Arthrosis of the shoulder joint: symptoms and treatment

Pain in the shoulder joints of the arms is one of the most common reasons for patients to visit an orthopedic traumatologist. They can be caused by various shoulder injuries (for example, received in a fall, twisting the arm, lifting a heavy object from an uncomfortable position), as well as other factors (hypothermia, overexertion, repeated similar movements of the arm). In some cases, shoulder pain is a manifestation of serious diseases (for example, cervical disc herniation, autoimmune pathologies, benign and malignant neoplasms). The cause of pain in the shoulder joint is damage to the cartilage of the humeral head and glenoid cavity, capsule, and soft tissues. Pain sensations can be sharp, bursting, pulling, dull. The pain appears periodically or persists constantly, intensifies with movement, at certain times of the day, and depends on weather conditions.

Arthrosis of the shoulder joint - what is it?

Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of connective joint tissue, which is chronic in nature and manifests itself with stiffness, accompanied by pain of varying intensity.

The development of arthrosis of the shoulder joint is characterized by changes occurring in the synovial fluid (located inside the joint). Lack of nutrients leads to degenerative-dystrophic (destructive) changes, due to which cartilage tissue loses its properties and becomes deformed.

Over time, the bone tissue located under the cartilage becomes exposed and, subject to negative effects, becomes deformed (marginal growths form on it - osteophytes, which cause limitation or complete loss of joint mobility).

An important fact is that it is extremely necessary to diagnose osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint in the early stages, when irreversibly destructive processes have not yet occurred in the tissues of the joint. Timely contact with a specialist and initiation of treatment makes it possible to stop the progress of pathological processes, ensuring the ability to maintain the functionality of the joint for many years.

Causes

Neuralgia of the shoulder joint most often develops due to excessive physical stress on the hands and hypothermia of the joint.

There are often situations when a left-handed person lifts a heavy load with his right hand, which can cause a pinched nerve in the left hand (on the main working muscle group).

According to neurologists, the right shoulder joint is most often susceptible to pinching.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that there are factors that influence the acceleration of the development of neurological problems in a person. Among them:

smoking and alcohol;
improper and unbalanced diet;
frequent colds.

Constant stressful situations are another aggravating factor, since they provoke the development of psychosomatic processes in the body.

Possible causes of arthrosis of the shoulder joint

Among the most likely causes of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint are:

joint injuries;
congenital developmental defects (in particular, dysplasia);
various types of inflammation.

The shoulder is a movable element of the human body skeleton. Due to the possibility of particularly free movement, the risks of injury to this particular joint are much higher. Dislocations are one of the most common causes, which is a prerequisite for the occurrence of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.

In addition, the causes of arthrosis of the shoulder joint can be various types of surgical interventions, increased stress, sports and professional characteristics.

Considering arthrosis of the shoulder joint as a secondary phenomenon that develops against the background of inflammation caused by various diseases, it can be caused by:

infections;
metabolic/endocrine/autoimmune diseases;
hereditary predisposition.

Signs and main symptoms of arthrosis of the shoulder joint

Considering the clinical picture of the disease, it is worth noting that the symptoms of the initial stages of development of pathological processes are weakly expressed. This is often the reason for late diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.

Symptoms of arthrosis of the shoulder joint include:

pain (when pressing/abducting a limb);
accompaniment of movements with a characteristic crunch;
inactivity;
local redness and swelling.

Any of the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint requires the attention of a specialist.

As pathological processes develop, symptoms intensify. The earlier the disease is detected, the easier it is to prevent destructive processes, preserving the functionality of the joint as much as possible.

Which doctor treats

If painful sensations appear in the joint, we recommend immediately contacting a neurologist or rheumatologist. A traumatologist and orthopedist can also consider such patient requests.

Specialists will carry out diagnostic procedures, including:

MRI,
radiography,
CT.

Additionally, patients may be prescribed an ECG and a blood test so that the doctor has a complete picture of the person’s health status and can consult with doctors of other specializations.

IMPORTANT! Shoulder pain can indicate both neurological problems and injuries to the shoulder joint. In any case, the symptom cannot be ignored, because the consequences of neglect can lead to the development of a serious illness.

Therefore, if you have shoulder pain, make an appointment with our specialist - a neurologist, traumatologist or rheumatologist, who will determine the essence of the problem and prescribe the necessary treatment for you. A consultation with a highly qualified doctor at the Kuntsevo Medical and Rehabilitation Center will help you get rid of shoulder pain and return to your previous high quality of life!

Degree of development of arthrosis of the shoulder joint

The intensity of the development of destructive processes, as well as the stage of pathological changes occurring inside the joint, makes it possible to distinguish several degrees of development of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.

Only the attending physician can accurately determine the existing degree of arthrosis by examining the results of an x-ray. Each degree has a number of characteristic symptoms of arthrosis of the shoulder joint.

