Coxarthrosis is a change in the hip joint, common among diseases based on degenerative-dystrophic processes. The hip joint is formed by the joint of the head of the femur with the bones of the pelvis.
This disease has a primary and secondary form. The etiology of the primary is not entirely clear, but the secondary can be caused by a number of factors. These are trauma, inflammation, Peters pathology, necrosis of the femoral head, hip dislocation and dysplastic processes.
Coxarthrosis of the hip joint causes a change in the composition and properties of the intra-articular fluid. Its viscosity increases, which causes damage to joint surfaces. The cartilage becomes thinner, the distance between the bones that make up the joint decreases. The pressure on their surfaces increases, causing the process of deformation.
Occasionally, such a chronic condition passes into a phase of exacerbation. During this period, a severe pain syndrome occurs. Outside of exacerbation, therapeutic exercises are a good preventive measure.
Etiology
There are numerous reasons why coxarthrosis of the hip joint develops. This includes:
- violation of the process of blood supply to the joint - a decrease in the degree of venous blood outflow and arterial blood inflow. Due to violation of trophism, metabolic products accumulate, contributing to the destruction of cartilage tissue;
- such a mechanical effect that causes an increased load on the joint;
- violation of biochemical homeostasis, hormonal imbalance;
- traumatization;
- infectious inflammation;
- state of femoral head necrosis;
- dysplastic disorders of cartilage and bone tissue;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- genetic predisposition;
- congenital hip dislocation.
Symptoms
When the patient is contacted, the doctor conducts a survey and examination to determine the severity of the pathology.
This disease has the following symptoms: pain in the joint itself, as well as pain in the thigh, groin and knee. Impaired ability to move the affected limb. "Shortening" of the leg, as well as atrophic processes of the thigh muscles.
The nature of the pain and its intensity and localization depend on the stage. As the disease progresses, the pain intensifies. Knee pain occurs due to muscle atrophy. For this reason, there is sometimes a mistake in the diagnosis - they refer to arthrosis of the knee joint. It is necessary to contact experienced specialists who will be able to carry out a differential diagnosis and schedule the necessary appointments. Only a doctor can diagnose the disease and determine what kind of therapy the patient needs.
Degrees
The following stages of the disease are distinguished.
- First degree. This degree is characterized by a pain syndrome caused by stress. Localization of pain - hip joint, less often - thigh and knee. Small growths of bone tissue are visible on the X-ray.
- Second degree. In this stage of the disease, the pain intensifies, its intensity increases. Localization extends to the thigh and groin area. The pain also occurs at rest. Movements are limited, and X-rays reveal volumetric growths of bone tissue. Sometimes cysts form in places of increased stress.
- Third degree. This stage is characterized by constant pain. Walking is hard. Severe atrophy of the muscles of the thighs, buttocks and lower legs. The limb is extremely shortened. X-rays show extensive growths of bone tissue.
Diagnostics
The main diagnostic method is X-ray examination. With his help, the doctor can determine the etiology and stage of development of the disease, determine the need for surgery. For example, with dysplasia, the doctor will notice a slanting and thickening of the acetabulum. X-ray of coxarthrosis resulting from an injury allows you to see the shape of the joint bones after their restoration. Coxarthrosis, which developed as a result of necrosis of the femoral head, also has a characteristic X-ray picture.
Therapy
Only a doctor can answer the question of how to treat coxarthrosis of the hip joint. The nature of the treatment varies depending on the degree in which the disease is located, as well as the intensity of the pain. It is dangerous to self-medicate at home. In third-degree coxarthrosis, the disease can only be cured with the help of arthroplasty, in which the doctor replaces the joint by installing an artificial prosthesis. Often, surgery is necessary for coxarthrosis, which is caused by necrosis of the femoral head.
In the treatment of pathology of the first and second degree, surgery is not required. Medical and physiotherapeutic treatment is used, which is prescribed by the attending physician, as well as therapeutic exercises that can be used at home.
Medical therapy
Drug treatment includes medications such as tablets, injections, and ointments.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are able to relieve pain, stop inflammation and swelling, and the disadvantage is a reduction in the regenerative ability of cartilage. If they are ineffective, the drugs are replaced. The most effective form of dosing of some drugs is injections.
- Vasodilator drugs. The action is aimed at relaxing muscle tissue and widening the lumen of blood vessels. Improves blood supply.
- Muscle relaxants (medicines to relax muscles). They relieve muscle spasms and improve blood circulation.
- Chondroprotective drugs. They contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue. Regular use allows you to completely stop the development of the disease.
- hormone therapy. High-quality injections containing these substances help relieve inflammation. Between injections it is necessary to make a break of one week.
- Local preparations - ointments, poultices. These drugs improve blood circulation, help to resolve pain caused by muscle spasms.
With the help of a complex of the mentioned drugs, the disease can be cured.
Physiotherapy
It includes a number of procedures, namely electrotherapy, inductothermy, magnetotherapy and ultrasound therapy. UHF therapy, laser therapy, phototherapy and aeroionotherapy.
All these techniques are applicable to improve blood supply to the joint and relieve muscle spasm. The procedures are performed by a doctor with specialization in physiotherapy.
Massage
Massage is an effective way to treat this pathology: it improves blood circulation, strengthens muscles, relieves spastic pain, swelling. With its help, the distance between the joint surfaces increases. Massage can be done at home, but only on the recommendation of an expert.
Joint traction
Produced by hand or using traction devices. This leads to a reduction in the load on the joint and an increase in the distance between the joint surfaces. This procedure is performed only by a doctor with a high level of qualification. This cannot be done at home.
Diet
Required if needed to reduce body weight. This helps reduce stress on the joint.
gymnastics
Therapeutic exercises have a good effect in coxarthrosis. The doctor chooses special exercises to strengthen the muscles, which do not increase the load on the joints. Correct therapeutic exercises can relieve the condition, strengthen the muscles. This can be done at home. Moreover, swimming is very beneficial.
Alternative treatment is also used in the treatment of coxarthrosis, but all its methods must be agreed with a doctor.
It should be noted that the treatment of coxarthrosis should be complex. Physiotherapy and massage should not be neglected. You must also do the exercises recommended by exercise therapy. You cannot self-medicate, so as not to harm your health. All medicines should only be prescribed by a doctor. Proper treatment will help eliminate the need for surgery.