Arthrosis of the Hip Joint - Symptoms and Treatment

Our body is a complex system in which the collapse of one "screw" causes the failure of other "parts". In addition to diseases of the internal organs, chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, especially the joints, cause major problems. Today I propose to discuss osteoarthritis of the hip joint. What are the symptoms and the recommended treatments.

This joint is the largest in the human skeleton. It is used constantly while walking, stooping and turning, so the disease brings the patient severe pain and stiffness in movements. Fortunately, if diagnosed early, the disease is well treated with medication. It's just not that easy to suspect that something is wrong. You need to know all the features of the disease and be able to recognize the first manifestations. And of course, watch out for how to prevent this and our article will help you with that.

Arthrosis or osteoarthritis of the hip joint is also known as coxarthrosis. All of these terms mean one thing - a complex, progressive disease that involves destruction of the cartilage that lines the femoral head and acetabulum. As a result, the joint gradually collapses, turns into bones, grows overgrown and loses mobility.

Coxarthrosis - what is it

Let's take a closer look at what coxarthrosis is as this is the term doctors often use as the word "osteoarthritis" has recently been excluded from medical terminology as it was previously believed to have nothing to do with inflammationHas. but later scientists have proven otherwise. For us, these disputes are not important, the main thing is that all these names refer to the same very unpleasant disease.

Coxarthrosis is therefore a degenerative-dystrophic disease that causes the destruction and deformation of cartilage tissue. It is diagnosed mainly in women over 40 and in men - 60.

Why is it so unjust when the ladies did wrong in front of nature? The point here is in the specific structure of the female skeleton and the stress on the hip joint, especially during childbirth and childbirth. As a result, middle-aged women are more likely to be affected by this disease, and in the older age category, the number of patients of different sexes gradually equalizes.

Causes of osteoarthritis of the hip joint

The reasons for the development of osteoarthritis in the hip joint can be varied.

The most common are:

• Heredity: if the parents or any of the relatives had such a disease, then you need to take care of your health, since a predisposition to metabolic and other disorders can cause problems with the joints, although the disease itself is not related to geneticsconnected is.
• heavy load on the pelvis, especially in athletes who run, jump and lift weights;
• Obesity, even a slight gain in weight, can have a negative effect on the joints, leading to increased stress. Therefore, obese people are more prone to osteoarthritis.
• Injuries, fractures, bruises in the pelvis;
• endocrine disorders like diabetes can cause bone problems;
• inflammatory, infectious processes in the body, for example, purulent or rheumatoid arthritis;
• the presence of problems with the spine or bones (flat feet, scoliosis, osteochondrosis) that change posture and the load on the joints;
• hormonal imbalance;
• weakened blood flow in tissues;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• Age associated with deterioration in tissue nutrition.

Degree of coxarthrosis

Doctors distinguish 3 degrees or stages of development of the disease, which helps distinguish the main symptoms. It is important to know that when diagnosed at stage 1, it is quite possible to completely cure the disease and forget it for many years. In the third stage, the only correct decision is an operation, otherwise the patient is threatened with a disability.

Level 1

The following symptoms help to determine the presence of osteoarthritis in the 1st degree hip joint:

• Pain with heavy load on the joint and immediately afterwards;
• Pain localization only in the area of ​​the bone connection;
• gear is not changed;
• no lameness;
• Muscles keep their strength and shape.

During the computer diagnosis, the doctor can detect bone growth on the joint surface, especially along the inner and outer edges of the acetabulum. At this point, with properly selected drugs, you can fully restore the performance of the joint, but not all of us tend to run to the doctor at the first manifestation of pain.

Admit, a little discomfort often makes you think about stretch, dislocation, and fatigue. We begin to rub the sore spot with various creams and ointments. We try to heal by folk methods, without understanding the cause and wasting valuable time. If you feel pain in your leg, the first thing you need to do is see a doctor and take a little time - this is the key to a long, fulfilling and happy life!

Level 2

If the problem is not immediately diagnosed and cured, 2nd degree osteoarthritis will gradually develop, which is characterized by the following symptoms:

• more frequent pain, which can also occur during inactivity;
• Pain is no longer limited to the area of ​​the bone connection, but radiates to the thigh, groin and back.
• movements are restricted, the person cannot move their leg completely to one side;
• Lameness occurs.

