The somatic cells of the human body are capable of many divisions of mitosis.Thanks to the characteristics of our body that it can exist independently for a long time in the external environment, restoring damaged tissue or dead cells.
Unfortunately, the number of these parts is limited and individual for each person.In this regard, when reaching old age, various diseases begin to appear.Arthrosis is considered one of the most common, because it is the pain syndrome that accompanies this pathology that significantly reduces the patient's quality of life.
Omarthrosis, or arthrosis of the shoulder joint, becomes a serious problem that interferes with the normal performance of work and daily tasks.It is this disease that will be discussed below;We will analyze the causes of shoulder joint disease arthrosis, symptoms and treatment of this unpleasant pathology.
What is that?
Shoulder arthrosis is accompanied by a disruption of the normal blood supply to this important bone joint, as a result of which the thickness of the cartilage tissue decreases and the bone heads are exposed.Due to increased friction, a person notices the appearance of pain, which, depending on the level, can only manifest during physical activity or even at rest.
Due to the injury to the surrounding anatomical structures, the inflammatory process is observed, worsening the reduction of the amplitude of active and passive movements in the upper part.The lack of proper treatment often leads to process complications by joint deformation, which is called osteoarthritis deformans.
Anatomy of the shoulder joint
The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint;It is this structure that allows a person to perform various movements with the upper limbs.Three large bones converge in this anatomical region, including the scapula, clavicle and the humerus itself.The joint capsule is relatively deep and reinforced by a complex of ligaments.
Due to some anatomical features of the shoulder joint structure, there are frequent cases of spontaneous dislocations and subluxations in this area during daily work at home.The ease and range of movement is not only due to the spherical shape of the articular surface, but also the presence of a large amount of special synovial fluid, which reduces the friction between the surfaces.
Causes of shoulder joint arthrosis
The diseases presented in this article develop as a result of the influence of the entire complex of provoking factors.Clinical studies conducted at several leading research institutes have made it possible to determine the pathophysiological mechanisms of the appearance of bone and cartilage changes during arthrosis.However, a reliable "trigger" has never been identified.
In most cases, this degenerative disease develops secondarily, that is, after some pathogenic effect on the shoulder joint.
Retrospective analysis of the medical history of patients with this pathology in the shoulder joint area makes it possible to identify influences that can increase the likelihood of the disease occurring.
These include:
- excessive physical activity that leads to physical thinning of the articular surface;
- frequent falls on the arm and other injuries to the upper belt;
- occupational hazards;
- congenital pathology of connective tissue;
- impaired mineral metabolism, accompanied by the appearance of crystalline deposits in the head of the humerus;
- decrease the production of synovial fluid;
- Age-related changes in the structure of the vascular wall, causing dystrophic changes in the bones;
- lack of proper drug therapy in the presence of acute or chronic inflammatory processes in the joint space;
- pathology of the nervous system that induces insufficient trophism of the musculoskeletal system;
- the presence of excess body weight, constant swelling from the upper part;
- Diseases of the endocrine system.
Primary arthrosis of the shoulder
Modern medical classification of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, depending on the cause of development, distinguishes two forms - primary and secondary.In the main case, the diagnosis is established only after various diagnostic measures have been carried out to completely exclude the presence of the reasons described above for the onset of the disease.It is believed that the starting point in the pathogenesis is the deterioration of blood flow throughout the system against the background of reduced myocardial contractility or vascular wall permeability.
Over time, a person begins to notice the appearance of unpleasant sensations during movement in the shoulder.At first, discomfort is present during exercise, and then stops disappearing even during rest.Another reason that contributes to the rapid development of this disease is the appearance of so-called osteophytes.These bone spurs are formed as a result of a compensatory increase in chondroclast activity that attempts to replenish the loss of mature cartilage cells.They have the appearance of spikes, which, when moving, contribute to injury to the capsule and the occurrence of an aseptic inflammatory process.
