Deforming arthrosis of the hip joint is one of the most common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. The progressive process affects hyaline cartilage, destroying bone and connective tissue. One mobile connection and both are affected. The second name of the disease is coxarthrosis, which manifests itself more often in women after 40 years.
Reasons for the development of the disease
The disease is not hereditary, but the presence of genetic characteristics of tissues and bones can cause its development and transmission from parents to children. Hip osteoarthritis is considered an age-related problem caused by the aging of the body. There are cases when the process of destruction of the hip joints begins in young people.
The main causes of osteoarthritis of the hip include pathologies that provoke the pathological process:
- tissue damage (fracture of the femoral neck, contusion);
- intense physical activity (sports, lifting weights);
- joint infection (arthritis);
- death of the head of the femur;
- obesity;
- endocrine diseases such as diabetes mellitus, metabolic disorders;
- scoliosis.
The hip joint is destroyed under the influence of various factors. Therefore, people with a genetic predisposition, overweight, heart disease are at risk.
Varieties of the disease
Osteoarthritis of the hip joint is of two types:
- Primary or idiopathic. Develops after 50 years. Differs in symmetrical lesions of the joints. The course is disappointing, it is difficult to determine the cause of the destruction of the pelvic joints.
- Secondary. It is characteristic of a young age, the impulse is various pathologies. The defeat of one joint is characteristic: left or right. The evolution is slow and if you take the drugs prescribed by the doctor and follow the recommendations, the pathology responds well to treatment.
The disease leads to the complete destruction of the joint.
Degrees of coxarthrosis and characteristic symptoms
The process of destruction of the hip joint proceeds gradually, each of the 3 stages is accompanied by distinctive symptoms:
- Initial stage. 1st degree osteoarthritis of the hip joint is accompanied by signs:
- intermittent hip pain caused by exercise, pelvic stress;
- discomfort in the groin;
- lack of movement restrictions;
- slight narrowing of the joint space.
- 2nd degree disease. There is an exacerbation, in the pelvic region the local temperature rises. Pain at rest and on exertion. The development of the 2nd degree of arthrosis of the hip joint is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- the pain syndrome is intrusive and intense, especially at night;
- characteristic "starting" pain that accompanies movement after rest;
- restriction of movement, which leads to the destruction of cartilage and inflammation;
- the appearance of lameness;
- difficulty removing the foot, bending the limb;
- muscle atrophy, in which the affected leg feels flabby;
- the joint space is narrowed, there is bone compaction on x-ray.
- Finally, step 3. It talks about irreversible processes. It is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- the joint constantly hurts, the general condition worsens;
- changes in the size of the lower limbs;
- lameness while walking;
- complete immobility of the joint, this blocks the pelvic joint;
- lack of cartilage layer, bone surfaces are connected.
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis
The appearance of early symptoms does not push a person to come to the clinic, and he prefers self-treatment. However, arthrosis of the hip joint requires urgent medical attention and timely diagnosis. During consultations, the presence of arthritis, leading to a complication in the form of osteoarthritis, is ruled out or confirmed. To do this, turn to such specialists as:
- therapist;
- neurologist;
- rheumatologist;
- orthopedist (surgeon).
The examination is complex, therefore, all diagnostic measures are carried out in two directions:
- Clinical diagnosis:
- review (find out where it hurts);
- flexion, straightening, rotation of the limb;
- leg asymmetry;
- pain on palpation.
- Instrumental examination:
- x-ray:
- CT;
- MRI;
- ultrasound;
- puncture of fluid from the joint cavity (if necessary).
What treatment is needed?
The goal of all therapeutic procedures is to reduce pain and improve joint mobility. Depending on the degree of damage, the treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint is carried out by several methods.
At an early stage of development, conservative treatment is used, at stage 2 the development of pathology is stopped, and arthrosis of the 3rd degree can be cured by radical methods.
After confirming the diagnosis of arthrosis of the hip joint, the doctor establishes a complex of therapeutic measures, consisting of treatment with pharmaceuticals and physiotherapy procedures. Treatment is aimed at eliminating the symptoms of pain and inflammation, stopping the processes. In severe cases, surgical treatment with prostheses is used.
conservative methods
With coxarthrosis of the 1st and 2nd degree of the hip joint, an integrated approach can help: drugs, therapeutic massage, gymnastics, osteopathy. Treating osteoarthritis non-surgically means preventing surgery. First of all, the doctor prescribes painkillers to relieve the pain symptoms that constantly accompany arthrosis of the hip joint of the 2nd degree.
Medications
Drug therapy consists of the use of drugs presented in the table:
| Band | Therapeutic action |
|---|---|
| Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) | Symptomatic, helps anesthetize the limbs and has an anti-inflammatory effect |
| Steroid hormones | They are used when there is no result when using nonsteroidal drugs, help relieve pain and inflammation. |
| Chondroprotectors | Restore the structure of cartilage tissue, improve the production of synovial fluid |
| Hyaluronic acid | Injected into the joint to lubricate joint surfaces |
| Muscle relaxants | Reduce muscle tone, improve blood flow in vessels |
Physiotherapy
With coxarthrosis, massage, exercise therapy, electrophoresis, cryotherapy and many others are useful. Let's take a closer look at the main ones:
- Exercise therapy is the basis of therapy. This will help localize the disease in any part of the body. A special system of exercises will strengthen the muscles, eliminate uncomfortable sensations during exercise.
- Massage and manual therapy - passive muscle restoration. Especially useful in the first stage of the development of pathology.
- Phonophoresis enhances the effect of drugs with ultrasound. If you coat the TBS area with medication and apply ultrasound, it will quickly penetrate the skin.
- Joint traction. Using a special device will increase the intra-articular gap.
- Diet. Helps relieve pressure on the joint. Properly selected products improve well-being, but dietary nutrition is not part of the main therapeutic method.
Folk remedies
At home, the methods of traditional medicine come to the rescue. The patient can be warmed up and put on compresses, which relieve inflammation and reduce swelling.
The use of a compress with honey, aloe juice, sea salt provides a rush of blood to the inflamed area, helps to improve blood circulation in it. Folk remedies are part of the complex treatment of the initial pathology, as well as 2-3 degrees.
Severe damage is treated with surgery. The diseased joint is replaced by a metal joint.
Prevention of osteoarthritis of the hip joint
It is not difficult to prevent osteoarthritis of the hip joint. You must adhere to the following recommendations:
- exclude a sedentary lifestyle;
- play sports;
- monitor body weight;
- refuse bad habits;
- timely correction of congenital and acquired malformations of the hip.
Coxarthrosis is dangerous, so prevention after 40 years is important for absolutely everyone. But there is also a risk group, which includes athletes and people with a genetic predisposition. When similar symptoms appear, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis will allow you to get effective treatment and avoid surgery.