Arthrosis of the hip joint - symptoms and treatment

Our body is a complex system in which the breakdown of one "screw" provokes the failure of other "parts". In addition to diseases of the internal organs, chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, in particular of the joints, also cause a lot of trouble. Today I propose to discuss arthrosis of the hip joint. What are the symptoms and the recommended treatments.

This joint is the largest in the human skeleton. It is constantly used when walking, bending, turning, so the disease brings severe pain and stiffness to the patient. Fortunately, with early diagnosis, the disease is well treated with medication. It's just not so easy to suspect something was wrong, you need to know all the features of the disease and be able to discern the first manifestations. And, of course, take care of ways to prevent it, and our article will help with this.

Arthrosis or osteoarthritis of the hip joint is also called coxarthrosis, all these terms mean one thing - a complex progressive disease with destruction of the cartilage lining the femoral head and acetabulum. As a result, the joint gradually collapses, turns into bone, grows overgrown and loses mobility.

Coxarthrosis - what is it

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

So, coxarthrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease that provokes the destruction and deformation of cartilage tissue. It is mainly diagnosed in women over 40, and in men - 60.

Why is it such injustice than the ladies have done wrong before nature? The point here is in the special structure of the female skeleton and the load on the hip joint, especially during childbirth and childbirth. As a result, it is women in middle age who are more likely to suffer from this ailment; in the older age category, the number of patients of different sexes is gradually equalizing.

Causes of arthrosis of the hip joint

The reasons for the development of arthrosis in the hip joint can be many.

The most common of them are:

• heredity, if the parents or one of the relatives had such a disease, then you need to be more careful about your health, since although the disease itself is not related to genetics, a predisposition to metabolic disorders and other disruptions can cause problems with joints;
• strong loads on the pelvis, especially in athletes running, jumping, lifting weights;
• obesity, even a slight weight gain can be negative for joints, which causes an increased load on them, therefore obese people are more prone to arthrosis;
• injuries, fractures, bruises of the pelvis;
• endocrine disorders such as 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), which alter posture and stress on the joints;
• hormonal imbalance;
• weakening of blood circulation in tissues;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• old age, which is associated with a deterioration in tissue nutrition.

Coxarthrosis degree

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

Stage 1

The following symptoms will help to establish the presence of arthrosis in the hip joint of the 1st degree:

• pain during and immediately after heavy load on the joint;
• localization of pain only in the area of ​​bone junction;
• gait is not changed;
• no lameness;
• muscles retain their strength and shape.

During computer diagnostics, the physician may notice bone growths on the surface of the joint, especially along the inner and outer edges of the acetabulum. At this stage, correctly selected drugs allow you to fully restore the joint's working capacity, but not all of us tend to run to the doctor at the first manifestation of pain.

Admit it, a little discomfort often makes you think about stretching, dislocation, fatigue. We begin to rub the sore spot with various creams, ointments, we try to heal with folk methods, without understanding the cause and wasting precious time. Therefore, if you feel pain in your leg, the first thing to do is to go to the doctor, setting aside a little time for yourself - this is the key to a long, fulfilling and happy life!

Stage 2

If the problem was not diagnosed and cured immediately, then grade 2 arthrosis gradually forms, which is characterized by the following symptoms:

• more frequent pain that may appear even with inactivity;
• pain is no longer limited to the area of ​​bone connection, it radiates to the hip, groin, back;
• movements become limited, the person is unable to completely move his leg to the side;
• lameness appears.

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

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

Stage 3

Well, it's really bad for patients who have neglected their health so much that they got stage III arthrosis, it is typical for it:

• 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 increase in the size of the edge of the bone, and a decrease in the joint space. And here there is only one way out - this is an operation to replace an already unusable joint with a special artificial prosthesis.

Signs

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

Coxarthrosis manifests itself:

• severe pain in the joint, which can later radiate to the leg, groin, knee;

• impaired movement, difficulty walking without support;
• shortening of the diseased limb;
• poor posture;
• decreased range of motion in the affected joint;
• X-ray shows muscle atrophy;
• MRI shows abnormalities in soft tissues, inflammation;
• CT scans the presence of bony growths.

