Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of cartilage tissue in which the normal functioning of the joint is disrupted. In most cases, the disease is chronic. Osteoarthritis of the shoulder is characterized by pain and gradual loss of function of the hands. Most often, the pathology is detected in old age. Causes of osteoarthritis are senile changes in the body, shoulder injuries, birth defects and constant stress on the shoulder girdle. If a person experiences discomfort in the shoulder girdle, it is necessary to consult a doctor and undergo an examination. With the help of a complex effect, it is possible to stop the development of degenerative changes.
What is shoulder osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder - damage to the cartilage tissue of the ankle, during which degenerative changes occur. The blood supply to the cartilage tissue is interrupted, so it ceases to receive a sufficient amount of nutrients and oxygen.At risk are people who experience excessive stress on the shoulders every day and have congenital defects in the joint tissues.In the early stages, the person experiences excruciating pain, but normal shoulder function is maintained. If provocative factors are not eliminated, the disease will cause serious damage to health.
Diagnosis plays an important role in the treatment of osteoarthritis. With the help of X-rays, it is possible to accurately determine the cause of the disease and the degree of damage.
Anatomical background
Congenital disorders of the structure of the joints and connective tissue can become the cause of the appearance of the disease. If a person has peculiarities in the structure of the shoulder girdle, then even a common load can provoke the onset of osteoarthritis. To avoid problems, you will need to take preventative measures and visit a doctor regularly. Congenital dysplasia can be controlled with massage and exercise therapy.
Causes and risk factors
All seniors are at risk.According to WHO statistics, the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis after 45 years increases significantly.By age 65, more than 50% of people suffer from this disease. Among the reasons that provoke the early onset of the disease are:
- damage to the rotating cuff of the shoulder;
- shoulder injury;
- constant stress related to sport or work;
- infectious and autoimmune pathologies;
- obesity;
- improper metabolism.
The older a person gets, the higher the risk of developing degenerative joint damage.
view
Cartilage tissue damage is divided into primary and secondary. The diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis is made if there is no concomitant disease. It is usually detected in old age. The reason for its appearance are age-related changes. Secondary appearance occurs due to injury or against the background of another disease. In addition, the disease is classified according to location.Degenerative changes in the shoulder can occur in the area of the shoulder joint itself or the acromioclavicular joint.
Stages of development and symptoms
Symptoms depend on the stage of development of shoulder osteoarthritis. The pathology is divided into three stages:
- First. . . There is excruciating pain that intensifies at night, the functionality of the shoulder girdle is preserved.
- Second. . . When you move your hands, a crackle is heard, the pain is constant, there is limited shoulder movement.
- Third. . . Severe pain, arm is fixed in one position, extensions are visible in the affected area, a strong deformity of the ankle is observed on X-ray.
The disease may not develop for a long time. If a person continues to load the shoulder girdle, then the condition worsens.
Which doctor to contact
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is treated by different doctors. The initial examination is performed by a therapist or rheumatologist. In addition, the following specialists may be involved in treatment:
- surgeon;
- orthopedist;
- neurologist.
In most cases, the treatment regimen is designed by a rheumatologist.The help of the surgeon is necessary if the disease requires surgical treatment or intra-articular manipulations.Consultation with a neurologist is necessary if the nerve bundle is compressed due to disease.
Only after a diagnostic examination will the therapist or rheumatologist determine if the help of other specialists is needed.
Diagnosing
Hardware and laboratory tests as well as manual examination are used to establish an accurate diagnosis. First of all, an inspection is performed with various tests. The story of the person is being studied. All this helps to make a preliminary diagnosis. In addition, MRI and X-ray are used to determine the degree of narrowing of the joint space, the condition of blood vessels, synovium, tendons.
Manual examination
Manual examination involves palpating the affected area and performing diagnostic tests. Pain usually appears on palpation of the acromioclavicular joint. If a person has problems placing his hand behind his head, then this may signal the presence of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint. During a manual examination, the doctor will be able to detect inflammation. The information obtained during the manual examination plays an important role in the diagnosis.The examination should be performed by an experienced rheumatologist or therapist, so as not to cause harm during testing and functional tests.
Instrumental methods
Instrumental search methods allow you to determine:
- degree of narrowing of the joint space;
- uneven joint surface;
- localization of osteoarthritis.
