One of the most common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system is deforming arthrosis of the hip joint. The progressive process affects hyaline cartilages, destroys bone and connective tissue. Both a mobile connection and both are affected. The second name of the disease is coxarthrosis, which manifests itself more often in women after 40 years.
Causes of disease development
The disease is not hereditary, but the presence of genetic characteristics of tissues and bones can lead to its development and 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 hip joints begins in young people.
The main causes of hip arthrosis include pathologies that provoke the pathological process:
- tissue damage (femoral neck fracture, contusion);
- intensive physical activity (sports, lifting weights);
- 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 genetic predisposition, overweight, heart disease are at risk.
Types of disease
Arthrosis of the hip joint is of two types:
- Primary or idiopathic. It develops after 50 years. It 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 young age, the impetus is various pathologies. Defeat of one joint is characteristic: left or right. The course 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 complete destruction of the joint.
Degrees and characteristic symptoms of coxarthrosis
The process of destruction of the hip joint occurs gradually, each of the 3 stages is accompanied by different symptoms:
- Initial stage. 1st degree arthrosis of the hip joint is accompanied by symptoms:
- intermittent hip pain caused by exercise, pelvic stress;
- groin discomfort;
- lack of movement restrictions;
- slight narrowing of the joint space.
- Grade 2 disease. There is aggravation, the local temperature rises in the pelvic region. Pain at rest and during exercise. 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 accompanying movements after rest;
- restriction of movement, which leads to the destruction of cartilage and inflammation;
- appearance of lameness;
- difficulty in abduction of the leg, bending of the limb;
- muscle atrophy in which the affected leg appears weak;
- the joint space narrows, there is bone density during X-ray.
- The last stage 3. 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 extremities;
- lameness when walking;
- complete immobility of the joint blocks this pelvic joint;
- lack of cartilage layer, bone surfaces are closed.
Diagnosis of arthrosis
The occurrence of early symptoms does not prompt a person to go to the clinic, and he prefers self-treatment. However, arthrosis of the hip joint requires urgent medical care and timely diagnosis. In consultations, the presence of arthritis, which causes a complication in the form of coxarthrosis, is denied or confirmed. To do this, contact the experts:
- therapist;
- neurologist;
- rheumatologist;
- orthopedist (surgeon).
The examination is complex, so all diagnostic measures are carried out in two directions:
- Clinical diagnosis:
- examination (finding where the pain is);
- bending, straightening, rotation of the limb;
- asymmetry of the legs;
- pain during 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 in several ways.
At the early stage of development, conservative treatment is used, at the 2nd stage, the development of the pathology is stopped, and the 3rd degree arthrosis can be treated with radical methods.
After confirming the diagnosis of arthrosis of the hip joint, the doctor designs a series of therapeutic measures, which include treatment with drugs 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. Treatment of arthrosis with non-surgical methods means avoiding surgical intervention. First of all, the doctor prescribes painkillers to relieve the pain symptoms that constantly accompany arthrosis of the hip joint of the 2nd degree.
Medicines
Drug treatment consists of the use of drugs presented in the table:
| Group | Therapeutic activity |
|---|---|
| Anti-inflammatory (non-steroidal) | Symptomatic, helps to anesthetize the limbs and has an anti-inflammatory effect. |
| Steroid hormones | They are used when there is no result when using non-steroidal drugs, they help to relieve pain and inflammation. |
| Chondroprotectors | Restore the structure of cartilage tissue, improve the production of synovial fluid |
| Hyaluronic acid | It is injected into the joint to lubricate the articular surfaces |
| Muscle relaxants | Reduce muscle tone, improve blood flow through the veins |
Physiotherapy
With coxarthrosis, massage, exercise therapy, electrophoresis, cryotherapy and many others are useful. Let's take a closer look at the main ones:
- The basis of therapy is exercise therapy. It will help to localize the disease in any part of the body. The system of special exercises will strengthen the muscles and eliminate unpleasant sensations during exercise.
- Massage and manual therapy - passive muscle recovery. It is especially useful in the first stage of the development of pathology.
- Phonophoresis increases the effect of drugs with ultrasound. If you rub the TBS area with medicine and apply ultrasound, it will quickly penetrate the skin.
- Joint traction. The use of a special device will increase the intra-articular space.
- Diet. It helps relieve pressure on the joint. Properly selected products improve well-being, but dietary food is not included in the main therapeutic method.
Folk treatment
Traditional home remedies help. The patient can be heated and compresses can be applied to relieve inflammation and reduce swelling.
Using a compress with honey, aloe juice, and sea salt provides blood flow to the inflamed area, helping to improve blood circulation there. Folk treatment is a part of the complex treatment of primary and 2-3 degrees of pathology.
Severe injuries are treated surgically. The diseased joint is replaced with metal.
Prevention of arthrosis of the hip joint
It is not difficult to prevent arthrosis of the hip joint. You should follow the following recommendations:
- exclude a sedentary lifestyle;
- To do exercise;
- monitor body weight;
- give up bad habits;
- timely correction of congenital and acquired defects in the hip area.
Coxarthrosis is dangerous, so prevention after 40 years is absolutely important for 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 consult a doctor immediately. Early diagnosis will allow you to receive effective treatment and avoid surgery.