Coxarthrosis is a change in the hip joint that is common in diseases that are based on degenerative-dystrophic processes. The hip joint is formed by the articulation of the femoral head with the pelvic bones.
This disease has a primary and a secondary form. The etiology of the primary is not entirely clear, but the secondary can give rise to a number of factors. These are trauma, inflammation, 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. The degree of its viscosity increases, which leads to damage to the joint surfaces. The cartilage becomes thinner, the distance between the bones that form the joint decreases. The pressure on their surfaces increases, the deformation process is provoked.
Periodically, such a chronic condition goes into an exacerbation phase. During this period there is a strong pain syndrome. Outside of an exacerbation, therapeutic exercise is 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 outflow of venous blood and the inflow of arterial blood. Due to the violation of trophism, metabolic products that contribute to the destruction of cartilage tissue accumulate;
- such a mechanical action 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 hip dislocation.
symptoms
When contacting a 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. Limited ability to move the affected limb. "Shortening" of the leg, as well as atrophic processes of the thigh muscles.
The nature of the pain, as well as its strength and localization, depend on the stage. As the disease progresses, the pain intensifies. Pain in the knee occurs due to muscle atrophy. Because of this, sometimes there is an error in the diagnosis - they indicate arthrosis of the knee joint. It is necessary to contact experienced specialists who can conduct differential diagnosis and arrange the necessary appointments. Only a doctor can determine the disease and find out what kind of therapy the patient needs.
Degree
The following degrees of the disease are distinguished.
- First Degree. This degree is characterized by a pain syndrome provoked by stress. Pain localization - hip joint, less often - thighs and knees. Small growths of bone tissue are visible on the x-ray.
- second degree. In this degree of the disease, the pain intensifies, its intensity increases. Localization extends to the thigh and groin. Pain also occurs at rest. Movement is restricted and X-rays show 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 thighs, buttocks and lower legs. The limb is significantly shortened. X-rays show extensive growths of bone tissue.
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, with dysplasia, the doctor will notice the beveling 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. The coxarthrosis caused by femoral head necrosis also shows a characteristic X-ray picture.
therapy
Only a doctor can answer the question of how to treat coxarthrosis of the hip joint. The type of treatment varies depending on the degree to which the disease is localized, as well as the intensity of the pain. It is dangerous to self-medicate at home. With coxarthrosis of the third degree, the disease can be cured only with the help of endoprosthetics, in which the doctor replaces the joint with the installation of an artificial prosthesis. An operation is often necessary for coxarthrosis caused by femoral head necrosis.
In the treatment of pathology of the first and second degrees, surgery is not required. Medical and physiotherapeutic treatments prescribed by the attending physician are used, as well as therapeutic exercises that 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 downside is a decrease in the ability of cartilage to regenerate. If ineffective, the medication will be replaced. The dosage form of some drugs - injections - is the most effective.
- vasodilator drugs. The action is aimed at relaxing muscle tissue and expanding the lumen of blood vessels. Improves blood supply.
- Muscle relaxants (medication used to relax muscles). They relieve muscle spasms and improve blood circulation.
- Chondroprotective drugs. Contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue. With regular use, you can completely stop the development of the disease.
- Hormone therapy. High-quality injections with these substances help reduce inflammation. A one-week break is required between injections.
- Local preparations - ointments, compresses. These drugs improve blood circulation and help get rid of pain caused by muscle spasms.
With the help of the complex of the listed drugs, the disease can be cured.
physical therapy
It includes a number of procedures, namely electrotherapy, induction thermal therapy, magnetotherapy and ultrasound therapy. UHF therapy, laser therapy, phototherapy and aeroionotherapy.
All of these techniques are applicable to improve blood supply to the joint and relieve muscle spasms. The interventions are performed by a specialist in physiotherapy.
massage
Massage is an effective tool for treating this pathology: it improves blood circulation, strengthens muscles, relieves spastic pain and swelling. With its help, the distance between the articular surfaces increases. Massage can be done at home, but only on the recommendations of a specialist.
Shared Traction
Produced manually or with traction devices. This leads to a reduction 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 high qualifications. It cannot be done at home.
diet
Required to reduce body weight. This helps reduce the stress on the joint.
gymnastics
A good effect in coxarthrosis has therapeutic exercises. The doctor selects special exercises to strengthen the muscles that do not put additional stress on the joint area. Proper therapeutic exercises can relieve the condition and strengthen muscles. It can be done at home. In addition, swimming is very useful.
Alternative treatments are also used in the treatment of coxarthrosis, but all their 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. All medications should only be prescribed by a doctor. Proper treatment will help eliminate the need for surgery.