Shoulder osteoarthritis isjoint disease, which is characterized by the breakdown, 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 diseases. At first, the disease develops, as a rule, unnoticed by the patient. At present, it can only be diagnosed by taking an x-ray. Then the first minor symptoms appear: for example, pain when trying to put a spoon in the mouth. Symptoms increase and thereafter the mobility of the affected arm is severely or completely limited. A person's quality of life decreases, sleep deteriorates, because it is almost impossible to choose a position in which pain is eliminated.
There are two main manifestations of the disease. The first is pain (first observed during movement, later - at rest). The second manifestation is muscle restriction (contracture). For example, the patient cannot raise his arms or take them back.
Cartilage problems occur in many people. According to statistics, arthrosis is diagnosed in 7% of the population. Arthrosis of the shoulder joint is less dangerous than, for example, arthrosis of the hip, but the consequences are still frightening. We speak of complete immobility of the hand, and it is a catastrophic inconvenience in everyday life, and unsuitable for most types of work.
The danger of the disease lies in the fact that the harm it has managed to cause cannot be corrected. It is important to identify osteoarthritis in the early stages of development, and therefore, if even the slightest discomfort occurs, begin to carefully monitor your shoulder.
For the first time, the pain that has arisen can be tried to be eliminated with medication. The pain can be caused, for example, by awkward movements, heavy lifting or sports. If the pain does not go away after 3-4 days, go to the doctor. You can test joint mobility first: do a movement that mimics putting on an apron (put your hands behind your back). If the pain is felt at the same time, a visit to the doctor should never be postponed. Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is an "insidious" disease, and only your vigilance will stop it in time.
Causes of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
- Natural cartilage wear. The risk group is people over 50 years old, but special attention should be paid to the state of the joints after 40 years. At this age, it is desirable to reduce the load on them.
- Injuries. The process of breakdown of cartilage and bone tissue can cause mechanical damage. It can be not only a serious injury, but also several microtraumas, which occur, for example, in athletes.
- Practicing a sport that puts a lot of strain on the shoulder joint. We talk about tennis, rowing, swimming, handball, volleyball.
- Circulatory disorders in the shoulder area. It can be caused by diseases, genetic factors or trauma.
- Work associated with weight transfer. Osteoarthritis develops due to constant tension in the muscles of the shoulder joint.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, although uncommon, always leads to the development of arthrosis of the shoulder joint.
- autoimmune diseases.
- Disorders of the endocrine system.
- Certain metabolic diseases, gout, etc.
- genetic predisposition. If there are cases of arthrosis of the shoulder joint in the family, a person should limit the load on the joint, undergo examinations with a specialist.
Stages of development of arthrosis of the shoulder joint
- First stage. The seal can sometimes crack. The pain occurs in the morning and in the evening. The pain can occur in bad weather. Discomfort during movement exists, but after the "development" of the hand everything returns to normal.
- Second step. The motor skills of the hand deteriorate significantly. At this stage, a person begins to "adapt" his movements to the existing inconveniences: for example, when putting on a jacket, one should avoid throwing a strong arm behind his back when putting on a jacket. The symptoms of the first stage intensify.
- Third step. The joint is completely immobilized. The range of motion of the hand is limited to a few degrees. The pain is felt constantly. Due to the immobility of the joint, the muscles of the shoulder girdle begin to atrophy.
- Fourth step. The hand is completely immobilized. The joint hardens and the bones grow together because there is no cartilage between them. The pain is strong. It is not always eliminated by analgesics.
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 self-medication. Arthrosis of the shoulder joint is a complex disease that only a doctor can eliminate.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the shoulder
- Pain at rest or during movement.
- Discomfort during changing weather conditions.
- Pain after prolonged exercise that lasts a day or more.
- bite.
- Stiffness of movement due to pain.
- Swelling of the joint area.
- A feeling of high temperature in this area (a sign of an inflammatory process).
- Sleep problems due to inability to lie on pain side for a long time.
Symptoms can vary greatly from patient to patient. It all depends on the cause of the disease and its course. We've talked about the main signs that should prompt the idea of seeing a doctor at first: they are pain and stiffness. If you notice these symptoms, you should definitely consult a specialist. The intervention of a doctor with such severe 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 informs the specialist about the symptoms and when the first signs of the disease appeared. The patient should remember whether this discomfort was preceded by injuries, bruises, dislocations.
Then the doctor performs a visual examination of the affected area. At this stage, swelling and other visible manifestations of arthrosis of the shoulder joint can be determined. In order to assess the mobility of the joint, the doctor asks the patient to undergo primitive tests. For example, bring your hands to the lock behind your back. With a high degree of probability, the disease will "manifest" already at this stage.
Specialists use hardware diagnostic methods.
- X-ray. Confirm or refute the diagnosis. Allows you to establish the localization of the lesion, the inflammatory process. Gives information about the distance between the bones: if they are too close to each other, the cartilage has begun to wear down.
- MRI. Provides information on the condition of tendons and cartilage.
- CT. Provides a 3D x-ray of the examined area, allowing you to assess the overall picture.
Modern diagnostic methods allow not only to identify arthrosis of the shoulder joint, but also provide information about the stage of the disease and its course. This allows physicians to accurately design therapies.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
The main task is to stop the development of the disease, improve joint mobility, relieve pain and improve the patient's quality of life. Consider the methods doctors use to treat osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.
- Medications. Analgesics are used to relieve pain. Medicines that improve blood circulation are also used (if necessary).
- Smooth ride mode.
- Diet.
- Massage. Metameric (point) massage is particularly effective.
- metameric method. Designed by Vladimir Andreevich Bersenev. This involves an effect on the affected neurometamers and ultimately the affected joints. The main procedure consists of metameric injections which are injected into the affected area. They stop the process of decay and destruction, improve joint mobility.
As in the case of osteoarthritis of the knee or hip, the treatment only works if the therapy is adapted to the individual characteristics of the patient, the symptoms and the stage of the disease. There is no model that works in all cases.
Conclusion
Arthrosis of the shoulder joint is a complex disease, but with a timely visit to the doctor, the prognosis is positive. If you find yourself with the above symptoms, do not put off a visit to a specialist. Each day of delay complicates the course of treatment and worsens the prognosis. Contact a specialized medical center, where your doctor will draw up an individual treatment regimen that will help you overcome this disease.