During the examination, the images show bone growth at the edges of the cavity, an increase in the bone tip, its displacement and destruction of the edge.

Fortunately, with the help of complex therapy, 2nd degree osteoarthritis is still accessible to conservative treatment.

Level 3

Well it's really bad for patients who have neglected their health so much that they have Stage III osteoarthritis. It is typical for this:

• Pain around the clock, even without physical exertion;
• the need to use crutches or walking sticks;
• Atrophy, that is, shortening of the muscles of the diseased leg, change in posture.

During the examination, the doctor sees numerous bone growths, an enlargement of the bone edge and a reduction in the joint space. And here there is only one way out - this is an operation in which an already unusable joint is replaced with a special artificial prosthesis.

characters

We have already briefly mentioned the symptoms of the disease, but it remains to summarize all of these symptoms.

Coxarthrosis manifests itself:

• severe pain in the joint, which can spread to the leg, groin and knee;

• Movement disorders, difficulty walking without support;
• Shortening of the diseased extremity;
• bad posture;
• decreased the range of motion in the affected joint;
• X-ray shows muscle atrophy;
• MRI shows abnormalities in soft tissues, inflammation;
• CT shows the presence of bone growth.

The symptoms are clear, but not that simple. Therefore, with any of these signs, it is necessary to consult a specialist for a diagnosis, since it can be both osteoarthritis and completely different diseases with similar symptoms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing the disease should be carried out by more than one doctor, as pelvic pain can cause various diseases.

So:

• The therapist can find chronic diseases that cause hip problems.
• The neurologist rules out or confirms the presence of intervertebral hernias. Sometimes they cause the same symptoms that are characteristic of osteoarthritis.
• Urologist examines men for inflammation in the prostate. These symptoms often also cause pelvic pain that radiates to the legs.
• The gynecologist looks for adhesions in the patient. They also manifest themselves similarly to this disease.
• A rheumatologist is a close specialist who deals with solving such problems. He will help determine the stage of the disease, its causes and methods of treatment.
• A surgeon and an orthopedic surgeon will come in handy at an advanced stage when a patient needs surgery.

In order to make a correct diagnosis, it is therefore not possible to limit ourselves to a visit to the doctor. In addition, you still need to pass tests:

• clinical and biochemical analysis of urine and blood for inflammation in the body;
• MRI for examining soft tissues;
• CT to examine bones;
• X-rays show bone damage.
• Arthroscopy is indicated in some cases;
• Sometimes an ultrasound scan of the pelvic organs is necessary.

The success of treatment depends on the correct diagnosis, the degree of impairment and the cause of the deformity. For example, if osteoarthritis causes bone tuberculosis, the usual therapy is prohibited, and in the case of metabolic disorders, it is first necessary to eliminate the root cause, and then treat its consequences.

Treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip joint

The most effective treatment is in the early stages, then you can limit yourself to different drugs. How to treat inflammation - the doctor decides after a series of studies. Therapy largely depends on the cause and degree of destruction, but mainly they try to relieve pain, eliminate inflammation, improve blood circulation. To do this, use:

• nonsteroidal drugs used to relieve inflammation;
• pain relievers to restore the patient to a normal life and to make walking easier;
• muscle relaxants to restore blood flow to the diseased area of ​​the body;
• chondroprotectors that help stop the deformation of cartilage tissue;
• Steroid injections are used when the pain increases;
• Medicines for vasodilation.

In addition to pills, injections and ointments, treatment includes the use of special diet and exercise therapy. A number of measures will help to significantly improve the condition and restore the mobility of the leg.

surgery

If conservative treatment does not bring any visible result, or the disease has been diagnosed at the last stage, there is only one way out - this is surgery. The procedure is complicated, in rare cases rejection or risk of thromboembolism and other fatal complications is possible. At the same time, this is the only chance for a normal life for seriously ill patients, since a person with an artificial joint can move quietly after healing and rehabilitation.

As with any operation, a patient with coxarthrosis must prepare for general anesthesia in advance, he is not allowed to eat or drink before the procedure, and the bowel is cleaned. Then his legs are wrapped with elastic bandages to avoid edema, put on his side and plunged into sleep. After that, the doctor makes an incision in the thigh, opens access to the joint, cuts off the head of the femur bone, and places a pin in the incision where the titanium head is attached.

