Arthrosis of the hip joint is a pathology that occupies a leading position among various degenerative-dystrophic problems of the musculoskeletal system. There are many reasons that provoke this disease, so different age groups of people are at risk. However, it should be noted that the defeat of the hip joint most often occurs in middle-aged and elderly people.
Arthrosis 1st degree of the hip joint is successfully treated with medication without surgery. Unfortunately, patients are in no hurry to see a doctor right away, mistakenly believing that the painful sensations will go away on their own. In the meantime, the pathological process has already started and is progressing from day to day. Differentiate between primary osteoarthritis of the hip joints, which has an unclear etiology, and secondary osteoarthritis, which results from such diseases:
- Perthes disease;
- congenital dislocation;
- abnormal tissue development in the hip joint;
- aseptic necrosis of the femur;
- inflammatory processes;
- hip fractures.
One or two hip joints can be affected. Bilateral osteoarthritis is not uncommon and in a unilateral pathological process can cover the spine and knee joint.
Causes of osteoarthritis of the hip joint
- Deterioration of arterial blood flow and its venous outflow, as a result of which the tissues are not adequately nourished, there is an accumulation of under-oxidized metabolic products that are responsible for the activation of enzymes;
- mechanical factors that cause overloading of the joints, e. g. B. Obesity or professional sport;
- biochemical changes in the cartilage, hormonal disorders, metabolic disorders;
- traumatic dislocations, cervical and pelvic fractures;
- necrosis of the tissues of the head of the hip bones;
- inflammation of the joints, infectious processes;
- pathological changes in the spine (kyphosis, scoliosis) and flat feet;
- congenital dislocation of the femur;
- congenital pathologies of joint development;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- hereditary predisposition of the body (weakness of the skeleton, metabolic disorders, structural features of the cartilage tissue).
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip joint
General symptoms of this pathological process are distinguished, but it must be understood that they may differ at different stages of the development of osteoarthritis. The main signs of hip joints are:
- Pain in the groin, hip, joint and knee, which does not subside even in a calm state;
- stiffness and stiffness;
- limping;
- atrophy of the thigh muscles;
- the affected limb becomes noticeably shorter.
The main symptom of osteoarthritis of the hip joints is pain, intensity and duration, the nature and localization of which completely depends on the features of the pathological process. It is best to start treatment at the onset of the disease, when the symptoms are not very severe. If appropriate measures are not taken in a timely manner, the pain increases, which significantly limits the mobility of the affected extremity.
Second degree hip osteoarthritis is characterized by severe pain that radiates to the groin and thigh. In this case, the function of the joint is disturbed, lameness occurs, internal movement and abduction of the hip to the side are restricted. The abduction and extensor muscles lose their strength, bone growth becomes visible on the X-ray image, which can protrude significantly. The head of the femoral bone is deformed, its contour is distorted, and its volume increases. In addition, cysts can form in the most stressed areas of the joint.
In stage 3 of the development of osteoarthritis, the pain becomes permanent and can even bother you at night. Walking becomes so difficult that you have to use a special stick. In the hip joint, movements are restricted, the muscles of the buttocks, the affected thigh and lower leg atrophy and the leg are shortened. All of this leads to a change in gait and an increase in the load on the affected joint. As a result of an increase in bone growth, the joint space disappears and the joint grows together and eventually loses its mobility.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip joint
If the disease is detected early, conservative treatment methods using various drugs are preferred. The patient is primarily prescribed anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs, which perfectly relieve swelling and inflammation, thereby reducing the pain syndrome. For muscle spasms, muscle relaxants are prescribed, the action of which is aimed at stimulating blood circulation and relieving cramps. In addition, chondroprotectors are often used in osteoarthritis - drugs that allow the restoration of thinned cartilage tissue.
Do not forget about therapeutic massage and physiotherapy methods, as the effectiveness of such procedures is very high. Very often they try to treat the affected joints with various compresses, lotions and ointments made according to folk recipes, but all these funds may not have the correct therapeutic effect. With their help, you can only temporarily relieve pain and muscle spasms. Before treating osteoarthritis of the hip joint, it is imperative to consult a doctor, since the independent use of one or another drug can only aggravate an already complex condition.
Gymnastics for osteoarthritis of the hip joint
Exercise plays an important role in treating the disease. Specially selected exercises for osteoarthritis of the hip joint prevent it from merging and maintain mobility. If you develop a sore joint this way, you need to be very careful not to inflict additional injuries on yourself. Before performing any movement therapy exercises and immediately afterwards, it is recommended to massage the muscles in the area of the thigh and affected joint in order to avoid the occurrence of discomfort.
Water is an excellent helper in treating osteoarthritis, so it is useful for the patient to swim in a pool, river, or sea. In addition, a warm bath, where you can make gentle and slow movements of your legs, relieves pain and relieves muscle tension. It is important not to overload the affected joint and to be at rest as much as possible.