Arthrosis of the shoulder joint 1st degree

The initial stage of development of pathological processes. Arthrosis of the shoulder joint of the 1st degree lasts for several years and is manifested by a change in the quality of intra-articular fluid.

The initial stage is characterized by symptoms such as:

significant loss of joint endurance;
pain during movements;
limited mobility accompanied by pain.

Timely treatment of grade 1 osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint has a positive prognosis.

Arthrosis of the shoulder joint 2 degrees

The pain intensifies and can occur even in the absence of movement.

Arthrosis of the shoulder joint of the 2nd degree is more noticeable to the patient and has clear symptoms, the manifestations of which are easily recognizable on an x-ray.

The group of symptoms also includes clicking sounds when making movements, as well as limited mobility, accompanied by sharp pain.

Lack of treatment for stage 2 osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint leads to irreversible consequences, in particular, to a complete loss of joint mobility.

Arthrosis of the shoulder joint 3rd degree

Stage 3 osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is accompanied by constant pain, pronounced limitation of movements and the inability to move the arm back or raise it up.

X-rays show clear signs of destruction of the articular cartilage. The surfaces of the adjacent bones are severely deformed. Treatment for stage 3 osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is only surgical intervention, which involves replacing the joint with an endoprosthesis.

Types of arthrosis of the shoulder joint

In medical practice, it is customary to distinguish several types of shoulder arthrosis:

deforming (chronic form);
post-traumatic (after bruises/sprains/fractures/ruptured ligaments);
acromioclavicular (consequence of joint injury);
humeroscapular (consequence of blows/falls).

The type of pathological process is determined by the attending physician, taking into account the existing symptoms and probable causes of arthrosis of the shoulder joint.

Diagnosis of arthrosis of the shoulder joint

Before starting treatment for osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, it is important to accurately diagnose the type and degree of development of the disease. But what kind of doctor treats arthrosis of the shoulder joint?

You can contact specialists such as rheumatologist, orthopedist, arthrologist for diagnostics and diagnosis. If this is not possible, then it is enough to come to an appointment with a therapist, who will refer you to the right specialist.

To make a diagnosis, a series of tests are performed to identify the presence of diseases that provoke inflammation. In addition, an important step is examination and testing, which makes it possible to confirm/refute symptoms.

Another important diagnostic step is x-ray examination in two projections.

A set of diagnostic techniques allows you to obtain an accurate picture and prescribe competent treatment for osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.

What ointments can be used for joint pain

For minor sports injuries, you can get by using therapeutic and prophylactic external ointments.

When the first warning signs appear, including pain, stiffness and inflammation, you should visit an orthopedic traumatologist. The doctor conducts a primary diagnosis, sends for x-rays, ultrasound and general blood tests. Depending on what diagnostic picture is revealed, this specialist may refer the patient to other doctors. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe therapeutic and preventive external ointments to treat joint problems.

Warming ointments are good for mild chronic pain associated with mild arthrosis, or after minor bruises, as well as for sports overload. Athletes use warming ointments before training as a warm-up to protect ligaments, joints and muscles from injury.

Pain-relieving ointments usually contain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are absorbed through the skin.
Indications: the period after a recent injury, mild arthritis, the inability to use tablets and injections containing analgesics. List of the most popular external pain relievers for joint pain. Your doctor may prescribe other medications to treat discomfort.

Voltaren Emulgel. Active ingredient: Diclofenac sodium. It is a powerful analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agent. Voltaren is easily absorbed after application after a few minutes and does not leave a greasy residue on the skin. Diclofenac begins to act after half an hour and the patient feels significant relief, so he can walk freely and perform everyday activities. The emulsion should be applied 2 times a day, and the duration of treatment should not exceed 3 weeks without a break.
Indomethacin ointment. This is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with powerful anti-inflammatory and moderate analgesic effects. Indomethacin needs to be spread well on the skin because it leaves greasy marks. This is a thick yellow substance that is used for the symptomatic treatment of pain due to arthritis and arthrosis, and acute injuries. The medicine should be applied 1-2 times a day and no more than two weeks, due to the large list of possible side effects.
Nise gel. This is a transparent yellow gel based on the active ingredient Nimesulide. The drug is often prescribed for external use, as it exhibits good analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, but has a lower risk of causing side effects, unlike Diclofenac and Indomethacin, since it is a more modern and selective drug from the NSAID group. The gel should be applied 2-3 times a day, and the duration of therapy is a month.
Finalgel. The active ingredient is piroxicam. This is a drug from the oxicam group, which is characterized by a prolonged action, moderate anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. Finalgel is used for bruises, acute injuries, arthritis, and exacerbation of arthrosis. When used externally, the drug is well tolerated and rarely causes systemic side effects. Duration of treatment is up to three weeks without interruption. The drug can be applied 2 times a day. Finalgel looks like a transparent yellow substance and has a specific odor.
Meloxicam gel. This is one of the best non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Meloxicam is one of the modern painkillers with a high degree of safety due to selectivity. Meloxicam is neutral in relation to cartilage and, with long-term use, does not deteriorate their structure, unlike Diclofenac. The yellow gel should be applied 2 times a day. Duration of treatment – 1 month.
Fastum gel. The active ingredient is ketoprofen. This is a powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug of non-selective action. Fastum gel is characterized by a rapid effect after external application and helps in the symptomatic fight against arthritis, exacerbation of arthrosis and acute injuries. Fastum gel can be applied 2-3 times a day for no more than three weeks. The gel is easily absorbed and does not leave streaks on the skin.

