Shoulder joint disease is a common disease. Everyone faces the early symptoms of this pathology. But someone immediately turned to a specialist and received treatment that prevented the disease from progressing, while someone started it and faced serious problems. The information presented in the article will help to identify pathology at early stages of development. You can learn how to treat arthropathy of the shoulder joint.
What is Shoulder Arthropathy?
Shoulder joint disease is a painful change, the destruction of cartilage tissue. It gets thinner as the disease progresses. Subsequently, the damaged area is replaced by bone cells. This destructive process is caused by a lack of nutrients in chondrocytes and disruption of the production of substances such as elastin and collagen. To stop the destruction, timely diagnosis of disease is important. See a doctor and he will prescribe a competent comprehensive repair treatment.
Cause of disease development
There are many reasons for the appearance and development of pathology. The most important of these are:
- Physical injury - fracture or dislocation;
- overweight;
- hormone imbalance;
- professional sports;
- Intrauterine developmental pathology;
- Genetic susceptibility.
In a young body, cartilage tissue regenerates much faster. During adulthood, the body's natural anabolic processes slow down. This increases tissue degeneration. Therefore, it is very important to diagnose the disease in time and receive a course of treatment for shoulder joint disease.
symptom
The first signs of shoulder arthropathy are related to pain when the arm is pulled back or to the side. It is most intense in the morning and when weather conditions change. Pain is also present on palpation and is accompanied by the following factors:
- Increase physical activity.
- weightlifting.
- low temperature.
If the disorder is not treated, shoulder pain can begin at rest. Movement restrictions are increasing. Completing daily tasks becomes difficult. Contractures and crepitus develop gradually. These phenomena are based on the formation of growths called osteophytes. As the condition worsens, the shoulder swells and develops redness. Shoulder temperature rises.
stage of disease
Pathology has three stages of development. It is worth knowing how arthropathy of the shoulder is manifested and what are the characteristics of each degree:
- first. It manifests as pain. The unpleasant pain and sense of bondage intensify at night. In this case, movement is not restricted.
- second. During the movement of the shoulders, a person will hear a creaking sound. Pain is constantly tormenting a person. Movement is severely restricted.
- third. At this stage, the person begins to experience unbearable pain in the shoulder. The arm is fixed in a comfortable, less painful position. Visually, X-rays show pathological deformities.
The main difference between shoulder joint disease and other diseases is that it cannot be manifested and cannot be developed for a long time. It only gets worse if there is an irritant.
diagnosis
Shoulder joint disease can be diagnosed by a standard X-ray of the shoulder. This photo was taken in two projections. Doctors identify diseases in the presence of:
- narrowing of the joint space;
- osteophyte formation;
- Bone sclerosis.
Under certain conditions, other shoulder study methods are prescribed. Ultrasound determines the thickness of cartilage and assesses the condition of soft tissue.
In the second stage of pathological development, arthroscopic procedures are prescribed. This is an invasive research method. During its implementation, the endoscope is inserted into the shoulder cavity. While studying the state of the tissue, remove bone growths.
Ultrasound and X-rays can replace MRI if available. This is a unique and informative method for examining the body with arthropathy. This procedure allows you to assess the condition of the bone structure, cartilage and ligaments to understand how to treat shoulder joint disease.
In addition to standard instrumentation methods, doctors also prescribe urine tests and blood donations. This is required to detect inflammation.
Which doctor should I see?
For the initial examination, you must visit a therapist. He studies patients' conditions and prescribes tests. Recommended to other experts:
- Orthopedist;
- rheumatologist;
- surgeon;
- neurologist.
After receiving the conclusions and test results of these doctors, the therapist will prescribe an appropriate treatment for the arthropathy of the shoulder joint. The reception of this specialist is indicated in the first stages of the development of the disease. If the problem develops complications and an inflammatory process manifests itself, a rheumatologist prescribes treatment.
If you notice nerve bundle compression, you may need help from a neurologist. If the disease progresses and intra-articular manipulation is required, the surgeon intervenes.
treat
Medicine offers many effective treatments. To eliminate inflammation, pain, painkillers are prescribed. After the acute inflammation has been eliminated, the doctor prescribes a course of strengthening and regenerating agents. To increase the therapeutic effect, drug therapy is supplemented with diet, using alternative methods.
drug
For the effective and rapid treatment of shoulder arthropathy, specialists prescribe drugs from different pharmacological groups. They are necessary to restore damaged cartilage tissue, eliminate painful symptoms, and improve a patient's overall health. Using these drugs can achieve the following effects:
- chondroprotective agent. These are medicinal preparations made from herbal ingredients. They nourish cells efficiently. Medications are recommended for remission, during exacerbations.
