the cartilage tissue can be accompanied by inflammatory processes that complicate an already difficult condition.
Why arthrosis develops
In the framework of the topic “Arthrosis of the shoulder joint: symptoms and treatment”, it makes sense to pay attention to the reasons why such processes occur in the joint of the shoulder.
Often the destruction of cartilage is a consequence of trauma. Moreover, the destruction of joint tissues can begin some time later after an unsuccessful fall or exercise. In addition to the fact of injury, vascular diseases can also lead to arthrosis of the shoulder joint. The fact is that impaired blood supply does not allow articular tissues to obtain the amount of nutrients necessary for full functioning. Blood also plays an important role in the recovery process. Therefore, with its insufficient intake there is a risk of dystrophic changes.
Physical activity can also cause the development of a disease such as arthrosis of the shoulder joint. Symptoms and treatment in this case have the same form as when exposed to other factors. The only thing that is important is an integrated approach at the very beginning of recovery. Its use will prevent the re-development of the disease. But it is better to initially monitor the level of load on the joints, especially for those who work at a construction site, warehouse and other places where it is necessary to lift weights.
One of the main reasons why arthrosis occurs is a failure in the metabolic processes or the endocrine system. In this case, the joint is destroyed due to a lack of vitamins and minerals. Often a similar condition contributes to the salt, which absorbs useful substances.
Considering the arthrosis of the shoulder joint, the symptoms and treatment of this disease, it is worth considering the consequence factor. The bottom line is that arthrosis can develop under the influence of another disease, such as necrosis or arthritis. If such diseases are launched, then there is a high risk of developing dystrophic changes in the joint tissues. Given this information, it is not difficult to conclude that any ailment associated with joints should be thoroughly treated.
Do not neglect the hereditary factor. If one of the parents of the child was ill with arthrosis of the shoulder joint, then the risk of this disease in children is quite high.
Arthrosis of the shoulder joint: causes, symptoms, degrees
If you pay attention to the experience of specialists, you can see that they distinguish three stages of the development of the disease.
The first is characterized by aching pain in the shoulder area, aggravating at night. The range of movements does not change, but using their maximum amplitude leads to a sensation of pain, especially when the arm is pulled back.
An X-ray examination with such a degree of development of the disease shows the so-called symptom of the ring. We are talking about the articular cavity, which has an oval shape.
As for the second degree, at this stage the symptoms are more striking. There are severe pain in the area of the shoulder blade and shoulder, while they do not subside. In addition, a noticeable crunch is heard during the movement of the hand. In this state, the patient is no longer able to take his hand back, and the amplitude of the movement is constantly reduced. But negative changes are not limited to this: the joint gap is narrowed, the articular surfaces of the cartilage become thicker and osteophytes appear. Muscle atrophy in the shoulder is noticeable even with visual inspection.
The third stage of arthrosis of the shoulder joint implies a pronounced deformation of the tissues and severe constant pain. Any movement of the hand becomes a problem. All that a patient is capable of in this state is the swaying of the upper limb back and forth. But raising it or taking it back is no longer possible due to a deformed joint. In the area where the scapula connects to the shoulder, bony protrusions are visually visible.
It is important to understand that not every arthrosis of the shoulder joint reaches the third degree. Often the disease stops and does not progress for a long time.
Treatment methods
If you thoroughly approach the topic “Arthrosis of the shoulder joint: symptoms, causes, treatment”, it is important to pay attention initially to an integrated approach to the restoration of cartilage and bone tissues. This means that it is better to combine several methods, for example, drug treatment, a special diet and massage. With this approach, the chances of completely overcoming the disease without re-developing it are very high.
If the patient did not contact the doctors immediately and the disease had time to develop to the second or third stage, then non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be indicated. Joint replacement, in turn, can be relevant only in the third stage of the disease.
To better understand what the symptoms and methods of treatment are when the shoulder joint arthrosis develops, you should pay attention to the key recovery methods:
- drug treatment;
- the use of folk methods;
- the use of chondroprotectors;
- physiotherapy;
- physiotherapy;
- surgical intervention;
- diet and nutrition control.