Against the background of the described changes, fibrin threads appear in the synovial fluid, pervading the ligament apparatus during a long break.Due to the decrease in the elasticity of white muscle fibers, a characteristic feeling of "stiffness" appears, which usually disappears after 20-30 minutes of stretching the limbs.Shoulder arthrosis has expressed symptoms, their intensity and treatment are directly proportional to the level of the development process.
Secondary arthrosis of the shoulder joint
The secondary form of the disease is the result of the presence of an underlying pathology, complicated by disturbances in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.Among the causes, traumatic injuries of an acute or chronic nature come first in frequency.This problem is very relevant in winter, when a person often falls, putting his hands forward to soften the fall.
Enzymopathy is a congenital disease accompanied by a decrease in the production of certain enzymes that form ligaments and can also cause the development of secondary arthrosis of the shoulder joint.It is a patient who often experiences dislocations and subluxations when doing daily activities.Looseness in these bone joints contributes to increased trauma to the contact surface, from which the disease arises.
Symptoms and signs
Shoulder arthrosis has complex symptoms and treatment;Due to some of the characteristics of the characteristic signs, its detection often occurs at the final stage of the development of the pathological process.Experts distinguish three degrees of destruction of cartilage tissue in the upper girdle.In accordance with them, the symptom complex found in the patient will also be different.
With stage 1 disease, one rarely notices pain in the shoulder;Often there is discomfort in the limbs when doing heavy physical exercise or immediately after.In such a situation, the patient needs a few days to recover and get rid of the discomfort in the joint completely.It is right to reason that a person tends to associate pain with simple manifestations, because it seems to him, the wound of the ligament apparatus, the disease continues its development, reminding itself more often.
Arthrosis of the shoulder joint from the 2nd degree is accompanied by a clearer clinical picture.This is due to the fact that in addition to erosion and disruption of the normal nutrition of the articular surface, secondary inflammation occurs, spreading to the surrounding ligaments and muscle fibers.This disease leads to the fact that pain is present even with little physical effort.Due to severe pain, the patient becomes unable to make circular movements, which indicates that the process of osteoarthritis deformation has begun and the amplitude of active movement of the hand in space is limited.
Grade 3 progression leads to almost complete loss of mobility in the shoulder joint.The patient noted significant muscle atrophy and lost the ability to take care of himself.Another characteristic symptom is the appearance of bony protrusions above the surface of the skin.It is likely that this disease will occur so far mainly in people who do not have the opportunity to minimize the load on their upper limbs due to professional activities or during professional sports.
Diagnosis of arthrosis of the shoulder joint
Establishing the diagnosis of arthrosis of the shoulder joint is a procedure that requires certain skills from a specialist.After the appearance of pain in the upper part, it is advisable to consult an orthopedic traumatologist.It is a doctor of this profile who has the necessary range of knowledge.
During the examination, the first thing you should pay attention to is the patient's complaints and medical history.The doctor finds out why the pain appears, what its nature is, and also after what it disappears.Next, it is necessary to identify occupational hazards and the presence of risk factors.
The main diagnostic method for detecting deformities of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is simple radiography.
The next stage is a physical examination, when the specialist uses palpation to identify painful areas and determine various active and passive movements in the limbs.In addition, the presence of local edema and an increase in skin temperature in the area of bone joint projections is assessed.Based on the data obtained, the doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis, but a differential diagnosis is needed to prescribe the most adequate therapy.
To establish the most correct diagnosis, the extent of the process and the identification of possible causes, various additional laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods are performed on the patient.
The most informative include:
- clinical blood tests;
- determination of blood serum biochemical parameters;
- Clinical urinalysis;
- X-ray of the affected joint;
- ultrasound diagnostics;
- arthroscopic examination;
- magnetic resonance and computed tomography;
- scintigraphy;
- Joint puncture followed by biochemical analysis of synovial fluid.
Signs that directly indicate the development of arthrosis include the appearance of significant narrowing of the joint space, sclerosis of the subcartilaginous structure, thinning of the chondrocyte layer itself, the appearance of osteophytes and the deposition of salt crystals in the intra-articular fluid.
