Coxarthrosis is a common change in the hip joint among diseases, the basis of which is degenerative-dystrophic processes. The hip joint is formed by the articulation of the femoral head with the pelvic bones.
This disease has a primary form and a secondary form. The etiology of the primary one is not completely clear, but the secondary one can be provoked by many factors. These are injuries, inflammations, Peters pathology, necrosis of the femoral head, dislocation of the hip and dysplastic processes.
Coxarthrosis of the hip joint causes changes in the composition and properties of the intra-articular fluid. Its viscosity increases, which causes damage to the joint surfaces. The cartilage becomes thinner, the distance between the bones forming the joint decreases. The pressure on their surfaces increases, the process of deformation is provoked.
Periodically, such a chronic condition goes into an exacerbation phase. During this period, severe pain syndrome appears. In addition to exacerbations, therapeutic exercises are a good preventive measure.
Etiology
There are many reasons why coxarthrosis of the hip joint develops. They include:
- Violation of the process of blood supply to the joint - a decrease in the quality of venous blood outflow and arterial blood inflow. due to the violation of trophism, metabolic products accumulate, which contributes to the destruction of cartilage tissue;
- a mechanical effect that provokes an increased load on the joint;
- Violation of biochemical homeostasis, hormonal imbalance;
- traumatization;
- infectious inflammation;
- Femoral head necrosis condition;
- dysplastic disorders of cartilage and bone tissue;
- lifeless lifestyle;
- genetic predisposition;
- Congenital hip dislocation.
symptoms
When contacting the patient, 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. Decreased 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. Due to the atrophy of the muscles, pain appears in the knee. 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 diagnose the disease and find out what kind of therapy the patient needs.
degrees
The following degrees of the disease are distinguished.
- Excellent quality. This quality is characterized by a pain syndrome provoked by stress. Pain localization - hip joint, less often - hip and knee. X-ray shows small formations of bone tissue.
- second degree. In this degree of the disease, the pain becomes stronger, its intensity increases. Localization extends to the thigh and groin area. Pain occurs even at rest. Movements are limited and X-rays reveal a bulky increase in bone tissue. 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 thighs, buttocks and lower legs. The limb is significantly shortened. X-rays show extensive bone growth.
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 case of dysplasia, the doctor will notice a cut and thickening of the acetabulum. X-ray of coxarthrosis caused by trauma allows you to see the shape of the articulated bones after their restoration. Coxarthrosis developed as a result of femoral head necrosis is also 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 differs depending on the degree of localization of the disease, as well as the intensity of the pain. Self-medication at home is dangerous. Third-degree coxarthrosis can be cured only by arthroplasty, during which the doctor replaces the joint by installing an artificial prosthesis. Often, surgery is necessary for coxarthrosis, which occurs 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 prescribed by the attending physician is used, as well as therapeutic exercises that can be used at home.
Medical therapy
Drug treatments include medications such as tablets, injections, and ointments.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They can relieve pain, stop inflammation and swelling, and the disadvantage is a decrease in the regenerative ability of cartilage. If ineffective, the drugs are changed. The dosage form of some drugs - injections - are the most effective.
- Vasodilator drugs. The action aims to relax muscle tissue and expand the lumen of blood vessels. improves blood supply.
- Muscle relaxants (drugs 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. A break of one week is necessary between injections.
- Local preparations - ointments, compresses. These drugs improve blood circulation, help relieve pain caused by muscle spasms.
The disease can be cured with the help of the complex of listed medicines.
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 used to improve blood supply to the joint and relieve muscle spasm. Procedures are carried out 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 articular surfaces increases. Massage can be done at home, but only after the recommendation of a specialist.
joint traction
Made by hand 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 doctor. This cannot be done at home.
diet
If necessary, it is necessary to reduce body weight. This helps reduce joint stress.
gymnastics
Therapeutic exercises have a good effect in coxarthrosis. The doctor chooses special exercises to strengthen the muscles so as not to increase the load on the joint. Appropriate therapeutic exercises can alleviate the condition and strengthen the muscles. This can be done at home. Moreover, swimming is very useful.
Alternative treatment is also used to treat coxarthrosis, but all its methods must be agreed with the attending physician.
It should be noted that the treatment of coxarthrosis should be complex. Do not neglect physiotherapy and massage. You should also do the exercises recommended by the therapeutic exercises. You cannot self-medicate without harming your health. Any medicine should be prescribed only by a doctor. Proper treatment will help eliminate the need for surgery.