As for surgical treatment, it is used only at the most advanced stage, when other methods of influencing the joint can no longer give the desired effect.
Medication Impact
Now for many it has become relevant treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint. How to treat this disease can prompt qualified doctors. But in most cases, if the stage is not running, it all starts with conservative techniques. It's about taking medication.
It is worth noting that the use of drugs is the most common method of influencing arthrosis. Thanks to the resources of modern medicine, patients have access to many drugs that have a tangible restorative effect on bone and cartilage.
These are anesthetics, muscle relaxants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, dietary supplements, vitamins, chondroprotectors, as well as blood circulation improvers.
In this case, injections are often used when a problem such as "Arthrosis of the shoulder joint. Symptoms and treatment" becomes relevant. Injections are needed mainly for injections based on "Indomethacin", "Diclofenac" and "Ketoprofen."
In some cases, conduction blockade in the joint may be used.
NSAID application
As mentioned above, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are actively used to treat arthrosis of the shoulder joint. In order to reduce the activity of inflammation and the sensation of pain, it makes sense to use Ortofen, Metindol, Indomethacin and Diclofenac Sodium.
Such drugs require the introduction of a medicinal composition into an articular bag, since a local effect on the tissue must be produced. This scheme is used because of the ability of the drug to affect other organs and systems.
It is also important to pay attention to the fact that muscle spasms can occur with arthrosis. Muscle relaxants are used to neutralize them. If the pain is very severe, analgesic and anesthetic drugs may be indicated. As for painkillers, they can be used in the form of gels and ointments.
Chondroprotectors
The use of drugs of this group is especially relevant at the initial stage. This category includes many drugs that consist of glucosamine and chondroitin. These components can be defined as natural, and they are also close in structure to human cartilage.
The essence of their effect is to stimulate blood circulation, restore cartilage and improve the quality of joint fluid. As an example, such common drugs as Don, Collagen Ultra and Structum can be cited.
Physiotherapy
This treatment technique includes the use of compresses with a warming effect, cryotherapy, laser therapy and treatment with leeches. Shoulder massage is often used.
The main goal of physiotherapy measures is to improve blood circulation in the problematic part and, as a result, restore the nutrition of cartilage and bone tissue. Also, this technique is used to increase the tone of the muscles of the shoulders and neck. Through this effect, doctors reduce the load on the affected joint.
Surgery
In this case, we are talking about replacing a diseased joint with an artificial analog. This procedure is called arthroplasty. This treatment method is used only if the layer of cartilage is actually destroyed, and there is no possibility to restore the joint.
Such an operation is quite expensive. As for the life of the endoprosthesis, it is approximately 15 years.
Physiotherapy
It is difficult to overestimate the relevance of such a topic as "Arthrosis of the shoulder joint: symptoms and treatment." Gymnastics focused on the restoration of cartilage in this disease deserves special attention.
Such a technique is used at the stage when the joint is not yet destroyed, and the tissue can be restored. A set of exercises is recommended to be performed at home, but before that it should be agreed with the attending physician. Doing exercise is better in the morning.
As for the exercises themselves, in most cases they are extremely simple: rotational movements in the shoulder region without flexion in the elbow joint. It is important not to accelerate much and not to make sudden movements. Treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint at home may include exercises aimed at stretching the joints.
Folk techniques
This approach is especially relevant at the first stage of the disease, but it is important to discuss them with your doctor before using any prescriptions.
Propolis ointment is often used quite often. To prepare it, you will need 5 g of this product and 50 g of pork fat. These components need to be mixed and rubbed into the sore shoulder.
When studying arthrosis of the shoulder joint, symptoms, treatment with folk remedies and drug-free recovery, you need to pay attention to the infusion of buckthorn bark. Cooking it is quite simple: 3 tsp are mixed. parsley seeds, 2 tsp. bark and as much peppermint. All this is poured with 0.5 liters of water, boiled and left overnight in a dark place. For treatment, you need to take 2 tbsp. l infusion in the morning, until tangible relief.
Obviously, with arthrosis of the shoulder joint, the most important thing is to start treatment on time. Therefore, with the appearance of pain in the shoulder area, it is necessary to undergo a diagnosis.