Pages

Translate

Wednesday 6 November 2013

Elbow and shoulder arthritis

Elbow and shoulder arthritis


Many patients ask, " What is arthritis " For joints , arthritis means " joint inflammation " In the case of the elbow, where the cartilage surface of the elbow is worn or damaged . . age , arthritis of the elbow occurs. If you have arthritis of the elbow , you probably have pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of normal range of motion. Some people complain of a " lock " or " network effect" in the joint.

These sensations are related to the loss of the normal articular surface and smooth when loose pieces of bone or cartilage located between the articular surfaces which interferes with normal movement. Often , my patients may experience numbness of the ring and little finger. This is due to the pressure on the ulnar nerve or funny bone swelling.

How elbow arthritis is diagnosed?

A doctor can diagnose arthritis of the elbow depending on your symptoms , a simple physical examination and radiographs . This disease tends to be more common in men than in women, and it usually occurs in people over 50 years. You are an increased risk for arthritis of the elbow if you have an injury to the elbow history , inflammatory arthritis , or a family history of arthritis risk. Others at risk for arthritis of the elbow include people who have a job or participate in activities that place demands on the elbow , like professional baseball pitchers .

How is treated arthritis of the elbow ?

Typically , an orthopedic specialist will treat arthritis of the elbow primarily based on your symptoms. Factors to consider include the stage of the disease , the patient's goals , and your general state of health and physical health. Non-surgical treatment of arthritis of the elbow involves measures to mitigate or reduce pain, increase range of motion , and restore function . This includes physical therapy, restrictions and activity limitations, and anti -inflammatory drugs or oral pain. If these conservative measures do not work, many patients receive injections of corticosteroids , which can give relief for several months and can be therapeutic and diagnostic time.

Surgery may be necessary if non-surgical measures do not control and relieve symptoms . If the damage is not too severe, your doctor may make minimally invasive procedures and even arthroscopy to remove foreign bodies , degenerative , inflammatory tissue of the joint. This smoothes irregular articular surfaces and provides relief from symptoms. If the joint space is used , your doctor may suggest a replacement for you.

Arthritis shoulder

The shoulder is formed by two joints. One of them is the acromioclavicular (AC ) joint , located where the collarbone ( clavicle ) meets the tip of the shoulder blade ( acromion ) . The other is located at the junction of the upper arm bone ( humerus ) and the scapula ( shoulder blade ) , and it is called the glenohumeral joint . Both shoulder joints are often affected by arthritis. The symptoms of arthritis of the shoulder are pain , stiffness , reduced or limited range of motion and crackling . Crepitus is a "click " or " snap " is the movement of the shoulder .

How is arthritis of the shoulder diagnosed?

Arthritis of the shoulder is diagnosed on the basis of a thorough physical examination , symptoms and basic x-rays. Most people with arthritis of the shoulder have a narrowing of the joint space , the formation of bone spurs , and changes in bone structure. People over age 50 are at increased risk of arthritis of the shoulder risk. In addition , a history of an injury to your shoulder joint puts you at risk of developing this condition .

How is arthritis of the shoulder treated?

The orthopedic specialist will treat arthritis of the shoulder depending on the severity of the disease , the health and general health, activity level and job responsibilities , and history . Nonsurgical measures include oral medications , physical therapy , and activity restrictions and limitations . Patients who do not respond to these methods may have an injection of hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids. When the joint is severely damaged or worn , or if the patient does not improve with conservative measures , the glenohumeral joint can be replaced by a prosthesis in a procedure known as total shoulder arthroplasty .

If necessary, the head of the humerus is replaced . For arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint , resection arthroplasty can help . This is done by taking to make way for a move a small piece of bone of his collarbone .

Read the blog of Dr. Ruhlman to get more information about the shoulder joint , wrist and hand conditions like carpal tunnel. You can contact him for an appointment with him.

No comments:

Post a Comment