One of the most common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system is deforming arthrosis of the hip joint. The progressive process affects the hyaline cartilage, destroying the bone and connective tissue. Either one or both mobile connections are affected. The second name of the disease is coxarthrosis, which manifests itself more often in women after 40 years.
Causes of the disease
The disease is not inherited, but the presence of genetic characteristics of tissues and bones can trigger its development and its transmission from parents to children. Hip arthrosis 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.
Pathologies provoking the pathological process are among the main causes of hip arthrosis:
- tissue injury (fracture of the femoral neck, contusion);
- intense physical activity (sports, weight lifting);
- joint infection (arthritis);
- death of the femoral head;
- 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, who are overweight and have heart disease are at risk.
Types of the disease
There are two types of arthrosis of the hip joint:
- Primary or idiopathic. It develops after 50 years. It differs in symmetrical changes in 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, and various pathologies are gaining momentum. Defeat of a joint is characteristic: left or right. The course is slow, and if you take the drugs prescribed by the doctor and follow the recommendations, then the pathology responds well to treatment.
The disease leads to the complete destruction of the joint.
Degrees and characteristic symptoms of coxarthrosis
The process of destruction of the hip joint takes place gradually, all 3 stages are accompanied by characteristic symptoms:
- Initial stage. 1st degree arthrosis of the hip joint is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- periodic hip pain caused by exercise, pelvic stress;
- discomfort in the groin;
- lack of movement restrictions;
- slight narrowing of the joint space.
- 2nd degree disease. It is getting worse, the local temperature is rising in the Kismedence region. Pain at rest and during exertion. The development of 2nd degree arthrosis of the hip joint is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- the pain syndrome is intrusive and intense, especially at night;
- characteristic "starting" pain accompanying movements after rest;
- restriction of movement, which leads to cartilage destruction and inflammation;
- appearance of lameness;
- difficulty in abducting the leg, bending the limb;
- muscle atrophy, in which the affected leg appears flabby;
- the joint space is narrowed, there is bone compression during radiography.
- Last, Section 3. He 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 when walking;
- complete immobility of the joint, this blocks the pelvic joint;
- absence of a cartilage layer, bone surfaces are connected.
Diagnosis of arthrosis
The appearance of early symptoms does not make a person go to the clinic, preferring self-treatment. However, arthrosis of the hip joint requires urgent medical care and timely diagnosis. During consultations, the presence of arthritis, which leads to a complication in the form of coxarthrosis, is denied or confirmed. For this, contact specialists such as:
- therapist;
- neurologist;
- rheumatologist;
- orthopedic (surgeon).
The examination is complex, therefore all diagnostic measures are carried out in two directions:
- Clinical diagnosis:
- examination (to find out where it hurts);
- bending, straightening, rotating the limb;
- asymmetry of the legs;
- pain to touch.
- Instrumental examination:
- radiography:
- CT;
- MRI;
- ultrasound;
- injection 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, arthrosis of the hip joint is treated with several methods.
In the early stages of development, conservative treatment is used, in the 2nd stage, the development of the pathology is stopped, and the 3rd degree arthrosis can be cured by radical methods.
After confirming the diagnosis of arthrosis of the hip joint, the doctor compiles a series of therapeutic measures, consisting of drug treatment and physiotherapy procedures. The aim of the treatment is to eliminate the symptoms of pain and inflammation, to stop the processes. In severe cases, surgical treatment with a prosthesis is used.
conservative methods
An integrated approach can help with 1st and 2nd degree coxarthrosis of the hip joint: drugs, therapeutic massage, gymnastics, osteopathy. Non-surgical treatment of arthrosis means prevention of surgical intervention. First of all, the doctor prescribes painkillers to relieve the symptoms of pain that constantly accompany arthrosis of the hip joint of the 2nd degree.
Medicines
Drug treatment consists of the use of the drugs presented in the table:
| Group | Therapeutic action |
|---|---|
| Anti-inflammatory (non-steroidal) | Symptomatic, helps to anesthetize the limbs and has an anti-inflammatory effect |
| Steroid hormones | They are used in case of ineffectiveness when using non-steroidal drugs, they help relieve pain and inflammation. |
| Chondroprotectors | It restores the structure of cartilage tissue and improves the production of synovial fluid |
| Hyaluronic acid | Injected into the joint to lubricate the joint surfaces |
| Muscle relaxants | Reduce muscle tone, improve blood flow through the vessels |
Physiotherapy
In case of coxarthrosis, massage, gymnastics therapy, electrophoresis, cryotherapy and many others are useful. Let's take a closer look at the main ones:
- Movement therapy is the basis of therapy. It helps in localization of the disease in any part of the body. A special exercise system strengthens muscles and removes discomfort during training.
- Massage and manual therapy - passive recovery of muscles. It is especially useful in the first stage of the development of pathology.
- Phonophoresis enhances the effect of drugs with ultrasound. If you apply medicine to the TBS area and use ultrasound, it will quickly penetrate the skin.
- Joint traction. The use of a special device increases the intra-articular gap.
- Diet. It helps relieve pressure on the joint. Properly selected products improve well-being, but dietary nutrition is not included in the main therapeutic method.
Folk remedies
At home, traditional medicine methods help. The patient can be warmed up and a poultice applied to relieve inflammation and reduce swelling.
Using a poultice made with honey, aloe juice, and sea salt rushes blood to the inflamed area and improves blood circulation. Folk remedies are part of the complex treatment of initial and 2-3 degree pathology.
Severe injuries are treated with surgery. The diseased joint is replaced with a metal one.
Prevention of arthrosis of the hip joint
It is not difficult to prevent arthrosis of the hip joint. You should follow the following recommendations:
- excludes a sedentary lifestyle;
- do sports;
- monitors body weight;
- to refuse bad habits;
- corrects congenital and acquired defects of the hip in time.
Coxarthrosis is dangerous, so prevention after 40 is important for everyone. But there is also a risk group that includes athletes and people with a genetic predisposition. If similar symptoms appear, consult a doctor immediately. Early diagnosis enables effective treatment and avoids surgery.