Arthrosis of the shoulder joint is a fairly common problem that many patients face, especially in older age.As a result of the development of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, the cartilage tissue of the head of the humerus and the articular cavity of the scapula that articulates with it is affected.Damage and weakening of cartilage tissue leads to changes and deformation 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 promoted by vascular diseases and physical inactivity, which disrupt the normal nutrition of the joint.
Sometimes arthrosis of the shoulder joint develops as a consequence of concomitant 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 usually does not manifest itself.But at a certain 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 in the shoulder joint.Unpleasant sensations can spread throughout the arm.When making movements in the joint, a clicking or crunching sound 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 freely rotate and abduct the arm.The last stage of arthrosis of the shoulder joint leads to disability of the patient: the joint is largely deformed and practically immobile.A person has to hold his hand in a forced position, which is least 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 involves 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 combat severe inflammation.For arthrosis of the shoulder joint, ointments and gels are often also used.
Special orthoses are also used to immobilize the shoulder joint and a gentle regime.If you continue to load 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 performed infrequently due to the low prevalence of advanced forms of arthrosis.It consists of replacing the shoulder joint and the adjacent shoulder blade joint with a prosthesis.