After using instrumental diagnostic methods, the necessary therapy is selected. For diagnosis, radiography, CT or MRI are used. These methods provide the necessary information. Instrumental examination may be repeated during treatment.
laboratory
Laboratory tests allow you to assess the condition of the body as a whole, as well as rule out inflammatory arthritis. First of all, blood is taken for analysis. With osteoarthritis, all indications for clinical and biochemical blood tests are within normal limits. With arthritis, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, the amount of immunoglobulins and other markers of the inflammatory process in the body are significantly increased. Based on the results obtained, the doctor makes a final diagnosis and selects an effective treatment regimen.
To get accurate results, donate blood in the morning on an empty stomach.
Treatment
The approach to treatment is complex. Medications, physiotherapy, physiotherapy exercises are used. If the disease is advanced or does not respond to treatment, surgery is used. Basic principles of therapy:
- pain relief;
- stop the development of the disease;
- cartilage tissue restoration mechanisms begin.
In the initial stage, the result is achieved with the use of medication.It is important to rule out provocative factors. Sustained remission is achieved through physiotherapy and exercise therapy.
Treatment
The following groups of drugs can be used for treatment:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- chondroprotectors;
- corticosteroids;
- vasodilators.
NSAIDs and corticosteroids are used to relieve pain. They apply for a limited period of time. Chondroprotectors can accelerate the restoration of cartilage tissue. Vasodilators help improve blood flow and relieve small vessel spasm.
Before prescribing this or that drug, it is necessary to carefully study the contraindications. Only a doctor can correctly combine all medications.
surgery
Surgical intervention is performed only as a last resort, when irreversible degenerative processes have occurred. The reasons for the operation are:
- lack of effect from conservative therapy;
- occurrence of complications;
- the appearance of severe degenerative changes.
If the joint has lost its original appearance, then arthroplasty is performed.The diseased joint is replaced with an artificial one. The operation is complex and requires high qualifications of the surgeon. Puncture and arthroscopy can also be performed to treat osteoarthritis.
puncture
Puncture is performed if a large amount of fluid has accumulated in the articular cavity. Also, this procedure is performed with infectious inflammations to determine the type of infection. Removing excess fluid helps reduce pressure on the shoulder joint and increase its mobility. The procedure is minimally invasive, so recovery after its completion is done as soon as possible. Puncture has indications and contraindications. Used only in case of accumulation of fluid in the joint capsule or if an infectious complication of osteoarthritis is suspected.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that removes the damaged shoulder cartilage. The operation is performed using endoscopic equipment and a micro-camera. The advantage of this method of treatment is rapid rehabilitation. Removing damaged cartilage allows you to relieve stress and restore mobility in the joints. The disadvantage of the procedure is that access to the affected area is somewhat limited.
Endoprosthetics
Endoprosthetics is a complete replacement of a damaged joint with a biocompatible analogue.Titanium construction is commonly used. Surgery allows you to get rid of stage 3 osteoarthritis as well. Long-term rehabilitation is performed after endoprosthetics. As a result, it is possible to achieve complete elimination of the affected areas and chronic pain, as well as to restore the mobility of the shoulder girdle.
Surgery is not always possible. In the elderly, the rehabilitation period is much more difficult. Other treatment options are used prior to the appointment of arthroplasty.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy procedures play an important role in eliminating osteoarthritis of the shoulder girdle. With their help, it is possible to restore normal mobility of the joints and reduce the severity of pain. The following procedures are performed:
- electrophoresis;
- local cryotherapy;
- magnetotherapy.
Physiotherapy can be used if there are no acute manifestations of the disease (severe pain, limited mobility). Regular exposure will completely eliminate the concern. Any procedure must be performed by a qualified technician.Before visiting physiotherapy rooms, you should consult your doctor.
Kinesitherapy
Kinesitherapy refers to the use of active and passive methods to restore shoulder function. If the illness is mild, then the person can begin to use an active method of recovery through exercise. The passive method consists of external exposure through massage or mechanotherapy. Kinesitherapy helps to quickly get rid of the manifestations of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.
The passive method of recovery through mechanotherapy is available to people of all ages.
Exercise therapy
Physiotherapy exercises allow you to place a load on the muscles and restore mobility of the shoulder joint. Mostly static exercises are used. A dynamic load in which active shoulder rotation is performed is undesirable. The following exercises can be performed:
- Shaking shoulders- is required to take the starting position, sitting in a chair and placing his hands on his knees. Relax your shoulders, then start shaking your elbows. At the same time, the hands are on the knees.
- Slow rotation- you should sit in a chair and put your hands on your knees, then slowly start rolling your shoulders with short pauses. Circular movements are performed back and forth.