The symptoms are quite clear, but not so clear-cut. Therefore, with one of these signs, it is necessary to consult a specialist to make a diagnosis, since it can be both arthrosis and completely different diseases with similar symptoms.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of the disease should be carried out by more than one doctor, because pain in the pelvis can cause various ailments.

Like this:

• the therapist may find chronic diseases that cause hip discomfort;
• a neurologist excludes or confirms the presence of intervertebral hernias, they sometimes cause the same symptoms that are characteristic of arthrosis;
• the urologist checks men for inflammation in the prostate, these ailments also often cause pain in the pelvis, radiating to the legs;
• the gynecologist is looking for adhesions in the patient, they are also similar in manifestation to this disease;
• a rheumatologist is a narrow specialist who deals with solving such problems, he will help determine the stage of the disease, its causes and methods of treatment;
• The surgeon and orthopedist will come in handy in the advanced stage when the patient needs surgery.

Thus, in order to make a correct diagnosis, it will not be possible to limit ourselves to one visit to the doctor, and besides that, 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 for examining bones;
• X-rays will show bone damage;
• arthroscopy is indicated in some cases;
• sometimes an ultrasound of the pelvic organs is required.

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

Treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint

The most effective treatment is in the early stages, then you can limit yourself to various 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, remove inflammation, improve blood circulation, for this they use:

• non-steroidal drugs to relieve inflammation;
• pain relievers to return the patient to normal life and make walking easier;
• muscle relaxants to restore blood circulation in the diseased area of ​​the body;
• chondroprotectors that help stop cartilage deformation;
• steroid injections are used when pain intensifies;
• medicines for vasodilation.

In addition to pills, injections and ointments, the treatment includes the use of a special diet and exercise therapy, a set of measures helps to significantly improve the condition and restore mobility to the leg.

Surgery

If conservative treatment does not bring a visible result or the disease was diagnosed at the last stage, then there is only one way out - this is an operation. The procedure is complicated, in rare cases, rejection or risk of thromboembolism and other deadly complications is possible. At the same time, for seriously ill patients, this is the only chance for a normal life, because with an artificial joint, a person after healing and rehabilitation will be able to move around calmly.

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

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

Chondroprotectors

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

So what are these drugs capable of doing?

• stop the process of destruction of cartilage tissue;
• accelerate the metabolism in the joint;
• stimulate the production of synovial fluid, that is, natural lubrication, which is normally produced in cartilaginous tissue and promotes easy sliding of the bone in the joint;
• relieve inflammation;
• facilitate joint movement.

Preparations can contain two main components - glucosamine and chondroitin.

As for the form of the drug, it can be different, from tablets, capsules, ointments, creams to solution for injections. The choice of medicine, dosage and duration of use should be prescribed by the attending physician, taking into account the characteristics of the organism. But, as a rule, injections are used during exacerbations, and then the patient is transferred to a more gentle treatment, which can last for months, at least six months. After all, the restoration of cartilage tissue is a long process, but it allows you to return freedom of movement without surgery.

Injections

In some cases, treatment of the disease involves injections. Only a doctor should do them, resorting 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, even an experienced physician sometimes 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; different drugs are used for these purposes:

• corticosteroids for pain relief, such injections are allowed to be given no more than once every two weeks and a course of no more than 7;
• chondroprotectors help restore tissues, stimulate the production of synovial fluid for normal bone sliding, and improve tissue elasticity. In the form of an injection, drugs work faster than tablets or ointments, allowing the drug to be delivered directly to its destination;
• hyaluronic acid is the latest method to relieve inflammation and pain. It is used after all other drugs have been tried and did not get the desired result, the effect of its use is long-lasting, the injection is done once.

Physiotherapy

Unfortunately, in the fight against arthrosis of the hip joint, physiotherapeutic procedures are ineffective due to the deep bedding of the affected area. However, sometimes doctors prescribe kinesiotherapy to relieve pain.

Massage

If a medical massage is performed by a professional, it helps to improve blood circulation in the joint, restore mobility, and stop tissue destruction. But its use is indicated only exclusively during the period of remission, during the absence of pain.