List of warming ointments for knee pain:

To prevent sports injuries and in the presence of chronic pain of degenerative origin in the knees, you can use the following warming agents:

Capsicam. The emulsion has a powerful warming and irritating effect due to its active ingredients - nicotinamide, capsaicin, dimethyl sulfoxide. All components potentiate each other’s action, and after application the ointment begins to warm up after 10-15 minutes. You need to use a small amount of the product, applying it with rubbing massage movements using the applicator included in the package, so as not to burn your hands. The duration and frequency of use is determined by the attending physician individually.
Nicoflex. This is a sports cream for external use, specifically designed to warm up muscles before sports activities. Nicoflex is a white, thick ointment with a specific odor, which must be rubbed in thoroughly to prevent streaks from appearing on the skin. Nicoflex also helps with pain in joints and degenerative cartilage tissue, when pain in the knee is associated with arthrosis. You need to apply the product 2 times a day, carefully rubbing the thick mixture into the skin so that no greasy marks remain. The duration of treatment with regular application of the drug is determined by the doctor individually.
Chondroitin ointment. It consists of two active components - chondroitin sulfate and dimethyl sulfoxide. The first component is a chondroprotector and is involved in the processes of regeneration of cartilage tissue and bone. Chondroitin helps relieve severe pain against the background of the development of symptoms of articular syndrome, which develops gradually over the years. When a joint is destroyed, when constant discomfort occurs due to inflammatory processes, dimethyl sulfoxide helps well. In people with arthrosis, its use reduces the severity of the pain syndrome, and also enhances the effect of chondroprotectors applied externally. Considering the complex effect of chondroitin ointment, it can be used situationally - during physical activity or when people with arthrosis need to be on their feet for a long time. Usually the drug is applied 2-3 times a day, rubbing well into the skin, and the duration of therapy is one month.
Finalgon. This is a strong joint warmer, used both for treatment and to warm up the body before training. The main warming function is performed by active ingredients based on nicoboxil and nonivamide. When used externally, this drug can relieve even severe manifestations of chronic degenerative discomfort. It is important to take precautions when using the medication, applying small amounts to the affected areas of the skin so as not to cause a burn. The duration of therapy and the frequency of application of the medicine for joints is determined individually by the attending physician.

Depending on the individual clinical picture, your doctor may recommend another external remedy for the symptomatic treatment of knee pain.

Treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint

Treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint is a long, multifaceted and rather complex process, including both pharmacological agents and behavioral methods.

Depending on the degree of development of pathological processes, both physiotherapeutic methods and the use of medications can be used as treatment. Let us consider the features of treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint in more detail.

Physiotherapy as a method of treating arthrosis of the shoulder joint

Physiotherapeutic methods are an excellent treatment for osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint in the initial stages of development of the pathology, as well as as an element of complex treatment of advanced stages.

Among the physiotherapeutic methods of treating osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, it is customary to distinguish:

shock wave therapy - exposure of the affected joint to acoustic waves;
laser therapy – makes it possible to temporarily abandon drug therapy;
myostimulation – helps restore strength in the affected joint;
phonophoresis – a combination of ultrasound and the use of a medicinal product (gel/ointment) helps eliminate pain;
Ozone therapy is an adjuvant that helps reduce pain and speed up recovery.

Exercise therapy for arthrosis of the shoulder joint

Physical therapy for arthrosis of the shoulder joint is an important component of treatment, which involves:

morning exercises;
complex of dynamic movements;
isometric gymnastics.

Each component of exercise therapy for arthrosis of the shoulder joint helps improve the condition of the patient’s body and helps overcome pathological processes.

Gymnastics for arthrosis of the shoulder joint

Physical exercises for the shoulder joint with arthrosis are an extremely important component of complex treatment, since they help slow the progression of the disease.

Gymnastics for arthrosis of the shoulder joint strengthens the muscle frame, thereby reducing the load on the adjacent joint.

It is important to remember that under no circumstances should you overload the joint. All exercises must be carried out under the guidance of a specialist.

Massage for arthrosis of the shoulder joint

After exercise therapy and gymnastic exercises, it is recommended to have a massage.