How to treat arthrosis of the shoulder joint
After establishing this diagnosis, doctors face serious questions about choosing the most appropriate therapeutic tactics.Modern medicine has reached a stage where it can help patients with diseases of the musculoskeletal system to fully return to normal life.
Treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint is long-term and therefore often leads to the development of complications.
The method chosen to correct shoulder joint arthrosis directly depends on the following factors:
- process degree;
- general condition of the patient;
- age;
- Physiological characteristics.
As a rule, at the initial stage, it is enough to prescribe drugs of general and local action.
With the presence of second-degree arthrosis of the shoulder joint, the symptoms accompanying the disease are almost impossible to completely stop.A person is shown a significant reduction in physical activity to prevent further development of the pathological process;In parallel, various drugs are prescribed.
The third degree is practically unacceptable to conservative influences;In the presence of such an advanced disease, surgical treatment is indicated, the amount depends on many factors and is chosen directly by the attending physician.Next, we will talk in more detail about each of the existing methods to get rid of arthrosis.
Medicines
The following groups of drugs are used as conservative therapy in the presence of this disease:
- glucocorticoids;
- non-steroidal drugs with anti-inflammatory effects;
- analgesics;
- Drug with chondroprotective effect.
Medicinal substances belonging to this group have a more pronounced anti-inflammatory effect than non-steroidal drugs.
Glucocorticoids are recognized as the most effective agents against inflammatory phenomena.Natural and synthetic analogues of these adrenal hormones can influence the production of inflammatory neurotransmitters.This reduces swelling, pain and local temperature in the affected area of the musculoskeletal system.
The disadvantages of this treatment include a large number of side effects of glucocorticoids.The drugs presented can cause Cushing's syndrome, cause general metabolic disorders, and water retention in the intercellular space.In this case, it is recommended to start treatment with an NSAID prescription.
Non-steroidal drugs with anti-inflammatory effects have a direct effect on cyclooxygenase molecules, which cause inflammation in injured tissues.
Priority is given to selected drugs that do not have a harmful effect on the mucous membrane of the digestive tract.
Depending on the severity of the patient's condition and the severity of the pain syndrome, narcotic and non-narcotic pain relievers are used.
The first group is considered more effective, but the side effects of drug addiction lead to the need to strictly limit its use.
Non-opioid drugs have a less pronounced analgesic effect, however, they do not cause addiction, so they can be prescribed more widely.
It is very important not to use chondroprotective agents during the period of acute illness, as this can lead to an increase in the inflammatory process.It is necessary to stop the attack, and then prescribe a long drug that restores the joint structure.
Surgical treatment
In some cases, surgical correction of the condition of patients with shoulder arthrosis is indicated.This invasive method is used in the presence of severe destructive processes directly in the joint.Often, patients who undergo surgical treatment are unable to perform daily tasks due to severe limitations of active and passive movement in the shoulder.
After the final diagnosis has been established, various measurements are made, in which the optimal parameters for the future prosthesis are selected.Next, transplants consisting of high-strength polymers or titanium are made to order.
Surgery for arthrosis of the shoulder joint is performed in the terminal (last) stage of the disease.
The surgical intervention is quite extensive, so the patient undergoes a long period of preparation.A complete replacement of the affected bone joint is performed, followed by a period of physical therapy, which allows the full function of the upper girdle to be restored.
Therapeutic exercises
It is a physical exercise that makes it possible to restore mobility in the shoulder in the shortest possible time, not only after surgical treatment, but also during the influence of drugs on the disease.The specially developed complex relieves a person of morning stiffness, stimulates the normalization of blood supply, lymphatic drainage and restores the normal composition of synovial fluid.
It is very important that the rotation and extension movements in the upper part are performed without additional load, because otherwise there is a high probability of additional trauma and cartilage destruction.Rehabilitation specialists are involved in the development of a special complex of physical therapy.
