Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a fairly common problem faced by many patients, especially at older ages.As a result of the development of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, the cartilaginous tissue of the head of the humerus and the articular cavity of the scapula that articulates with it are affected.Damage and weakening of cartilage tissue leads to changes and deformations of bone structures.
Causes of arthrosis of the shoulder joint
The most common causes of arthrosis of the shoulder joint are increased load on the shoulder joint and previous injuries: intra-articular fractures, dislocations, bruises.The development of arthrosis can be triggered by vascular diseases and physical inactivity, which disrupt the normal nutrition of the joint.
Sometimes arthrosis of the shoulder joint develops as a result of accompanying diseases: psoriasis, gout, infectious arthritis and others.
Symptoms of shoulder arthrosis
The development of arthrosis of the shoulder joint can take a long time.In the early stages, the disease is usually not manifested.But at a certain moment the first symptoms still appear.As a rule, they occur after increased load on the joints or hypothermia.
The main symptom is pain that increases with movement in the shoulder joint.Unpleasant sensations can spread throughout the arm.When you move the joint, a click or crack is often heard.
At first, the pain is felt only when moving, but in the later stages of arthrosis, it bothers you even at rest.During exacerbations of the disease and in the later stages of arthrosis, the patient also cannot rotate freely and abduct the arm.The last stage of arthrosis of the shoulder joint leads to disability of the patient: the joint is mostly deformed and practically immobile.A person should hold his hand in a forced position, which is less painful for him.However, this stage is a rare occurrence.
Treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint
Treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint can be carried out using conservative or surgical methods.
Conservative treatment includes the appointment of chondroprotectors, which help restore cartilage tissue and stop its destruction.During exacerbations, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to relieve pain and relieve inflammation.Corticosteroids, which are used as injections into the affected area, help fight severe inflammation.Ointments and gels are often used for arthrosis of the shoulder joint.
Special orthoses are also used to immobilize the shoulder joint and a gentle regimen.If you continue to load the shoulder girdle, the development of arthrosis in the early stages cannot be stopped.Important aspects of treatment are physiotherapy, massage and physiotherapy.
Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint is rarely performed due to the low prevalence of advanced forms of arthrosis.It consists in replacing the shoulder joint and the adjacent joint of the shoulder blade with a prosthesis.