it is impossible to imagine an active and healthy lifestyle without movement. The joints are the most important elements of the musculoskeletal system, which allow a person to move freely and feel full. With age, dystrophic changes occur in the bones and cartilage tissues, painful sensations appear, which signal the onset of the disease.
The hip joint can withstand heavy loads throughout life, so it is not surprising that the most common pathology of ODA is osteoarthritis-arthritis of the hip joint. From this article you will learn what it is, as well as the causes, consequences and methods of treating coxarthrosis.
Characteristics and causes of occurrence
Coxarthrosis is a chronic inflammatory process of the hip joint, in which cartilage tissue undergoes premature destruction.
The development of the disease provokes the growth of osteophytes and the melting of the acetabulum and femoral head, which narrows the joint space, the node loses its functionality.
Let us clarify that coxarthrosis is the same as deforming osteoarthritis and osteoarthritis of the pelvis.
The disease can arise as a primary pathology or develop against the background of existing diseases.
Let's look at the main causes of coxarthrosis:
- during active or excessive physical exertion (trauma, microtrauma, overload);
- congenital anomalies (dysplasia, Perthes disease, primary joint deformity);
- inflammation of the pelvic bones (ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis);
- severe stress (vascular and muscle spasms, aseptic necrosis, hypothermia);
- hormonal disorders;
- ischemic heart disease;
- diseases of the endocrine system (overweight, diabetes mellitus).
A complex of health problems leads to the development of coxarthrosis. Most often, the disease is diagnosed in middle-aged and older people, however, if there are several provocative factors at the same time, young people and even children are susceptible to coxarthrosis.
Symptoms
To respond to the development of pathology over time, it is important to note the characteristic symptoms that change as osteoarthritis progresses.
The first and most important symptom is pain in the legs, which penetrates the groin, gluteal muscles, sacrum, thighs and knees. The pain increases after physical exertion, with prolonged maintenance of the standing position and sitting.
Important! At first, the pain may be small and not appear at all in the pelvis, but, for example, in the knee. This fact complicates early diagnosis and accurate diagnosis.
If the disease is not diagnosed in time, the patient will experience symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip joint, such as:
- severe pain in the groin when walking or resting on foot;
- painful chewing, rough when moving the hip sideways and walking (not to be confused with clicking, which is natural for most healthy people);
- stiffness of the joints, restriction of mobility of the legs;
- change in gait, limping, duck gait;
- shortening or lengthening of limbs;
- muscle atrophy;
- fixation of the foot in one position (ankylosis).
An important diagnostic sign of coxarthrosis is physical limitations when leaning forward, grabbing the thigh sideways.
A patient with this diagnosis finds it difficult to tie shoelaces themselves, sit with their feet open apart, and sit deep.
There are 3 degrees of osteoarthritis of the acetabulum and femoral head, which are characterized by gradual destruction of the joint. Let us examine their features below.
Stage 1 coxarthrosis is characterized by a slight destruction of the cartilage, the joint space narrowing slightly.In the second stage, the destruction of cartilage tissue increases significantly, the first signs of the disease begin to bother: pain, stiffness.
The most serious damage to the hip joint occurs in 3 stages. It is characterized by deep destruction of cartilage, bone deformation, pain at rest. The disease completely destroys the cartilage and deforms the femur.
The lock loses its movement, the foot is fixed and serves as a support. In this case, conservative therapy is powerless; surgical treatment with joint replacement is required.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of the disease shows how badly the cartilage is affected and whether osteoarthritis of the hip joint can be cured.
The success of therapy depends on when the treatment started.
Note. The final stage of coxarthrosis does not respond to conservative therapy and requires surgical intervention. Diagnosis and treatment of the disease early in the disease increases the chances of cure.
To make a diagnosis, an external examination is performed, assessing the degree of mobility of the hip joint, changes in gait and leg length. To confirm primary coxarthrosis, X-rays, CT and MRI are prescribed. If the patient requires surgical treatment, urine, feces, blood and joint fluid are taken additionally.
Treatment of the disease
Coxarthrosis is a progressive disease. It is impossible to cure it once, like acute respiratory infections and forget the condition of your joints.
