Shoulder arthrosis isjoint disease, which is characterized by degradation, wear and destruction of cartilage, as well as adjacent bone tissue. The disease is also called adhesive capsulitis, humeroscapular polyarthrosis, frozen shoulder syndrome.
The disease belongs to the category of chronic, progressive. Initially, the disease develops, as a rule, unnoticed by the patient. Currently, it can be diagnosed simply by taking an x-ray. Then the first small symptoms appear: for example, pain when trying to bring a spoon into your mouth. Symptoms increase, and consequently the mobility of the arm is severely affected or completely limited. A person's quality of life decreases, sleep worsens, because it is almost impossible to choose a position where the pain is eliminated.
There are two main manifestations of this disease. The first is pain (first observed during movement, then - during rest). The second manifestation is muscle contraction (contracture). For example, the patient should not raise his or her hand or bring it back.
Cartilage problems occur in many people. According to statistics, arthrosis is diagnosed in 7% of the population. Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is less dangerous than, for example, arthrosis of the hip joint, but the consequences are still frightening. We are talking about complete immobility of the hand, and this is a great inconvenience in everyday life, and unsuitable for most types of work.
The danger of this disease lies in the fact that the harm it causes cannot be rectified. It is important to identify arthrosis at an early stage of development, and therefore, if slight discomfort occurs, begin to monitor your shoulder closely.
For the first time, the pain that appears can be tried to be relieved with medication. Pain can be caused, for example, by awkward movements, weight lifting or sports. If the pain does not disappear after 3-4 days, go to the doctor. You can test joint mobility first: make movements that mimic wearing an apron (put your hands behind your back). If the pain is felt at the same time, then the trip to the doctor should not be delayed. Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a "dangerous" disease, and only your vigilance will help stop it in a timely manner.
Causes of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
- The natural thirst of cartilage. The risk group consists of people over the age of 50, but it is worth paying special attention to the condition of the joints after 40. At this age, it is desirable to reduce the load on them.
- injuries. The process of degradation of cartilage and bone tissue can trigger mechanical damage. It can be not only a serious injury, but also several microtraumas, which, for example, occur in athletes.
- Play sports that put a lot of pressure on the shoulder joints. We talk about tennis, rowing, swimming, handball, volleyball.
- Circulatory disorders in the shoulder area. It can be caused by disease, genetic factors or trauma.
- Work related to weight transfer. Arthrosis develops due to constant tension of the muscles of the shoulder joint.
- Rheumatoid polyarthritis, although rare, still leads to the development of arthrosis of the shoulder joint.
- autoimmune disorders.
- Disorders of the endocrine system.
- Some metabolic diseases, gout, etc.
- genetic predisposition. If there is a case of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint in the family, one should limit the load on the joint, undergo an examination with a specialist.
The stage of development of arthrosis of the shoulder joint
- First stage. The joints may sometimes crack. The pain occurs in the morning and evening. Pain can occur during bad weather. Discomfort during movement exists, but after the "development" of the hand, everything returns to normal.
- The second level. Hand motor ability deteriorates significantly. At this stage, one begins to "adjust" his movements to the existing discomfort: for example, while wearing a jacket, one should avoid throwing strong arms backwards when wearing a jacket. The symptoms of the first stage intensify.
- The third level. The joints do not move completely. The amplitude of hand movements is limited to a few degrees. The pain is felt constantly. Due to joint immobility, the shoulder girdle muscles begin to atrophy.
- Fourth rank. The hand does not move completely. The joints harden, and the bones grow together, because there is no cartilage between them. The pain is strong. It is not always removed by painkillers.
Already in the second stage, the symptoms of the disease are clearly visible, and therefore the disease rarely reaches the third and fourth stages. This happens if the patient completely ignores the problem or tries to get rid of it with the help of their own medications. Arthrosis of the shoulder joint is a complex disease that can only be eliminated by a doctor.
Symptoms of shoulder osteoarthritis
- Pain at rest or during movement.
- Discomfort during changes in weather conditions.
- Pain after prolonged exercise that lasts a day or longer.
- berderai.
- Stiffness of movement due to pain.
- Swelling of the joint area.
- Feeling of high temperature in this area (a sign of the inflammatory process).
- Sleep problems due to inability to lie on the side of pain for long periods of time.
Symptoms can vary from patient to patient. Much depends on the cause of the disease and its course. We talked about the main signs that should prompt the idea of visiting a doctor in the first place: these are pain and stiffness. If you notice these symptoms, you should definitely visit a specialist. The intervention of a doctor with such serious symptoms is necessary, even if it is not arthrosis, but something else.
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
Diagnosis begins with the collection of anamnesis. The patient tells the specialist about the symptoms and when the signs of the disease first appear. Patients need to remember whether this discomfort is preceded by injuries, bruises, dislocations.
Next, the doctor conducts a visual examination of the affected area. At this stage, swelling and other manifestations of arthrosis of the shoulder joint can be determined. To assess joint mobility, doctors ask patients to undergo primitive tests. For example, bring your hand to the lock behind you. With a high degree of probability, the disease will "show" itself already at this stage.
Specialists use hardware diagnostic methods.
- Radiography. Confirm or deny the diagnosis. Allows you to establish the localization of the lesion, the inflammatory process. Provide information about the distance between the bones: if they are too close to each other, then the cartilage has begun to wear out.
- MRI. Provide information on the condition of tendons and cartilage.
- CT scan. Provides a 3D x-ray of the area being examined, which allows you to assess the overall picture.
Modern diagnostic methods not only make it possible to identify arthrosis of the shoulder joint, but also provide information about the stage of the disease and its course. This allows the physician to design the therapy accurately.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
The main task is to stop the progression of the disease, improve joint mobility, relieve pain and improve the quality of life of patients. Consider the methods used by doctors to treat osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.
- Medications. Painkillers are used to relieve pain. Medicines that increase blood circulation are also used (if necessary).
- Soft driving mode.
- Diet.
- massage. The metameric sequence (dots) is very effective.
- metameric method. Designed by Vladimir Andreevich Bersenev. It envisions effects on the affected neurometamer and, ultimately, on the affected joint. The main procedure is a metameric injection injected into the affected area. They stop the process of degradation and destruction, increasing joint mobility.
As in the case of arthrosis of the knee or hip joint, treatment only works when therapy is tailored to the individual characteristics of the patient, symptoms and stage of the disease. No template is effective in all cases.
Conclusion
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a complex disease, but with timely visits to the doctor, the prognosis is positive. If you find yourself experiencing the above symptoms, do not postpone a visit to a specialist for later. Every day of delay complicates the treatment procedure and worsens the prognosis. Contact a specialized medical center where your doctor will develop an individualized treatment regimen that will help overcome the disease.