Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a fairly common problem faced by many patients, especially in the elderly.As a result of the development of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, the tissue of the cartilage of the head of the humerus and the joint cavity of the scapula, which articulates with it, is 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 disturb 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 first stages, the disease is usually not manifested.But at a certain point the first symptoms do appear.As a rule, they appear after an increased load on the joint or hypothermia.
The main symptom is pain that increases with movement in the shoulder joint.Unpleasant sensations can spread throughout the hand.A clicking or crunching sound is often heard when moving the joint.
At first, the pain is felt only when moving, but in the later stages of arthrosis, it bothers even at rest.During exacerbations of the disease and in the later stages of arthrosis, the patient also cannot freely rotate and abduct the arm.The last stage of arthrosis of the shoulder joint leads to the disability of the patient: the joint is largely deformed and practically immobile.The person must hold the hand in a forced position, which is the least painful for him.However, this phase is a rare occurrence.
Treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint
Treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint can be carried out by conservative or surgical methods.
Conservative treatment includes the appointment of chondroprotectors, which help restore cartilage tissue and stop its destruction.During exacerbations, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.Corticosteroids, 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 for immobilization of the shoulder joint and mild regimen.If you continue to stress the shoulder girdle, the development of arthrosis in the early stages cannot be stopped.Important aspects of treatment are physical therapy, 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 of replacing the shoulder joint and the adjacent scapula joint with a prosthesis.