Successful treatment of deforming arthrosis of grade 1, 2 and 3 hip joints requires an integrated approach that combines therapeutic exercises, medication, physiotherapy and lifestyle changes of the patient.In extreme cases, the patient will need to use surgical treatment for coxarthrosis. The method of therapy depends on the degree of the disease.
Medications
The first thing that is prescribed to a patient with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers. They act directly on the site of inflammation and provide symptomatic treatment.
Note! It is important to observe the dose and duration of the course indicated by the doctor. Uncontrolled use of NSAIDs leads to side effects.
Vasodilators are also prescribed to treat coxarthrosis. They are needed to increase blood flow to the diseased joint, to strengthen cartilage nutrition.
Chondroprotectors are used to restore the movement of cartilage and joint tissue. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are substances that stimulate the production of new building cells and inhibit the action of enzymes that destroy cartilage tissue.
Massage
Manual therapy or rehabilitation massage is passive gymnastics for the affected joints. Thanks to massage movements, blood circulation and lymphatic drainage are improved, muscles are strengthened, ligaments and tendons become more elastic. This approach to treatment helps reduce pain, increase the effect of medication therapy, and reduce the need for medication.
Important! Massage should only be performed by a qualified professional. Careless movements will cause even more pain and joint damage.
Physiotherapy exercises
Movement is the basis of life. Gymnastics for osteoarthritis of the hip bone aims to restore cartilage nutrition and joint movement, strengthen the muscular corset.
Regular performance of improving gymnastics leads to reduced walking discomfort when walking.
Gymnastics allows you to treat hip pain at home.
All movements are aimed at treating and preventing stages 1 and 2 of osteoarthritis of the hip joints.
Before you start exercising, make sure there are no contraindications to exercise:
- hypertension;
- critical days;
- infectious diseases;
- increased body temperature;
- recovery period after surgery on abdominal and chest organs;
- inguinal and umbilical hernia;
- herniated intervertebral discs;
- acute inflammatory processes of internal organs or exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- severe diseases of the cardiovascular system and circulatory system.
If during exercise any movement causes sharp pain, it most likely does not suit you, so it is better not to do it and exclude it from the complex.
Diet
Diet therapy for osteoarthritis of the hip joints aims to reduce and maintain a normal weight.
Excess weight increases stress on the spine and joints, creating an additional risk of developing diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
The basis of the diet is the average intake of foods rich in vitamins and minerals. The diet should be complete and contain the necessary building blocks of cells: proteins, carbohydrates, fats.
Plant foods should be preferred: nuts, seeds, leafy vegetables, seasonal vegetables and fruits, lean meats and fish, medium-fat dairy products, legumes and whole grains.
Cow's milk is best consumed in moderation.
Fatty, spicy, smoked, canned, fried, pickled, semi-finished products, alcohol, coffee dishes will need to be excluded from the diet.
Bad habits (smoking, drug addiction, overeating) will also need to be eradicated from your lifestyle as they consume the body, exposing it to premature aging.
How to get rid of pain with folk remedies
Homeopathy for hip joint coxarthrosis is one of the alternative therapy methods. Based on natural ingredients, homeopaths create medicines aimed at treating pathologies of the internal organs and human skeleton. The peculiarity of homeopathic preparations for osteoarthritis is that they are able to restore the balance between the destruction of cartilage by enzymes and the renewal of its tissues.
Attention! Before treating the hip joint at home, you should undergo a diagnosis of the disease. It is important not to let the pathology get worse, as this can cost a person the ability to walk.
Homeopathic remedies, injections and oils for the treatment of joints are selected based on the physical conditions of the environment and the location of the disease.
Before using any medicine, you should consult a doctor!
Prevention
People with a predisposition to this pathology should avoid stress, injuries, treat infectious diseases on time, exercise regularly, eat well and get enough sleep.
If you experience foot problems, it is recommended that you contact an orthopedist immediately for diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion
Osteoarthritis of the hip joints is most often affected by people over 45, athletes and children with congenital limb pathology. The disease destroys and deforms the joint, the person experiences excruciating pain in the legs. Successful treatment of coxarthrosis requires the inclusion of therapeutic exercises, medication, correction of the patient's lifestyle and weight, and manual therapy.
Attention to health is the key to joint longevity! Do not postpone a visit to the orthopedist at the first symptoms of the disease.