Coxarthrosis is a change in the hip joint, common among diseases, whose basis are 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 a secondary form. The etiology of the primary is not entirely clear, but the secondary can provoke a number of factors. They are trauma, inflammation, Peters' pathology, necrosis of the femoral head, hip dislocation and dysplastic processes.
Hip joint coxarthrosis causes a change in the composition and properties of intra-articular fluid. There is an increase in the degree of its viscosity, which causes damage to the joint surfaces. The cartilage becomes thinner, the distance between the bones that form the joint is reduced. The pressure on their surfaces increases, the deformation process is triggered.
Periodically, such a chronic condition passes into an exacerbation phase. During this period, there is a strong pain syndrome. Outside of exacerbation, therapeutic exercises are a good preventive measure.
Etiology
There are several reasons why hip joint coxarthrosis develops. These include:
- violation of the process of blood supply to the joint - a decrease in the degree of outflow of venous blood and inflow of arterial blood. Due to the violation of trophism, metabolic products accumulate, contributing to the destruction of cartilage tissue;
- a mechanical effect that causes an increase in the load on the joint;
- violations of biochemical homeostasis, hormonal imbalance;
- traumatization;
- infectious inflammation;
- state of necrosis of the femoral head;
- dysplastic disorders of cartilage and bone tissue;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- genetic predisposition;
- Congenital dislocation of the hip.
Symptoms
When a patient is contacted, the physician 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 location depend on the stage. As the disease progresses, the pain intensifies. Due to emerging muscle atrophy, pain occurs in the knee. For this reason, sometimes there is an error in the diagnosis - they suggest arthrosis of the knee joint. It is necessary to contact experienced specialists who will be able to carry out a differential diagnosis and make the necessary consultations. Only a doctor can determine the disease and find out what kind of therapy the patient needs.
Degrees
The following degrees of the disease are distinguished.
- First degree. This degree is characterized by the pain syndrome, provoked by stress. Location of pain - the hip joint, less often - the thigh and knee. On radiography, small growths of bone tissue are visible.
- High school. At this stage of the disease, the pain intensifies, its intensity increases. The location extends to the thigh and groin area. Pain also occurs at rest. Movements are limited and radiographs reveal volumetric growths of bone tissue. Sometimes cysts form in places of greatest stress.
- Third degree. This degree is characterized by constant pain. Walking is difficult. Severe atrophy of the muscles of the thigh, buttocks and lower leg. The limb is markedly shortened. Radiographs show extensive growths of bone tissue.
Diagnosis
The main diagnostic method is radiographic examination. With its 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 the bevel and thickening of the acetabulum. An X-ray of coxarthrosis resulting from an injury allows to see the shape of the articulating bones after their restoration. Coxarthrosis, which developed as a result of necrosis of the femoral head, also has a characteristic radiological picture.
Therapy
The question of how to treat hip joint coxarthrosis can only be answered by a doctor. The nature of treatment varies according to the degree to which the disease is localized, as well as the intensity of pain. It is dangerous to self-medicate at home. With 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, which has arisen due to necrosis of the femoral head.
In the treatment of first and second degree pathology, surgery is not necessary. Medical and physiotherapeutic treatment is used, which is prescribed by the attending physician, in addition to therapeutic exercises, which can be used at home.
medical therapy
Drug treatment includes medications such as pills, injections, and ointments.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are able to relieve pain, stop inflammation and swelling, and the downside is a decrease in cartilage's regenerative capacity. If ineffective, drugs are replaced. The dosage form of some drugs - injections - is more effective.
- Vasodilator drugs. The action is aimed at relaxing muscle tissue and expanding the lumen of blood vessels. Improves blood supply.
- Muscle relaxants (medicines 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 relieve inflammation. It is necessary to take a break of one week between injections.
- Local preparations - ointments, compresses. These drugs improve blood circulation, help to get rid of pain caused by muscle spasm.
With the help of the complex of listed drugs, the disease can be cured.
Physiotherapy
It includes a series of procedures, namely electrotherapy, inductothermy, magnetotherapy and ultrasound therapy. UHF therapy, laser therapy, phototherapy and airborne therapy.
All of 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 physical therapy.
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 after the recommendations of a specialist.
joint traction
Produced manually or using traction devices. This leads to a decrease in the load on the joint and an increase in the distance between the joint surfaces. This procedure is performed only by a highly qualified physician. It cannot be done at home.
Diet
Necessary if necessary to reduce body weight. This helps to reduce stress on the joint.
Fitness
A good effect on coxarthrosis has therapeutic exercises. The doctor selects special exercises to strengthen the muscles so that they do not increase the load on the joint area. Appropriate therapeutic exercises can alleviate the condition, strengthen the muscles. It can be done at home. Also, swimming is very useful.
Alternative treatment is also used in the treatment of coxarthrosis, but all its methods must be agreed with the treating physician.
It should be noted that the treatment of coxarthrosis must be complex. Physiotherapy and massage should not be neglected. You also need to do the exercises recommended by the therapeutic exercises. You cannot self-medicate, so as not to harm your health. Any medication should only be prescribed by a doctor. Proper treatment will help eliminate the need for surgery.