Shoulder Arthritis - Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Shoulder arthritis is a common disease.Everyone experiences symptoms of the initial stages of this pathology.But some people immediately seek help from experts and receive treatment to prevent the progression of the disease, while others start to get sick and face serious problems.The information provided in the article will allow us to identify pathologies at early stages of development.You can learn how to treat shoulder arthritis.

What is shoulder joint disease?

Arthritis of the shoulder joint is a painful change in which cartilage tissue is destroyed.As the disease progresses, it becomes thinner.Subsequently, the damaged area is replaced by bone cells.This destructive process is caused by a lack of nutrients in the cartilage cells and impaired production of substances like elastin and collagen.To stop the damage, it's important to diagnose the disease promptly.Go to your doctor and he will prescribe effective comprehensive recovery treatments.

Cause of disease

There are many reasons for the emergence and development of pathology.The most important of them are:

• Physiological injury - fracture or dislocation;
• Being overweight;
• hormonal imbalance;
• professional sports;
• Pathology of intrauterine development;
• Genetic predisposition.

In a young body, cartilage tissue recovers much faster.In adulthood, the body's natural anabolic processes slow down.This increases tissue degradation.Therefore, it is particularly important to promptly diagnose shoulder joint diseases and carry out treatment.

symptom

The first symptoms of shoulder arthritis are related to pain when moving your arm back or to one side.It is most intense in the morning and when weather conditions change.Pain may also occur on palpation for the following reasons:

1. Increase physical activity.
2. weightlifting.
3. Low temperature.

If this condition is left untreated, shoulder joint pain will begin to bother you at rest.Movement restrictions increased.Completing daily tasks becomes difficult.Contractures and crepitus develop gradually.These phenomena are based on the formation of growths called osteophytes.In severe cases, the shoulder may become swollen and red.An increase in temperature is felt in the shoulders.

stage of disease

Pathology has three stages of development.It is worth knowing how arthritis of the shoulder joint manifests itself and what are the characteristics of each degree:

1. first.Manifested as soreness.Unpleasant pain and stiffness that worsen at night.At the same time, movement is unrestricted.
2. second.One can hear a crunching sound when moving the shoulder.Pain constantly tortures a person.There are severe restrictions on movement.
3. third.At this stage, a person begins to experience fatigue from unbearable pain in the shoulder.The hand is held in a comfortable, less painful position.Visually, X-rays show pathological deformation.

The main difference between shoulder joint disease and other diseases is that it cannot manifest or develop long-term.The condition will only worsen if predisposing factors are present.

diagnosis

Shoulder osteoarthritis can be diagnosed with a standard shoulder X-ray.The photo was taken using two projections.Doctors diagnose this disease when the following factors are present:

• narrowing of joint spaces;
• Osteophyte formation;
• Hardening of bone tissue.

In some cases, other methods of studying the shoulder are prescribed.Ultrasound determines the thickness of the cartilage and evaluates the condition of the soft tissue.

In the second stage of pathological development, arthroscopy is prescribed.This is an invasive research method.During this procedure, an endoscope is inserted into the shoulder cavity.Bone growth was removed while the condition of the tissue was studied.

If possible, MRI can be used instead of ultrasound and X-rays.This is a uniquely informative way of examining the body for joint disease.This surgery allows you to evaluate the condition of your bone structure, cartilage, and ligaments and learn how to treat shoulder arthrosis.

In addition to standard instrumental methods, doctors perform urine tests and donate blood.This is necessary to detect inflammation.

Which doctor should I contact?

For an initial check-up, you must visit a therapist.He studies the patient's condition and performs examinations.Provide recommendations from other experts:

• orthopedic surgeon;
• Rheumatologist;
• surgeon;
• Neurologist.

After receiving these doctor's conclusions and test results, the therapist will prescribe appropriate treatment for the joint in the shoulder joint.An appointment with this specialist is required at the first stage of the disease.If the problem develops complications and an inflammatory process develops, it is treated by a rheumatologist.

If a nerve bundle is compressed, help from a neurologist may be needed.If the disease progresses and intra-articular manipulation is required, the surgeon will intervene.

treat

Medicine offers many effective treatments.To eliminate inflammation and pain, doctors will prescribe painkillers.Once the acute inflammation has subsided, your doctor will prescribe a course of restorative and regenerative medications.To increase the effectiveness of treatment, drug therapy is supplemented by the use of diet and alternative techniques.

drug treatment

In order to effectively and quickly treat arthritis of the shoulder joint, specialists prescribe drugs from different pharmacological groups.They are necessary to restore damaged cartilage tissue, eliminate painful symptoms, and improve the patient's overall health.You can achieve the effect by using the following medicines:

1. Chondroprotectant.These are medicines made from herbal ingredients.They effectively nourish cells.It is recommended to use the drug during remission and exacerbation phases.
2. Corticosteroid group.Medications can provide long-term pain relief.This is an excellent solution for severe pathological stages.If you follow the protocol of a competent specialist and thoroughly treat the diseased shoulder joint, you can reduce the pathological lesions and restore the cartilage.
3. NSAIDs.These medications can quickly eliminate pain caused by degenerative changes.Relieving pain and inflammation ensures freedom of movement.

