Shoulder joint problems are not as common as hip or knee problems, but they do exist, and shoulder joint arthrosis is notable among them, the symptoms and treatment of which have their own characteristics. In most cases, a rheumatologist solves these problems. In general, arthrosis of the shoulder joint has its own specific symptoms and is characterized by degenerative processes not only in the cartilage itself. Very often the capsule, ligamentous apparatus and joint bags, of which there are many, suffer.
As a result of everything that happens, the joint is deformed, the range of motion is limited. In addition to the fact that such a condition develops, arthrosis is accompanied by pain. The reasons for this condition can be very diverse, we will try to understand them in detail.
What makes it all?
The inflammatory process causes the results of arthrosis of the shoulder joint. It develops due to various factors, some will be treated by a rheumatologist, while others will need the help of a traumatologist.
The most common cause of osteoarthritis is a traumatic injury. This is observed in athletes as a result of microtrauma, during a common dislocation or after a fracture. Then arthrosis is post-traumatic and requires its own approach to treatment.
With pathology of blood vessels, tissues experience a lack of oxygen, tissue dystrophy occurs. As a result, both right and left shoulder joint arthrosis develops. Often this condition can be observed with excessive physical exertion.
Hormonal disorders or autoimmune cartilage damage are often the cause. In the latter case, such arthrosis of the shoulder joint is treated by a rheumatologist. Arthrosis occurs, for example, with psoriasis, gout.
It is certain that the causes can be hidden in heredity, especially if parents suffer from these diseases. Also, arthrosis can develop in people with congenital defects of the shoulder joint.
Symptoms may appear with age as the cartilage wears down. People over 50 are at risk.
symptoms
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint develops over a long period of time and its symptoms do not disappear. In this regard, you should constantly monitor the condition of the shoulder joint, and if even minor symptoms appear, immediately consult a doctor.
Everything starts with pain, which first appears with arthrosis. My joints hurt, especially in the morning or when the weather changes. When lifting weights, this symptom also makes itself felt actively, often the shoulder area cannot be touched. As the symptoms progress, arthrosis appears even at rest. In addition to joint pain, symptoms can be in the back, forearm or elbow.
Limitation of movement is added to the symptoms, the main reasons for this are pain. Usually, a person cannot perform simple actions, such as combing or brushing their teeth.
A simulated scratch test allows you to find out the presence of arthrosis.
It is also difficult to return the hand. If medicines and exercises are not prescribed in time, then it is simply impossible to prevent contractures.
Complements the symptoms of seizures, which can appear in any degree. This happens due to the growth of bone tissue, and in the early stages only the person himself feels it, and then it is heard even from a distance. Swelling joins, and not only the joint, but also the skin of the shoulder, forearm, can turn red. All this indicates the presence of an inflammatory process.
In the late stages of the disease, arm abduction becomes a side problem. This happens due to growths that cover the joint area in abundance. Depending on the degree, there is a certain specificity - at each stage, the disease can be manifested in different ways.
according to quality
In the first stage of the disease, pain is felt only in the morning and evening. It may take time for a person to get rid of the "stiffness". A sharp movement is accompanied by a small cramp, which is not the cause of pain.
At rest, with this degree of pain, the pain is not the same as there are no changes on the X-ray film. All this begins in the second degree, when the manifestations become more pronounced.
Symptoms in the second stage are filled with more pronounced cramping and pain. The arm can no longer be fully moved, but the mobility of the joint is preserved. At this stage, the destruction and deformation of the cartilage occurs, there are characteristic manifestations on the X-ray.
In the third degree, the process can be considered running and the drug treatment already has minimal success. In this case, only light rock movements are possible, and sharp pain becomes a constant companion. The joint area is very inflamed, accompanied by deformation, pain in the area of the shoulder and forearm. Therefore, post-traumatic arthrosis, which can be in the area of the right or left shoulder joint, is most often observed.
If you do not perform special exercises, the muscles will atrophy. In this case, only surgical treatment will help. However, it rarely reaches this stage, only in case of constant overload.
In the fourth degree, there is no need to speak of the joint as such, because it simply does not exist. Post-traumatic arthrosis causes this condition, especially if the injury is severe. Medicines, even strong ones, cannot deal with the pain. This stage can be found in the elderly and the elderly. The pain often radiates to the forearm and only adequate treatment can help.
treatment
There are special medicines that can stop the disease. The main thing is to treat them as early as possible, even if the arthrosis is post-traumatic.
Drugs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are in the first place. Their number is large and only a doctor can choose the right one. In addition to reducing pain, the inflammatory process is also resolved. Treatment with these drugs is carried out in courses, otherwise the effect on the cartilage may be negative.
Also, drugs have a negative effect on the mucous membrane of the stomach. With caution, they are assigned to those who have problems with this organ. Prolonged use may cause ulcers.
Local treatment
With a strong inflammatory process, hormone-based drugs are injected into the joint. Medicines have a local anti-inflammatory effect, although this is not safe for the joint itself, since it destroys the cartilage. The local use of ointments, which also effectively relieve pain, is justified.
The scheme is complemented by drugs called chondroprotectors. Treatment of the disease with these drugs will take a long time, but they contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue and the normal functioning of the joint. The composition includes glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid. The effect lasts for a long time, even after stopping the medication.
Physiotherapy and gymnastics
There are many techniques that practically do not use drugs, but allow you to get excellent results. This disease is treated with the following means:
- magnetotherapy;
- therapeutic baths;
- laser;
- ultrasound;
- dirty.
At the same time, special exercises are performed to increase the range of motion in the joint. Gymnastics has many techniques that are prescribed depending on the degree and stage of the disease.
It is better to perform exercises under the supervision of an experienced doctor who will select the optimal one.
Operation
When exercise and drug treatment do not help, surgical intervention is necessary. Endoprosthesis of the shoulder joint can solve the problem. They completely replace everything old and worn out, the prosthesis itself is made of metal or ceramic. The service life of such an implant is approximately 15 to 25 years.
Treatment of this disease is very difficult and not always possible. Only an integrated approach is successful, in which the treatment consists of medicines supplemented by gymnastics or special exercises, physiotherapy. The disease in the right shoulder is especially painful, because it is the hand that works.
It is better to treat the disease at an early stage and not to take it to extremes. If arthrosis is treated in the first stage, many negative consequences can be avoided. But it is not recommended to treat this disease independently.