Each clinical case requires an individual approach, so if you have a disease or if you want to prevent its development, seek help from this doctor.
Recommendations for home treatment
Any illness must be treated in a hospital setting under the supervision of qualified medical workers.However, in some cases, patients do not have the opportunity to stay long-term in the clinic.In a situation like this, you need to monitor your recovery process independently.
Physical exercises to seize arthrosis of the shoulder joint are very important because they slow down the progression of the disease.
The following recommendations should be followed:
- strictly follow the instructions and prescriptions of the attending physician;
- Limit the affected arm from physical activity as much as possible;
- Lose excess weight by creating a slight calorie deficit and walking in the fresh air;
- Divide the amount of daily food into 5-6 meals;
- Drink at least 2 liters of water every day;
- Change the type of work activity to one that requires minimal load on the upper limbs.
People's recovery
Many older people know from their own experience what arthrosis of the shoulder joint is and how to treat it at home.In addition to the recommendations described above about changing the type of work activity and getting rid of excess body weight, traditional medicine has a variety of healing agents that help reduce pain and swelling in the affected limb.For this purpose, various ointments, decoctions, compresses and baths are used.It is a method of treatment that we will detail in more detail.
Ointment
Alternative medicine has a large number of original and effective recipes for the preparation of anti-inflammatory ointments.The simplest method involves mixing one egg yolk with one teaspoon of turpentine and an equal amount of apple cider vinegar.Applying the ointment to the affected joint at night will reduce pain and inflammation.
Another good remedy for the treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint is a mixture of fifty grams of elecampane and one hundred milliliters of vodka.After mixing the components and letting them try it for 12 days, you should rub the resulting ointment into the projecting areas of the inflamed bone joints every day.
Decoctions and tinctures
Decoctions and tinctures play a major role in folk medicine.One of the easiest to prepare, and at the same time the most effective infusion for arthrosis, is considered to be a mixture of a tablespoon of ground agave leaves with 150 milliliters of 70% ethyl alcohol.After infusing the medicine for two weeks, the liquid should be consumed orally, twenty drops with water for thirty days.
For supporters of decoctions there is a good medicine.To make it you need two tablespoons of Lingonberry leaves and half a liter of boiling water.After mixing the ingredients, let them breed in the thermos overnight.Then take 150 ml of the product three times a day before meals.The course of treatment is 30 days.
Compress and rub
To reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint area affected by arthrosis, various compresses are used.One of the most effective is considered to be a mixture of one liter of vodka and one hundred grams of cinquefoil.This medicine should be infused for two weeks, after which it should be used every evening before going to bed.
Another simple and effective remedy is a compress consisting of finely chopped horseradish, mixed with a little water until cleansed.Place a handful of the medicine in a gauze and apply it to the inflamed joint for 20-30 minutes.
Take a shower
Baths are widely used to treat various diseases of the musculoskeletal system.Thanks to the complex effect, a good anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effect is achieved.
Preparing a bath is quite easy;To do this, follow these recommendations:
- Fill the bathtub with hot water;
- Add about one kilogram of sea or common table salt to it;
- remove some pine branches;
- pour in a few teaspoons of candied honey;
- At the end, add a teaspoon of turpentine oil.
The course of treatment consists of twelve baths.The duration of one procedure should be about twenty minutes.Already from the first use of the therapeutic bath, the patient noticed a significant improvement in the general condition and a decrease in discomfort in the joints.
Prevention
Modern medicine still does not have specific measures to prevent arthrosis.This is due to the polyetiological nature of the pathology.However, there are non-specific measures that can reduce the risk of developing this disease.There is primary and secondary prevention.
The first includes:
- daily walk outside;
- The use of showers, which allows you to achieve an increased vascular tone;
- gentle treatment of joints, avoiding excessive physical activity;
- Moderate exercise 2-3 times a week.
The second group includes the following:
- complete and comprehensive treatment of the arthritic process;
- intake of calcium supplements;
- prescription of chondroprotective drugs;
- Physical Therapy.