- corticosteroid group. Medications can provide long-term pain relief. For severe pathological stages, this is an excellent solution. If you follow the plan of a competent specialist and perform a comprehensive treatment of the diseased shoulder joint, you can reduce the pathological lesions and restore the cartilage.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs can quickly eliminate pain that manifests as degenerative changes. Relief of pain and inflammation allows free movement.
In addition to medications used internally, the attending physician may prescribe external treatments. We are talking about ointments and gels. They are rubbed directly into the inflamed area. Well-structured shoulder arthropathy treatment relieves inflammation and eliminates pain.
surgical
This surgical intervention is essential for:
- Inadequate response to previously prescribed and conservative treatment;
- the occurrence of complications;
- Manifestations of degenerative destructive changes.
Joint replacement surgery is done if there are irreversible changes in appearance or function. Surgery to replace the affected part with an artificial part. This is a complex procedure that requires a doctor with ideal professional qualifications.
treat
Physical therapy is the focus of relief from shoulder symptoms. After the main course of treatment, it is necessary to reduce pain and restore natural mobility. The following procedures are prescribed:
- cryotherapy of the affected area;
- electrophoresis;
- Magnetic therapy.
You can get results from this form of therapy if you follow the rules. Physical therapy is performed only in the absence of acute pain manifestations. These procedures must be performed by highly qualified physicians.
gymnastics
We are talking about physical therapy exercises. Low-load gymnastics are prescribed in the early stages of the pathology. This will relieve acute attacks. It allows you to quickly heal a sore shoulder joint. A standard training complex looks like this:
- Man sits on a chair. Lock the brush in the lock. Do several stretches forward and immediately back. You need to do this twice with a short pause.
- In the same position, you need to place your hands on your hips and relax. Next, you need to perform 4-5 shoulder maneuvers, moving in different directions.
- In the standing position, you should do several clean and jerks at the same time with the elbows outstretched behind the 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 usually prescribe a massage session. This will give the following results:
- Improve tissue nutrition;
- remove edema;
- toning muscles;
- Eliminate pain.
If you entrust your massage to a professional, you will notice positive results after a few sessions.
traditional method
Despite the rapid development of modern medicine, the use of folk remedies to treat shoulder joint disease is considered relevant. Here are the most effective recipes:
- Compress with cabbage leaves. Reduce joint pain, eliminate inflammation and improve mobility. This method is easy to use. You need to put the sheet on the sore shoulder and leave it on overnight.
- A decoction of chamomile, nettle, burdock and calendula should be added to the bath.
- Leech therapy. It is an excellent choice for the treatment of acute and chronic shoulder disease. The procedure quickly restores blood circulation and relieves pain and swelling.
Although folk methods are easy to use and versatile, you should not self-medicate. Treatment of chronic arthropathy of the shoulder joint by folk methods should be prescribed by a doctor after checking and knowing that there is no allergy to the ingredients present in the recipe.
joint disease nutrition
Eating a simple diet is important to restore cartilage quickly. The body needs to be full of nutrients. The diet should contain the following foods:
- jelly.
- bran.
- Different varieties of nuts.
- Egg.
- Buckwheat.
Vitamins are recommended. Eat small, frequent meals 4-5 times. To achieve steady relief, this menu should be consistently adhered to.
prevention
Preventive measures aimed at eliminating shoulder arthropathy are based on excluding factors that may contribute to the disease. It is necessary to live a healthy and fairly active lifestyle. It is important to follow these rules:
- Get moderate exercise every day.
- It is important to avoid getting cold.
- Use chondroprotective agents to treat shoulder pain.
- Get rid of excess weight.
- Avoid excessive physical work.
Following these rules will keep you healthy for years. Not having a shoulder joint is horrible. These rules are important for those over 45 and those who play professional sports.
Contraindications
Lifting weights is considered a major contraindication. If a person is diagnosed with shoulder joint disease and he is a loader, he will have to change his career. When shopping in the supermarket, a trolley should be used without putting a burden on the shoulders. Boxing, wrestling and bodybuilding are absolutely prohibited.
in conclusion
Shoulder arthropathy is a disease that destroys the joints. The cartilage tissue in the shoulder can gradually deteriorate without treatment and medication. Movement becomes limited and pain occurs. At the first symptoms, you should immediately see a doctor and undergo the prescribed course of treatment. In the initial stage, the prognosis for recovery is good.