Coxarthrosis is a change in the hip joint, common among diseases, the basis of which is 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 form and a secondary one. The etiology of the primary is not entirely clear, but the secondary can provoke a number of factors. These are traumas, inflammations, Peters pathology, femoral head necrosis, hip dislocation and dysplastic processes.
Coxarthrosis of the hip joint provokes a change in the composition and properties of the intra-articular fluid. There is an increase in the degree of its viscosity, which causes damage to the articular surfaces. The cartilage becomes thinner, the distance between the bones that form the joint is reduced. 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 exacerbation, therapeutic exercises are a good preventive measure.
Etiology
There are a number of reasons why coxarthrosis of the hip joint 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. Due to the 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;
- 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 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. 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 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 conduct 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 degrees of the disease are distinguished.
- First degree. This degree is characterized by pain syndrome, provoked by stress. Localization of pain - the hip joint, less often - the thigh and knee. On x-ray, small growths of bone tissue are visible.
- Second degree. In this degree of the disease, pain intensifies, its intensity increases. Localization extends to the thigh and groin area. Pain also occurs at rest. Movement is limited, and x-rays reveal volumetric growths of 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 thigh, buttocks and lower leg. The limb is markedly shortened. X-rays show extensive growths of bone tissue.
Diagnostics
The main diagnostic method is X-ray examination. With its help, the doctor can determine the etiology and stage 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 you 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 x-ray picture.
Therapy
The question of how to treat coxarthrosis of the hip joint can only be answered by a doctor. The nature of the treatment varies depending on the degree to which the disease is located, as well as the intensity of pain. It is dangerous to self-medicate at home. With coxarthrosis of the third degree, 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. Often, surgery is necessary for coxarthrosis, which has arisen due to necrosis of the femoral head.
In the treatment of pathology of the first and second degree, surgery is not required. Medical and physiotherapeutic treatment is used, which is prescribed by the attending physician, as well as therapeutic exercises, which can be used at home.
Medical therapy
Drug treatment includes drugs such as tablets, injections, and ointments.
- Non-steroidal 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. When ineffective, the drugs are replaced. The dosage form of some drugs - injections - is most effective.
- Vasodilator drugs. The action is aimed at relaxing muscle tissue and expanding 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. It is necessary to take a week 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 medicines, 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 aeroionotherapy.
All these techniques are applicable to improve the blood supply to the joint and help relieve muscle spasm. The procedures are carried out by a doctor with a specialization 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 recommendations of a specialist.
Joint traction
Produced manually or using traction devices. It leads to a decrease in the load on the joint and an increase in the distance between the articular surfaces. This procedure is performed only by a doctor with a high level of qualification. It cannot be done at home.
Diet
Required if necessary to reduce body weight. This helps to reduce stress on the joint.
Gymnastics
A good effect in coxarthrosis has therapeutic exercises. The doctor selects special exercises to strengthen the muscles, such that do not increase the load on the joint area. Proper therapeutic exercises can alleviate the condition, strengthen muscles. It can be done at home. Moreover, swimming is very useful.
Also 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 also need to do the exercises recommended by therapeutic exercises. You can not self-medicate, so as not to harm your health. Any drugs should be prescribed only by a doctor. Proper treatment will help eliminate the need for surgery.