The damaged pelvic bone tissue is also removed and replaced with a polymer pad to allow normal leg movement in the future. Next, the wound is sewn, a bandage is applied. There is still a recovery period after healing, but without rejection, a person can calmly walk with an artificial joint for 20 years, or even all of their life, without feeling pain and stiffness.

Chondroprotectors

Due to the disease, the hip joint loses its mobility, tissue changes, cartilage destruction and the formation of bone growth in its place are observed. Fortunately, effective drugs to restore cartilage tissue have been invented. They are also known as chondroprotectors, which means "cartilage protection" in Latin.

So what can these drugs do?

• stops the process of destruction of cartilage tissue;
• accelerates the metabolism in the joint;
• stimulates the production of synovial fluid, that is, natural lubrication that is normally produced in the cartilage tissue and promotes the easy gliding of the bone in the joint;
• relieves inflammation;
• facilitate joint movement.

Preparations can contain two main components - glucosamine and chondroitin.

The form of the drug can vary, from tablets, capsules, ointments, creams to solutions for injection. The choice of drug, dosage and duration of use should be prescribed by the attending physician, taking into account the characteristics of the organism. However, injections are usually used during exacerbations, and then the patient is subjected to gentler treatment, which can last for months, at least six months. While restoring the cartilage tissue is a long affair, it does allow you to restore freedom of movement without surgery.

injections

In some cases, treatment for the disease includes injections. This should only be done by a doctor who resorted to such a solution only in extreme cases, since it is risky to treat the disease in this way. The fact is that the gap between the bones in the hip joint is small, and with coxarthrosis it narrows even more. As a result, sometimes even an experienced doctor cannot get into the joint capsule itself, and the risk of touching the nerves and blood vessels is great.

At the same time, injections are sometimes the only way to relieve pain and inflammation. Various drugs are used for these purposes:

• corticosteroids for pain relief, such injections must not be given more than once every two weeks and a course of no more than 7;
• Chondroprotectors help restore tissue, stimulate the production of synovial fluid for normal gliding of the bone, and improve tissue elasticity. In the form of an injection, medicines work faster than tablets or ointments, so the medicine can be delivered directly to its destination.
• Hyaluronic acid is the newest method for relieving inflammation and pain. It is used after all other drugs have been tried and have not achieved the desired result. The effect of its application lasts for a long time. The injection is given once.

Physiotherapy

Unfortunately, physiotherapy procedures are ineffective in the fight against osteoarthritis of the hip joint due to the deep bedding of the affected area. However, sometimes doctors will prescribe kinesitherapy to relieve pain.

Massage

Having a medical massage performed by a professional will help improve blood flow to the joint, restore mobility and stop tissue destruction. However, its use is only indicated during the period of remission and without pain.

In order to achieve a clear effect, you do not even have to visit a specialist, but take courses two or three times a year to maintain the condition of bones and joints.

Treatment of coxarthrosis with folk remedies

Although it is quite difficult to completely cure coxarthrosis in the hip joint only with folk remedies, especially in a severe, advanced form, even doctors are realizing the effectiveness of natural medicines. Many formulations based on herbs, roots and essential oils significantly relieve the condition of a sick person, stop the destruction of cartilage and the formation of bone and scar tissue, and stimulate the production of synovial fluid, which is very important in the fight against the disease.

In order for the treatment to be most effective and produce positive results, it is worth discussing with the doctor what alternative methods can be used independently at home.

Some of the most popular tools:

• Perestroot ointment. To prepare, the root must be crushed in a coffee grinder, mixed with melted pork fat in a ratio of 2: 3, boiled on low heat for five minutes, cooled and lubricated with the composition of the sore spot for a month in the evening. Then rest for a week and continue treatment;

• Ointment with celandine - dry 7 plants, separate the leaves from the stems and chop them, pour 1 cup of olive oil, leave in the cold for 14 days, after which the medicine becomes jelly-like and melts in the hands. Lubricate the diseased area with a substance every evening.
• Birch leaves, linden blossom, dry parsley, chop, brew instead of tea and drink every day;
• wash the lemon, chop it and add 1 liter. boiling water, strain after a couple of hours, add honey, drink three times a day;
• combine honey, iodine, ethyl alcohol and glycerin in the same amount, insist 3-4 hours, smear the skin over the joint with a cotton swab three times a day;
• Take 60 grams of cinquefoil and elecampane roots and mix them with 0. 5 liters. Vodka, let steep for a day in a dark and cool place, strain, drink 25-30 drops three times a day 30 minutes before meals, can also be used for grating.

