Arthritis of the shoulder joint is one of the most common joint pathologies. Arthritis develops after an injury, when an infection enters the joint, against the background of autoimmune diseases. Allergic reactions, hypothermia, degenerative-dystrophic processes can contribute to the development of arthritis.
Most often, the pathology occurs among people over 50 years of age who have concomitant somatic diseases. In childhood, reactive arthritis may occur, which appears after a respiratory or intestinal infection. In this case, both one joint and both can be affected.
Main clinical manifestations of arthritis of the shoulder joint
Pain in the affected joint is always a reason to seek help. With arthritis of the shoulder joint, the pain increases, tends to increase with any movement. Feelings of pain radiate to the shoulder, collar area and neck area. If the inflammation is of a purulent nature, the pain is very intense, has a bursting character. If the arthritis is on the background of an autoimmune disease, the pain is mild. Quite often, body temperature rises with arthritis of the shoulder joint.
Signs of shoulder arthritis:
- Restrictions of movement in the joint, their pain.
- Hyperemia of the skin over the affected joint.
- With a long-term process, hypotrophy of the muscles of the shoulder girdle and shoulder develops against the background of insufficient joint mobility. In this case, one hand looks smaller than the other.
- Swelling of the affected joint, which may extend to the elbow or even the hand.
What is the diagnosis of shoulder arthritis?
An important point in the diagnosis, as well as treatment, is to establish the cause of the development of arthritis of the shoulder joint. It is important to be aware of changes in the joint or periarticular soft tissues. For this, an x-ray of the shoulder joint is necessarily performed, in which bone pathologies can be seen. In some cases, computed tomography is indispensable. To visualize ligaments, periarticular and intraarticular tendons and other soft tissues, an ultrasound of the joint or MRI is performed. Of the laboratory research methods, a general and biochemical blood test, a urinalysis, as well as an analysis of the contents of the joint fluid during its puncture are used.
Methods and drugs that are used to treat arthritis of the shoulder joint
Treatment of any joint with the development of arthritis consists of three successive stages: to remove the process of acute inflammation, to develop the joint and to strengthen the periarticular muscles. Surgical intervention is required for purulent arthritis of the shoulder joint, which consists in opening and sanitizing the joint, draining it.
Conservative treatment of shoulder arthritis:
- The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that have decongestant, analgesic and antipyretic effects.
- Orthopedic sparing mode. In the acute course of arthritis of the shoulder joint, the hand is fixed with a scarf or Weinstein bandage. You can not make sudden movements in the joint, soar in the sauna or bath, lift weights.
- Drugs that are aimed at eliminating muscle spasm.
- Anti-inflammatory hormonal drugs that are intended for injection into the joint with an inflammatory non-purulent process in it.
- In the infectious nature of arthritis of the shoulder joint, antibacterial drugs are prescribed.
- Means of local action – gels, ointments and creams.
- Physiotherapy - effective use of magnetic therapy, laser therapy, electrical stimulation, electrophoresis with drugs. These techniques improve blood circulation in the joint, reduce swelling and pain.
During the rehabilitation period, the doctor prescribes physical exercises aimed at relaxing the muscles that are in hypertonicity, strengthening the muscles of the shoulder girdle. It is good to prescribe gymnastics in water for arthritis of the shoulder joint. Massage can strengthen muscles and improve joint mobility. After the inflammatory process in the shoulder joint subsides, it is advisable to take chondroprotectors.
Possible Complications of Shoulder Arthritis
If arthritis of the shoulder joint is left untreated for a long time, there is a risk of developing adhesive capsulitis, which is called "frozen shoulder syndrome". This is a process when adhesions form inside the joint cavity, which leads to a decrease in the joint cavity. This process is characterized by aching pain and a decrease in the range of motion.
Such a process is treated surgically with an arthroscopic operation, during which the joint capsule is stretched. It is also possible to develop arthrosis of the shoulder joint, which refers to degenerative diseases. Arthrosis damages the cartilaginous surfaces. During this process, the patient complains of crunching and clicking when moving the joint, the presence of pain when the joint is loaded and limited mobility.
Therefore, if any pain occurs in the shoulder joint, you should immediately contact a specialist. After all, an untreated process can lead to chronic pathologies that significantly reduce the quality of life.
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