Shoulder joint disease is a pathological process that occurs in patients over the age of 50. Like many other diseases, this disease can cause uncomfortable feelings. The initial form of the disease is characterized by 1st degree arthropathy of the shoulder joint, which has certain symptoms and factors that may negatively affect subsequent development.
Causes and symptoms
Shoulder osteoarthritis is a violation of the integrity of the cartilaginous joint and its elements. Many times, the disease process begins to develop aggressively, and as a result the patient is diagnosed with arthritis and inflammation.
The disease can occur in the context of exposure to a variety of factors. The most common include:
- Joint injuries (dislocations, bruises, fractures) characterized by damage to the joint capsule or rupture of ligaments;
- Identify diseases of the patient's cardiovascular system (processes that prevent organs and systems from receiving optimal blood and oxygen levels);
- Excessive weight (increased load on joints).
Symptoms of shoulder arthropathy can manifest in varying intensities and frequencies. During the initial stages of disease development, patients present with mild pain or discomfort (especially in the process of finding a certain position for the shoulder). After that, for a period of time, the course of the disease will subside, after which it will make itself feel again, while actively developing. Joint pain is often characterized by pulling or pain, the intensity of which varies depending on the load. Pain syndromes can have different localizations. 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 patient's upper extremities is disturbed, and the pathological process is transformed into a chronic form. The symptoms and treatment of the disease that is subsequently selected depend largely on the age characteristics of the patient.
diagnosis
Before drawing conclusions, medical experts guide patients through diagnostic measures. At the first appointment, the doctor will perform a thorough examination of the affected joint and then gather the most detailed information about the patient's lifestyle, professional activities and injury details. During palpation, the nature of joint mobility and the course of the disease were studied.
X-rays are recommended for more information. The resulting picture can determine the nature of disease development and its overlooked stages.
When making a diagnosis, it is especially important to take into account the presence of concomitant diseases in the body.
1st degree disease
Diagnosis is made based on available information about the patient's symptoms and general health. In this case, the general analysis of blood and urine cannot provide the necessary information about the course of the joint disease. A laboratory study of synovial fluid from first-degree shoulder osteoarthritis showed increased viscosity and increased protein content of biomaterials. Computers and magnetic resonance imaging are believed to provide equally little information. Despite the high level of accuracy and information, the procedure is relatively costly, so not every patient can afford such a test.
2 degrees
When 2nd degree shoulder arthropathy is detected, in addition to examination and questioning, the following diagnostic methods are used: ultrasound, arthroscopy, scintigraphy, and thermal imaging. All of these techniques can determine the nature of joint space narrowing, bone tissue compaction, presence of cystic tumors or bone tissue fragments in the joint area. Ultrasonography of the disease helps determine the thickness of the superficial cartilage in all areas to identify possible erosions and mildew.
3 degrees
The identification of third-degree shoulder arthropathy involves extended examination options. In addition to basic methods, patients must pass biochemical blood tests (to identify markers of the inflammatory process), immunological studies to determine the stage of the disease process, and cartilage tissue biopsies, so that the patient can be diagnosed as accurately as possible.
treat
Although the pathological process of the joint was found in the patient, he will have to undergo long-term treatment. Traditional and non-traditional treatments aim to eliminate the main symptoms:
- reduce pain manifestations;
- eliminates signs of inflammatory processes;
- normalization of the general condition of cartilage tissue;
- recovery of physical activity;
- Normalization of metabolic processes in the body.
Treatment of second-degree deforming arthropathy of the shoulder involves the use of a complex approach, that is, the use of multiple treatments at the same time.
medical treatement
The treatment of diseases with the help of drugs involves the use of means of various effects:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - eliminate signs of inflammatory processes, manifestations of joint pain. They are prescribed exclusively by medical professionals because these complexes are capable of triggering a negative reaction in the body. Caution is recommended for patients with problems with gastrointestinal tract function, since the components of the composition have the ability to trigger ulceration.
- Intra-articular block. Procedures for joint disease involve the use of corticosteroids in the form of injections that are injected directly into the affected area.
- Hormonal and non-hormonal topical preparations. They can be used in the form of a gel or ointment.
In this case, the use of drugs for the treatment of joint diseases is very necessary, since all other treatments have a cumulative effect and only after a period of time a positive result can be achieved.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Physical therapy procedures and physical therapy exercises are considered equally effective and useful. Mostly, for joint diseases, they are prescribed:
- Laser therapy - improves blood flow and normalizes metabolic processes in the body;
- Acupuncture - allows you to activate the body's own powers in the fight against pathology;
- Magnetic therapy - boosts the body's immune system, allowing damaged areas of the joint to heal more actively due to the restoration of blood flow;
- Leech therapy - is a therapeutic measure implemented with the help of leeches, which is effective in detecting stages 1 and 2 of the disease;
- Manual therapy - not only massages by specialists, but also massages performed independently at home.
Don't forget gym class. Gymnastics plays an important role in the case of shoulder arthropathy, so the classes should be regular and take into account all the characteristics of the disease process. It is necessary to discuss with the doctor in advance the allowed loads, what sports are allowed and how long the course of such diseases is.
Operation
In the absence of effectiveness of the above-mentioned methods of treating the disease and determining the ongoing progression of the disease, physicians have had to resort to surgery.
The process usually involves installing an endoprosthesis. The method is considered invasive and allows the replacement of destroyed joint fragments with artificial selection.
The technique not only eliminates the symptoms that appear, but also restores lost activity in the upper extremities.
folk remedies
In addition to traditional methods of treating diseases, traditional medical recipes are also considered to be equally effective. To relieve painful manifestations in the course of joint diseases, cabbage or burdock is recommended. Before use, the plant should be unfolded to the juicing stage and then applied to the shoulders. The compress is covered with a cloth to keep the heat in for as long as possible. The process takes several hours.
Many experts strongly recommend bathing with herbal joint mixtures. It can be prepared from mustard and hay powder in certain proportions. Bath time is 15 minutes to half an hour. After surgery, warm clothing is recommended. Allows cinquefoil based compression. Previously, medicinal plants were dried. To prepare a compress for joint disease, you will need three tablespoons of the main ingredient and pork fat. Many experts recommend adding a teaspoon of red pepper. This will improve the blood circulation process. Such actions are permissible in the absence of discomfort, violation of skin integrity (in the form of epidermal reddening), without signs of elevated body temperature and inflammatory processes. In most cases, treatment of the disease occurs when a chronic form of the disease process is detected.
prevention
In order to prevent the onset of joint disease and its subsequent spread, the patient must be provided with the most economical treatment. This is especially necessary if the patient is older. Mandatory favourable conditions include optimal body temperature, adherence to personal hygiene rules and established hygiene requirements, timely exercise, monitoring of food quality and intake of necessary vitamins and trace elements, at least two medical visits per year.