Osteoarthritis of the shoulder is a pathological process that occurs in patients over 50 years of age. Like many other illnesses, it can cause unpleasant sensations. The initial form of the disease is characterized by grade 1 paresis of the shoulder joint, which has certain symptomatic manifestations and factors that can negatively affect its subsequent development.
Causes and symptoms appear
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder is a violation of the integrity of the cartilaginous joint and its elements. Often, the disease process begins to develop actively, as a result of which the patient is diagnosed with arthritis and inflammation.
Disease can occur on the basis of exposure to various factors. The most popular include:
- joint trauma (dislocation, bruising, fracture) characterized by capsular injury or ligament rupture;
- identification of diseases of the cardiovascular system in a patient (processes, as a result of which organs and systems do not receive the optimal amount of blood and oxygen);
- the presence of excess body weight (there is an increase in the load on the joints).
The symptoms of shoulder osteoarthritis can manifest themselves with varying degrees and frequencies. In the early stages of the disease, the patient presents with mild pain or discomfort (especially during the discovery of the shoulder in a certain position). Then, for a certain period of time, the disease process goes into remission, after which the disease becomes self-aware, and at the same time develops actively. Pain in the joints, as a rule, has a pulling or aching nature, the intensity of which varies depending on the load. Pain syndrome can have different localization. It can be distributed over the entire area of the shoulder or only in certain joint areas. As a result, the motor activity of the upper extremities of the patient is disturbed and the pathological process becomes chronic. The symptoms and treatment of the disease, which is then selected, largely depends on the age characteristics of the patient.
Diagnose
Before voicing a conclusion, the medical expert directs the patient to carry out diagnostic measures. At the first appointment, the doctor will conduct a thorough examination of the affected joint, then will gather the most detailed information about the patient's lifestyle, professional activities, and details of the injury. During palpation, the nature of joint mobility and the course of the disease are studied.
An X-ray is recommended for more information. The resulting image makes it possible to determine the nature of the development of the disease and its overlooked stage.
When making a diagnosis, it is especially important to take into account the presence of concomitant diseases in the body.
1 disease level
Diagnosis is made based on available information about the patient's symptoms and general condition. In this case, a joint analysis of blood and urine could not provide the necessary information regarding the course of the joint disease. A laboratory study of synovial fluid in grade 1 spondyloarthritis showed an increase in biomaterial viscosity and an increase in protein content. Computers and magnetic resonance imaging are considered equally informative. Despite the accuracy and content of the information, the procedure is quite expensive, so not all patients can afford such examination.
2 degrees
When detecting grade 2 shoulder osteoarthritis, in addition to examination and questioning, the following diagnostic methods are used: ultrasound, arthroscopy, scintigraphy and temperature. All these techniques help to determine the nature of joint space narrowing, compaction of bone tissue, presence of cysts or fragments of bone tissue in the joint area. Ultrasound examination of the disease helps to determine the thickness of the cartilage on the surface of all areas, to determine the possible presence of corrosion and wen.
3 degrees
Defining grade 3 shoulder osteoarthritis involves an extensive examination option. In addition to the basic methods, the patient must pass a biochemical blood test (to identify signs of the inflammatory process), immunological studies to determine the stage of the disease process and a biopsy of cartilage tissue toallow the patient to be diagnosed. The more precise the better.
Treatment
Although the form of the pathological process of the joint is revealed in the patient, he will require long-term treatment. Traditional and non-traditional therapeutic methods aimed at eliminating the main signs:
- reduce the manifestations of pain;
- eliminate signs of the inflammatory process;
- normalizes the general condition of cartilage tissue;
- return to limb mobility;
- normalizes metabolic processes in the body.
Treatment of shoulder deformity grade 2 must use complex therapies, in which multiple treatment methods are used at the same time.
Medical treatment
Treatment of the disease with the help of drugs consists in the use of means that have a variety of effects:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - eliminate signs of the inflammatory process, painful manifestations in the joints. They are prescribed by a medical professional, since the complexes have the potential to cause a negative reaction of the body. They are recommended to be used with caution in patients with problems with the function of the gastrointestinal tract, since the components of the preparation have the potential to stimulate the development of ulcers.
- intraocular blockade. The arthritic procedure involves administering corticosteroids as injections directly into the affected area.
- Hormonal and non-hormonal topical preparations. They can be applied as a gel or ointment.
In this case, the use of drugs against joint diseases is extremely necessary, since all other methods of therapy have an additive effect and only give positive results after a certain time.
Physiotherapy and exercise
Physiotherapy procedures and physiotherapeutic exercises are considered equally effective and useful. Usually, with a joint disease, they are prescribed:
- laser therapy - improves blood flow and normalizes metabolic processes in the body;
- acupuncture - allows you to activate the body's own forces in the fight against the pathological process;
- magnetic therapy - strengthens the body's immune system, allows the damaged area of the joints to heal more actively due to the restoration of blood flow;
- hirudotherapy - is the implementation of therapeutic measures with the help of leeches, which are effective in detecting the 1st and 2nd stages of the disease;
- manual therapy - involves massage not only by a professional, but also independently at home.
Don't forget about physical education. Gymnastics in the case of osteoarthritis of the shoulder plays an important role, so classes should be regular and take into account all the features of the disease process. It is necessary to discuss in advance with the doctor about the permissible load, what exercises are allowed to be performed and the duration of classes for such a disease.
Surgery
Before the effectiveness of the above treatment methods as well as the identification of a rapidly developing disease, doctors are forced to resort to surgical treatment.
This procedure usually involves the installation of endospores. This method is considered invasive, allowing the replacement of damaged joint fragments with artificial alternatives.
This technique not only helps to eliminate the symptoms that appear, but it can also restore lost activity of the upper extremities.
Folk remedies
In addition to folk remedies, herbal remedies are considered equally effective. To reduce painful manifestations of the course of rheumatic diseases, it is recommended to take cabbage or burdock. Before use, the plant needs to be rolled through the squeezing stage, then it must be applied to the shoulder. The compression part is covered with a layer of fabric on top to keep the heat as long as possible. The procedure takes several hours.
Many experts especially recommend bathing with herbal mixtures for joints. It can be made from mustard and hay dust in a certain proportion. Bath time from 15 minutes to half an hour. After the procedure, you should dress warmly. It is allowed to use cinquefoil based compression. Previously, medicinal plants were dried. To prepare a gauze for rheumatism, you will need three tablespoons of the main ingredient and lard. Many experts recommend adding a teaspoon of red chili pepper. This will improve blood circulation. Such actions are allowed in the absence of discomfort, a violation of the integrity of the skin (in the form of a red cuticle), without an increase in body temperature and signs of the inflammatory process. The use of the remedy of the disease in most cases is carried out when a chronic form of the disease process is detected.
Prevent
To prevent the onset of joint disease and its subsequent spread, the patient must be treated as sparingly as possible. This is especially necessary if the patient is elderly or older. Mandatory favorable conditions include optimal body temperature, observance of established rules of personal hygiene and hygiene requirements, timely exercise, monitoring of the quality of food and supplementsessential vitamins and trace elements, see a specialist at least twice a year.