In addition to internal medications, the attending physician may also prescribe external treatments.We are talking about ointments and gels.Rub them directly into the inflamed area.Proper structural medical treatment of shoulder arthritis can relieve inflammation and eliminate pain.

surgical

Surgical intervention cannot be avoided if:

• Lack of effectiveness of previously prescribed and implemented conservative treatments;
• occurrence of complications;
• Manifestations of degenerative destructive changes.

If there are irreversible changes in appearance or function, endoprosthetic repair is performed.Surgery to replace the affected part with an artificial part.This is a complex surgery that requires ideal professional qualifications on the part of the doctor.

treat

Pay attention to physical therapy when relieving symptoms of shoulder arthritis.After the main treatment session, you will need to relieve pain and regain your natural mobility.The following procedures are prescribed:

• Apply cryotherapy to the affected area;
• electrophoresis;
• Magnet therapy.

If you follow the rules, you can get results from this form of therapy.Physical therapy is only performed in the absence of acute pain manifestations.The procedure must be performed by a highly qualified doctor.

gymnastics

We are talking about physical therapy.Gymnastics with light loads are prescribed in the early stages of pathology.This will relieve worsening episodes.Will allow you to heal shoulder joint pain quickly.A standard training center looks like this:

1. A man sits on a chair.Secure the brush in the lock.Perform a few stretches forward and immediately back.You need to do this twice and pause briefly.
2. In the same posture, you need to place your hands on your hips and relax.Next, you will perform 4-5 shoulder maneuvers, moving in different directions.
3. In the standing position, you should perform a few jerks while moving your elbows behind your back.This is a great way to load the spine and work the entire shoulder area.

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

massage

When deciding how to treat your shoulder joint, your doctor will often prescribe massage therapy.This will provide results like this:

• Improve tissue nutrition;
• relieve swelling;
• Condition muscles;
• Eliminate pain.

If you entrust your massage to professionals, you will notice positive results after a few sessions.

traditional method

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

1. Tighten with cabbage leaves.Reduce joint pain, eliminate inflammation, and improve mobility.The method is easy to use.You need to apply the leaves on your sore shoulders and leave them overnight.
2. A decoction of chamomile, nettle, burdock and calendula should be added to the bath.
3. Leech therapy.This is an excellent option for combating acute and chronic shoulder joint problems.The procedure quickly restores circulation and eliminates pain and swelling.

Although folk methods are easy to use and versatile, you should not self-medicate.Treatment of chronic arthritis of the shoulder joint using traditional methods should be prescribed by a doctor after checking and understanding that there is no allergy to the ingredients in the recipe.

joint nutrition

In order to quickly restore cartilage tissue, it is important to follow a simple diet.The body must be filled with nutrients.The diet should contain the following products:

1. Fruit jelly.
2. bran.
3. Different varieties of nuts.
4. egg.
5. Buckwheat.

It is recommended to take vitamins.Eat small, frequent meals 4-5 times.To achieve stable remission, this menu should be followed consistently.

prevention

Preventive measures aimed at eliminating arthritis in the shoulder joint are based on eliminating factors that may trigger the disease.It is necessary to lead a healthy and quite active lifestyle.It's important to follow these rules:

1. Get moderate exercise every day.
2. It is important to avoid getting cold.
3. Use chondroprotectants to treat shoulder pain.
4. Get rid of excess weight.
5. Avoid excessive physical exertion.

Following these rules will help you stay healthy for many years.It would be scary without the shoulder joint.These rules are important for people over 45 and those involved in professional sports.

Contraindications

The main contraindication is lifting heavy objects.If a person is diagnosed with shoulder joint disease and works as a loader, he will have to change his career.When buying goods in the supermarket, use a cart to avoid putting pressure on your shoulders.Boxing, wrestling and bodybuilding activities are strictly prohibited.

in conclusion

Shoulder arthritis is a disease that destroys the joints.Without treatment and medication, the cartilage tissue in the shoulder can gradually deteriorate.Movement may be limited and pain may occur.As soon as symptoms appear, you should see a doctor immediately and receive prescribed treatment.In the initial stages, the prognosis for recovery is good.