Exercises for coxarthrosis of the hip joint

Specially selected exercises help to significantly improve the condition of coxarthrosis. Some are suggested by the doctor. Before using them, it is necessary to consult your doctor, since an incorrectly selected complex and the presence of contraindications can cause even more harm to your health.

For example, deforming osteoarthritis is dangerous during physical exertion - it is fraught with even greater pain and tissue destruction.

Gymnastics is also prohibited if:

• aggravation of the disease;
• obvious pain when moving;
• increased body temperature;
• aggravation of chronic diseases;
• menstruation;
• hernia;
• Severe heart and lung diseases.

It is believed that therapeutic exercises for coxarthrosis should aim to restore muscles and ligaments, but not to put stress on an already weak joint, so dynamic but static movements are not more suitable. I am also glad that the exercises can be done at any time without spending money and nerves on trips to specialists, and given their effectiveness, it will simply be a crime not to use such universal medicine.

Here are some exercises:

• lying on your back, lift the affected leg 10-15 cm, freeze for 20-30 seconds, repeat for the other leg;
• performs the same movement, but quickly, holding the legs for only 1-2 seconds.
• , so as not to lift a straight leg, but a leg that is bent at a right angle at the knee;
• lie on your stomach, tear your legs off the floor and hold for a few seconds, slowly spread apart, reconnect, lower down on the floor;
• lie on your side, bend your lower leg, lift your thigh and hold it at an angle of about 45 degrees, wait 30 seconds, return to the starting position, repeat for the other leg;
• does the previous exercise, but at the same time alternately turns the foot back and forth.

Right, it is not recommended to practice just by describing the exercises and videos. It is better to discuss this point with a doctor or even visit a rehabilitation specialist several times, since with another type of disease, it is necessary to adjust the complex to avoid complications.

Nutrition

Since osteoarthritis is largely metabolic, it is important to maintain proper diet when treating the disease. It should be frequent, but not plentiful. Excluded:

• salty foods;
• Broths, mayonnaises, oils, milk products (sour cream, cream);
• preservative;
• Baked goods made from premium flour;
• smoked.

They should be replaced by more cartilaginous ones:

• Milk and low-fat dairy products, especially cheese, are very important to support tissue regeneration and calcium absorption.
• lean fish and meat;
• beans, mushrooms, buckwheat, lentils, which are rich in vegetable protein;
• jellied meat, jellied fish, jelly containing collagen;
• carbohydrates from grain;
• vegetables, fruits;
• complex carbohydrates (dried fruits, honey).

It is important to drink plenty of fluids to maintain the salt balance.

Proper nutrition helps remove uric acid, which is dangerous for the joints, relieve inflammation, remove excess weight and edema, thereby reducing the stress on the diseased area and even restoring cartilage tissue. The greatest effect can be achieved in stage 1 of the disease.

Prevention

If there are cases of illness in the family or if osteoarthritis of the hip joint is already present and successfully treated, correct and regular prevention is important, which consists of the following points:

• proper nutrition, which contains all vitamins and micro-elements for normal tissue metabolism;
• Weight control to avoid additional stress;
• Moderation of physical activity, the ability to move around in such a way as to avoid injury and overexertion in diseased joints;
• Beware of hypothermia, as it can worsen. It is important to dress warmly, to wrap the pool in cold weather so as not to sit on cold surfaces and remain in the draft.
• lead a healthy lifestyle, go out into the fresh air, gently strengthen the leg muscles.

Osteoarthritis is a very uncomfortable disease that, without proper treatment with bone fusion, leads to disability and life in a wheelchair. Therefore, at the first symptoms, go to the doctor for diagnosis and help. Timely and comprehensive treatment will allow you to get rid of the problem and live without pain and restrictions.