Coxarthrosis is a change in the hip joint that is common among diseases based on degenerative-dystrophic processes. The hip joint is formed by the articulation of the head of the femur and the pelvic bones.
This disease has a primary and a secondary form. Its primary etiology is not completely clear, but the secondary can be provoked by many factors. These are trauma, inflammation, Peters pathology, femoral head necrosis, hip dislocation and dysplastic processes.
Coxarthrosis of the hip joint changes the composition and properties of the intra-articular fluid. Viscosity increases, which damages the joint surfaces. The cartilage becomes thinner, and the distance between the bones that make up the joint decreases. The pressure on their surface increases, the process of deformation is provoked.
Sometimes such a chronic condition goes into an aggravation phase. During this period, there is a severe pain syndrome. In addition to exacerbation, therapeutic exercises are a good preventive measure.
Etiology
There are many reasons for the development of coxarthrosis of the hip joint. These include:
- violation of the process of blood supply to the joint - the rate of outflow of venous blood and the inflow of arterial blood. Due to violation of trophism, metabolic products accumulate, contributing to the destruction of cartilage tissue;
- a mechanical effect that causes an increased load on the joint;
- violation of biochemical homeostasis, hormonal imbalance;
- traumatization;
- infectious inflammation;
- the 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 contacting the patient, the doctor conducts an assessment and examination to determine the severity of the pathology.
This disease has the following symptoms: pain in the joint, as well as pain in the thigh, groin and knee. Impaired movement of the affected limb. "Shortening" of the leg and atrophic processes of the thigh muscles.
The nature, intensity and localization of the pain depends on the stage. As the disease progresses, the pain increases. Due to the resulting muscle atrophy, pain occurs in the knee. Because of this, there is sometimes a mistake in the diagnosis - they refer to 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 appointments. Only a doctor can determine the disease and find out what kind of therapy the patient needs.
degrees
The following stages of the disease are distinguished.
- First degree. This stage is characterized by stress-induced pain syndrome. Localization of pain - the hip joint, less often - the thigh and knee. A small increase in bone tissue can be seen on the X-ray.
- Second degree. At this stage of the disease, the pain intensifies and increases in intensity. Localization extends to the thigh and groin area. The pain occurs even at rest. Movements are limited, and X-rays show an increase in the volume of bone tissue. Sometimes cysts form at the site of increased stress.
- Third degree. This stage is characterized by constant pain. Walking is difficult. Severe atrophy of the muscles of the thighs, buttocks and legs. The limb is significantly shortened. X-rays show extensive growth of bone tissue.
Diagnostics
The main diagnostic method is X-ray examination. With its help, the doctor can determine the etiology and development stage of the disease, and determine the need for surgery. For example, in the case of dysplasia, the doctor notices the slanting and thickening of the acetabulum. X-rays of coxarthrosis from injury allow you to see the shape of the joint bones after they have been restored. Coxarthrosis caused by 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 localization of the disease and the intensity of the pain. Self-medication at home is dangerous. In the case of third-degree coxarthrosis, the disease can only be cured with the help of arthroplasty, in which the doctor replaces the joint by installing an artificial prosthesis. Surgery is often required for coxarthrosis caused by necrosis of the femoral head.
Surgery is not required in the treatment of first and second degree pathology. They use medical and physiotherapy treatment, which is prescribed by the attending physician, as well as therapeutic exercises that can be used at home.
Medical therapy
Medication includes medications such as pills, injections, and ointments.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are able to relieve pain, stop inflammation and swelling, and their disadvantage is a decrease in the cartilage's ability to regenerate. If it is ineffective, the drugs must be changed. The dosage form of some medicines - injections - is the most effective.
- Vasodilator drugs. The purpose of the action is to relax the muscle tissue and expand the lumen of the blood vessels. Improves blood supply.
- Muscle relaxants (muscle relaxing drugs). They relieve muscle spasms and improve blood circulation.
- Chondroprotective drugs. Contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue. Regular use makes it possible to completely stop the development of the disease.
- hormone therapy. High-quality injections containing these substances help relieve inflammation. There should be a one-week break between injections.
- Local preparations - ointments, poultices. These drugs improve blood circulation and help relieve pain caused by muscle spasms.
The disease can be cured with the help of the complex of the listed medicines.
Physiotherapy
It includes several procedures, namely electrotherapy, inductothermy, magnetotherapy and ultrasound therapy. UHF therapy, laser therapy, light therapy and aeroionotherapy.
All these techniques are suitable for improving blood supply to the joint and relieving muscle spasms. 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 spasmodic pain and swelling. It increases the distance between joint surfaces. The massage can also be performed at home, but only after the recommendation of a specialist.
Joint traction
Produced by hand or 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. You can't do it 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 that do not increase the load on the joint area. Appropriate therapeutic exercises can relieve the condition and strengthen the muscles. It can also be done at home. In addition, swimming is very useful.
Alternative treatment is also used in the treatment of coxarthrosis, but all methods must be discussed 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 the therapeutic exercises. You should not self-medicate so as not to harm your health. Any medication can only be prescribed by a doctor. Appropriate treatment will help eliminate the need for surgery.