Physiotherapy can only be used during remission, when pain and limited movement are almost completely absent.
Massage
Massaging the affected area allows you to get the following effects:
- improving tissue nutrition;
- relieving swelling;
- tone the muscles;
- relieves pain.
It is advisable that all operations be performed by a qualified specialist. When performing self-massage, strong pressure and sudden movements should be avoided.The result of the massage effect is noticeable within a few weeks after regular use.
Massage should be accompanied by other activities. If a person performs exercises from the exercise therapy complex and visits a massage room, he will achieve excellent results.
Mekanotherapy
Mechanotherapy means a set of exercises performed in specialized mechanisms. This method allows you to recover in the shortest possible time. Mechanotherapy is ideal for postoperative rehabilitation. Special mechanisms allow you to adjust the load, allowing faster recovery of muscles and ligaments. All operations are performed in stationary conditions. Classes on rehabilitation mechanisms should be conducted with an instructor. He will correctly choose the necessary load and simulator.
Pulling the joints
The connections are stretched using a specialized device. The following effects can be achieved with this procedure:
- improving blood circulation;
- enlarge the common space;
- relieving tension from ligaments.
Narrowing of the joint space is one of the main manifestations of osteoarthritis. With this procedure, you can improve the situation. The load rate is selected individually. Initially, traction is performed with minimal weights.
Before prescribing joint retraction, it is necessary to perform an examination for possible contraindications.
Popular methods
Traditional methods allow you to get rid of pain and speed up the process of cartilage tissue restoration. The following remedies may apply:
- Burdock leaves- Fresh burdock leaves are pressed until softened and applied to the affected area for 30-60 minutes. Fixation is performed with gauze.
- Salt compresses- 50 g of salt is dissolved in 450 ml of water, after which gauze is placed in the juice. The gauze is removed, heated and applied to the shoulder for 45 minutes.
- Gelatin- 2 teaspoons of gelatin will need to be diluted in 100 ml of warm water, after which the liquid is heated to a boil. Gelatin is taken orally once daily before meals. Promotes cartilage tissue restoration.
Traditional methods will help to achieve a good result in therapy. It is advisable to use them during forgiveness.
Diet for osteoarthritis
With any type of osteoarthritis (shoulder, wrist, ankle), you need to provide your body with all the nutrients for fast cartilage tissue restoration. You will need to add the following foods to your diet:
- arra;
- bran;
- gelatinous jelly;
- buckwheat porridge;
- eggs.
Food should be balanced. Vitamin supplements can be taken to get essential vitamins and minerals. It is advisable to eat 4-5 times a day. During the treatment of osteoarthritis, alcoholic beverages and sweets are excluded. If a person wants to achieve lasting forgiveness, then he will have to adhere to the principles of proper nutrition consistently.
Complications and prognosis
The prognosis depends on the age of the person, the degree of damage, the individual characteristics of the organism. At a young age, it is possible to achieve complete restoration of cartilage tissue and joint functionality. In old age, you will need to adhere to certain rules to achieve a lasting improvement in your condition. Osteoarthritis of the shoulder responds better to therapy than osteoarthritis of the foot, as the shoulder girdle is easy to isolate from stress. This enables more effective conservative treatment.
Differences Between Shoulder Osteoarthritis And Arthritis
Osteoarthritis and arthritis have the same manifestations, but differ in clinical appearance. The main difference is that osteoarthritis is a non-inflammatory disease.In the early stages, pain in osteoarthritis bothers a person only after exercise, and in arthritis it is constant.Arthritis is an inflammatory-degenerative disease. Its treatment is somewhat different from that of osteoarthritis.
In order not to confuse these diseases, differential diagnosis methods are used. Laboratory and instrumental studies will help accurately determine the presence or absence of inflammation.
Prophylaxis
Preventing osteoarthritis consists of eliminating provocative factors and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You will need to do the following:
- give moderate physical activity;
- avoid hypothermia;
- use chondroprotectors;
- avoid hard physical work;
- reduce body weight to normal.
Preventive actions will help keep joints healthy until old age. Prevention should be followed especially carefully by persons over 45 years of age or actively involved in sports.
conclusions
- Osteoarthritis of the shoulder is a degenerative disease in which there is a gradual destruction of the cartilage tissue of the ankle.As a result, the person has pain and movement is limited.
- Treatment of the disease includesuse of medication, performing physiotherapy and performing exercises from the complex of physiotherapy exercises.
- At an early stage of the disease course, the prognosis for complete recovery is favorable.
- Prevention can significantly reduce the chance of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.