Shoulder osteoarthritis is a fairly common problem that many patients face, especially in old age.As a result of the development of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, the cartilaginous tissue of the head of the humerus and the joint 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 osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
The most common causes of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint are increased load on the shoulder joint and previous injuries: intra-articular fractures, dislocations, bruises.The development of osteoarthritis can be favored by vascular diseases and physical inactivity, which disrupt the normal nutrition of the joint.
Sometimes shoulder osteoarthritis develops as a result of concomitant diseases: psoriasis, gout, infectious arthritis and others.
Symptoms of shoulder osteoarthritis
It can take a long time for osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint to develop.In the early stages, the disease usually does not manifest itself.But at some point the first symptoms still appear.As a rule, they occur after increased load on the joint or hypothermia.
The main symptom is pain that increases with movement of the shoulder joint.Unpleasant sensations may spread throughout the arm.When you make movements in the joint, a clicking or cracking sound is often heard.
At first, the pain is only felt when moving, but in the later stages of osteoarthritis, it bothers you even when resting.During exacerbations of the disease and in later stages of osteoarthritis, the patient also cannot freely turn and abduct the arm.The final stage of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint leads to disability for the patient: the joint is largely deformed and practically immobile.A person should hold his hand in a forced position, which is least painful for him.However, this step is a rare phenomenon.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint can be carried out using conservative or surgical methods.
Conservative treatment involves the appointment of chondroprotectors, which help to restore cartilage tissue and stop its destruction.During exacerbations, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to relieve pain and relieve inflammation.Corticosteroids, used as injections into the affected area, help fight severe inflammation.For osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, ointments and gels are also often used.
Special orthotics are also used to immobilize the shoulder joint and a gentle regimen.If you continue to strain the shoulder girdle, the development of osteoarthritis in the early stages cannot be stopped.Important aspects of treatment are physiotherapy, massage and physiotherapy.
Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is rarely practiced due to the low prevalence of advanced forms of osteoarthritis.It consists of replacing the shoulder joint and the adjacent scapula joint with a prosthesis.