Massage for arthrosis of the shoulder joint helps improve blood circulation and restore connective tissue.

It is worth noting that massage for arthrosis of the shoulder joint is possible only in the absence of acute pain, at the stage of reducing inflammatory processes.

During the massage process, it is important to pay attention not only to the inflamed joint, but also to the collar area, as well as the area of the forearms.

Pain by mechanism of occurrence

Evidence of problems with the cervical vertebrae is pain that is felt from the shoulder to the fingertips. In some patients, the arm may go numb for some time.

When you raise your arm and at the same time feel discomfort, you can talk about a problem with the supraspinal tendons.

There is another type of pain in the shoulder - when doing loads or physical exercises, the biceps hurts. This indicates a problem in the forearm.

Treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint with medications

The key goal of treating arthrosis of the shoulder joint with medications is to relieve pain and eliminate inflammatory processes, as well as improve nutrition of the affected joint and create conditions for successful regeneration of connective tissues.

To achieve the main goal of treating the shoulder joint with medications, drugs from various groups are used. Let's look at some of them in more detail.

IMPORTANT! Only the attending physician can prescribe medications for the treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, based on the formed picture of the disease. Self-medication can lead to irreversible consequences and disability.

NSAIDs in the treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have excellent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. They are prescribed in limited courses, the duration of which is determined by the degree of development of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient.

Among the most effective remedies in this group is o.

Corticosteroids in the treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint

Prescribed for severe pain as an intra-articular blockade. The products have a strong effect. The principle of operation is pain relief and prompt removal of inflammatory processes.

Often, drugs such as Hydrocortisone and Diprospan are used as treatment.

Chondroprotectors in the treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint

Prescribed to strengthen and restore connective tissues. They are effective only in stages 1 and 2 of the disease.

Treatment with chondroprotectors is a fairly lengthy process that requires constant attention.

Drugs of this type include: “Artracam”, “Glucosamine”.

Antispasmodics in the treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint

Provide relief from muscle tension and pain in the area of the affected joint. They are a mandatory stage of treatment.

“No-shpa” or its analogue “Drotaverine” is often used.

Ointments for arthrosis of the shoulder joint

Preparations in the form of ointment/gel/cream are most applicable for osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint. They are easy to use and have a fairly small number of side effects.

Today there are a large number of drugs of various groups. The most prescribed are “Kapsikam”, “Finalgel”, “Efkamon”, “Sabelnik” and “Viprosal”.

Content

Non-arthritic causes of pain
Arthritis in children
Classification of arthritis in children

Joint pain in infants is much less common than in older children. This is due to the fact that pathologies that cause diseases and chronic inflammation of the joints and muscles in the legs and arms often occur as the bone apparatus grows.

A joint is a movable connection between two bones. Bones are held in place by ligaments (tissue formations) and attached to muscles by tendons. Pain in any of these parts is referred to as joint pathology.

The causes of pain in the joints of the legs in a child can be very diverse:

sprains, sprains and other injuries. If a child complains of pain after a fall, and the injured limb begins to swell, or redness appears at the site of the injury, then you should immediately contact a pediatric traumatologist. As a rule, such injuries are treated quite easily and, provided that all doctor’s prescriptions are followed, disappear without leaving a trace;
inflammation of striated muscles (myositis). In addition to sharp pain, it is also accompanied by an increase in body temperature and redness of the skin over the site of inflammation. The main cause of the disease is hypothermia. Myositis can be acute or chronic. If all the doctor’s instructions are followed, this disease can be cured;
chronic pain can be a symptom of the development of tumor processes in the bones and joints. You should undergo a full examination to exclude this pathology. It is worth noting that with early treatment, the prognosis is favorable;
arthritis (inflammatory processes) and arthrosis (degenerative processes). The legs and feet are most often affected. If a child has one joint affected, then doctors call the disease monoarthritis; if pain is observed in several joints, then they talk about polyarthritis. According to studies, boys under 8 years of age are more likely to develop arthritis.

Dietary nutrition as part of complex treatment of arthrosis of the shoulder joint

Medicines for arthrosis of the shoulder joint, physiotherapy and various types of exercises are not all that are included in the complex treatment of the disease. Another important component is nutrition.

Diet and adherence to the principles of proper nutrition are an integral part of the complex treatment of arthrosis of any type.

The principles of nutrition for shoulder arthrosis include:

Limiting or avoiding foods that negatively affect joint function (milk, fatty meat, potatoes, eggplants).
Inclusion in the diet of components that have a beneficial effect on the elasticity of joints (olive/linseed oil).
Fill your daily diet with antioxidants found in foods such as olives, bananas and cucumbers.
Complete cessation of bad habits (drinking alcohol, smoking).
Minimizing fried, pickled, and highly salty and sweet foods.