Coxarthrosis is a change in the hip joint, common among diseases based on degenerative-dystrophic processes. The hip joint is formed by the articulation 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 provoke a number of factors. These are trauma, inflammation, Peters pathology, necrosis of the femoral head, luxation of the hip joint and dysplastic processes.
Coxarthrosis of the hip joint provokes a change in the composition and properties of the intra-articular fluid. The degree of its viscosity increases, which leads to damage to the joint surfaces. The cartilage thins, the distance between the bones that form the joint decreases. The pressure on their surfaces increases, the process of deformation is provoked.
Periodically, such a chronic condition passes into an exacerbation phase. During this period there is a strong pain syndrome. Outside of an exacerbation, exercise therapy is a good preventative measure.
Etiology
There are a number of reasons why coxarthrosis of the hip joint develops. They include:
- violation of the process of blood supply to the joint - a decrease in the rate of venous blood outflow and arterial blood flow. Due to a violation of trophism, metabolic products accumulate, contributing to the destruction of cartilage tissue;
- such a mechanical effect that provokes an increased load on the joint;
- disorders of biochemical homeostasis, hormonal imbalance;
- traumatization;
- infectious inflammation;
- state of necrosis of the femoral head;
- dysplastic disorders of cartilage and bone tissue;
- sedentary way of life;
- genetic predisposition;
- congenital hip dislocation.
Symptoms
When contacting a patient, the doctor conducts a study 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 hip, 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 strength and localization depend on the stage. As the disease progresses, the pain intensifies. Due to the resulting muscle atrophy, knee pain occurs. For this reason, sometimes there is a mistake in the diagnosis - they assume arthrosis of the knee joint. It is necessary to contact experienced specialists who will be able to conduct a differential diagnosis and make the necessary appointments. Only a doctor can determine the disease and understand what kind of therapy the patient needs.
Degrees
The following degrees of the disease are distinguished.
- First degree. This degree is characterized by a pain syndrome provoked by stress. Localization of pain - the hip joint, less often - the thigh and the knee. An x-ray shows small growths of bone tissue.
- Second major. At 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 bulky bony growths. Sometimes cysts form in places of increased stress.
- Third degree. This degree is characterized by constant pain. Walking is difficult. Severe atrophy of the muscles of the thigh, buttock and lower leg. The limb is greatly shortened. X-rays show extensive bony growths.
Diagnosis
The main diagnostic method is X-ray examination. With its help, the doctor can determine the etiology and stage of development of the disease, determine the need for surgery. For example, in dysplasia, the doctor will notice the tapering and thickening of the acetabulum. An X-ray of coxarthrosis as a result of 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 of localization of the disease, as well as the intensity of the pain. It is dangerous to self-medicate at home. In third-degree coxarthrosis, it is possible to cure the disease only with the help of arthroplasty, in which the doctor replaces the joint by installing an artificial prosthesis. Surgery is often required for coxarthrosis that has occurred due to necrosis of the femoral head.
In the treatment of pathology of the first and second degree, surgery is not required. Medicinal and physiotherapeutic treatment is used, which is prescribed by the attending physician, as well as therapeutic gymnastics, which can be applied 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 decrease in the regenerative ability of cartilage. In case of ineffectiveness, the drugs are replaced. The dosage form of some drugs - injections - is most effective.
- Vasodilator drugs. The action is aimed at relaxing the muscle tissue and expanding the lumen of the blood vessels. Improves blood supply.
- Muscle relaxants (medications for muscle relaxation). They relieve muscle spasms and improve blood circulation.
- Chondroprotective drugs. 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 to relieve inflammation. It is necessary to take a weekly break between injections.
- Local preparations - ointments, compresses. These drugs improve blood circulation, help get rid of pain caused by muscle spasm.
With the help of the complex of the listed 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 aerionotherapy.
All these techniques are applicable to improve the blood supply to the joint and help relieve muscle spasm. The procedures are performed by a doctor specializing 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. The massage can be done at home, but only after the recommendation of a specialist.
Stuck
It is produced manually or with the help of 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. It cannot be done at home.
Diet
It is required if there is a need to reduce body weight. This helps reduce stress on the joint.
Gymnastics
Therapeutic gymnastics has a good effect on coxarthrosis. The doctor chooses special exercises to strengthen the muscles that do not increase the load on the joint area. Correct therapeutic exercises can relieve the condition, strengthen the muscles. It can be done at home. In addition, swimming is very useful.
In the treatment of coxarthrosis, alternative treatment is also used, but all its methods must be agreed with the attending physician.
It should be noted that the treatment of coxarthrosis should be complex. Physiotherapy and massage should not be neglected. You should 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.