Also, to get a clear effect, you need not one-time visits to a specialist, but 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 using exclusively folk remedies, especially in a severe, advanced form, even doctors recognize the effectiveness of natural medicines. Many formulations based on herbs, roots and essential oils significantly alleviate the condition of a sick person, stop the destruction of cartilage and the formation of bone and scar tissue, 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 to give 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 it, the root must be crushed in a coffee grinder, mixed with melted pork fat in a ratio of 2: 3, boiled over low heat for five minutes, cooled and lubricated with the composition of the sore spot in the evening for a month. Then rest for a week and continue treatment;

• ointment with celandine - dry 7 plants, separate the leaves from the stems and grind, add 1 cup of olive oil, leave in the cold for 14 days, after which the medicine will become jelly-like, will melt in the hands. Lubricate the diseased area with a substance every evening;
• birch leaves, linden blossom, parsley dry, chop, brew instead of tea and drink every day;
• wash the lemon, chop it and pour in 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, lubricate the skin over the joint with a cotton swab 3 times a day;
• take 60 grams of cinquefoil and elecampane roots, mix with 0. 5 liters. vodka, insist for a day in a dark and cool place, strain, drink 25-30 drops three times a day 30 minutes before meals, you can also use it for rubbing.

Exercises for coxarthrosis of the hip joint

Specially selected exercises will help to significantly improve the condition with coxarthrosis, some will be suggested by the doctor. Before using them, you must consult with your doctor, since with an incorrectly selected complex and the presence of contraindications, you can cause even greater harm to your health.

For example, deforming arthrosis is dangerous to treat with physical activity - it is fraught with even greater pain and tissue destruction.

Gymnastics is also prohibited when:

• exacerbation of the disease;
• obvious pain on movement;
• increased body temperature;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• menstruation;
• hernia;
• heart and lung diseases in severe form.

It is believed that therapeutic exercises for coxarthrosis should be aimed at restoring muscles and ligaments, but not loading an already weak joint, therefore, not dynamic, but static movements are better suited. I am also glad that the set of exercises can be performed at any convenient time, without spending money and nerves on trips to specialists, and given their effectiveness, it will simply be a crime not to use such a universal medicine.

Here are some exercises:

• lying on your back, raise the affected leg by 10-15 cm, freezing for 20-30 seconds, repeat for the other leg;
• perform the same movement, but quickly, holding the legs only for 1-2 seconds;
• to raise not a straight leg, but a leg bent at the knee at a right angle;
• lying on your stomach, tear your legs off the floor and hold for a couple of seconds, slowly spread to the sides, connect again, lower to the floor;
• lying on its side, bend the lower leg, and raise the upper leg and hold it at an angle of about 45 degrees, wait 30 seconds, return to the starting position, repeat for the other leg;
• perform the previous exercise, but at the same time rotate the foot alternately out and in.

True, it is not recommended to practice only on the description of exercises and videos, it is better to discuss this point with a doctor or even visit a rehabilitation specialist several times, since in case of a different type of illness it is necessary to adjust the complex in order to avoid complications.

Nutrition

Since osteoarthritis is largely dependent on metabolism, it is important to adhere to proper nutrition when treating the disease. It should be frequent, but not profuse. Excluded:

• salty foods;
• fatty broths, mayonnaises, oils, dairy products (sour cream, cream);
• preservatives;
• baked goods from premium flour;
• smoked.

They should be replaced with more cartilaginous ones:

• milk and low-fat dairy products, in particular, cheese is very important as it promotes tissue regeneration and calcium absorption;
• lean fish and meat;
• beans, mushrooms, buckwheat, lentils rich in vegetable protein;
• jellied meat, jellied fish, jellies, which contain collagen;
• carbohydrates from cereals;
• vegetables, fruits;
• complex carbohydrates (dried fruits, honey).

Drinking plenty of fluids is important to maintain salt balance.

Proper nutrition helps to remove uric acid that is dangerous for joints, relieve inflammation, remove excess weight, edema, and thereby reduce the load on the diseased area and even restore cartilage tissue. The greatest effect can be achieved at stage 1 of the disease.

Prevention

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

• proper nutrition, which contains all vitamins and microelements for normal tissue metabolism;
• weight control to avoid additional loads;
• Moderation of physical exertion, the ability to move in such a way as to avoid injuries and overstrain in diseased joints;
• beware of hypothermia, as it can aggravate. It is important to dress warmly, to wrap the basin in cold weather, to avoid sitting on cold surfaces and staying in a draft;
• lead a healthy lifestyle, walk in the fresh air, gently strengthen the leg muscles.

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