Coxarthrosis is a change in the hip joint, common among diseases, the basis of which is a degenerative-dystrophic process. The hip joint is formed by the articulation of the femoral head with the sacrum.
This disease has a primary form and a secondary form. The etiology of the primary cause is not entirely clear, but secondary causes may contribute to several factors. These are trauma, inflammation, Peters disease, femoral head necrosis, hip dislocation and dysplastic processes.
Osteoarthritis of the hip causes changes in the composition and properties of intra-articular fluid. There is an increase in its viscosity, which causes damage to the joint surfaces. Cartilage becomes thinner, the distance between the bones that make up the joint is reduced. The pressure on their surface increases, the deformation process is stimulated.
Periodically, such a chronic condition moves to an exacerbation stage. During this period, there is a strong pain syndrome. In addition to exacerbations, therapeutic exercises are a good preventive measure.
Etiology
There are several reasons why hip osteoarthritis develops. Including:
- violation of the blood supply to the joints - a decrease in the degree of outflow of venous blood and arterial blood flow. Due to a violation of nutritional properties, metabolic products accumulate, which contribute to the destruction of cartilage tissue;
- a mechanical impact causes an increased load on the joint;
- violation of biochemical homeostasis, hormonal imbalance;
- Psychological trauma;
- inflammation;
- necrosis of the femoral head;
- dysplastic disorders of cartilage and bone tissue;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- genetic predisposition;
- Congenital hip dislocation.
Symptom
When contacting the patient, the doctor will conduct a survey and examination to determine the severity of the disease.
This disease has the following symptoms: pain in the joints, as well as pain in the thighs, groin and knees. Impaired mobility of the affected limb. "Shorten" the leg, as well as the process of atrophy of the thigh muscles.
The nature of the pain, its strength and localization depend on the stage. As the disease progresses, the pain increases. Due to the new phenomenon of muscle atrophy, pain in the knee. For this reason, there are sometimes diagnostic errors - they suggest fibromyalgia of the knee. It is necessary to contact experienced specialists, who will conduct differential diagnosis and give the necessary indications. Only a doctor can identify the disease and figure out what type of therapy the patient needs.
Degree
The following degrees of disease are distinguished.
- First level. This degree is characterized by pain syndrome, caused by stress. The location of the pain - hip joints, less often - thighs and knees. On the X-ray, small growths of bone tissue can be seen.
- Second level. In this degree of the disease, the pain increases, its intensity increases. Localization extends to the thigh and groin area. Pain also occurs at rest. Movements are limited and X-rays show volumetric growth of bone tissue. Sometimes cysts form in places of increased stress.
- Third level. This degree is characterized by constant pain. Difficulty walking. Severe atrophy of the muscles of the thighs, buttocks, and lower legs. The limbs are shortened markedly. X-rays show extensive growth of bone tissue.
Diagnose
The main method of diagnosis is X-ray examination. With its help, the doctor can determine the cause and stage of development of the disease, determine the need for surgery. For example, with dysplasia, the doctor will notice the oblique and thickening of the acetabulum. An X-ray of coxarthrosis from an injury allows you to see the shape of the bone after it's been restored. Coxarthrosis, which develops due to necrosis of the femoral head, also has a characteristic radiographic appearance.
Therapy
The question of how to cure hip osteoarthritis can only be answered by a doctor. The nature of treatment varies depending on the extent of the disease, as well as the intensity of the pain. Self-medication at home can be very dangerous. With grade 3 warts, it can be cured only with the help of arthroplasty, in which the doctor replaces the joint by fitting a prosthetic leg. Often, surgery is needed for coxarthrosis, which has arisen from necrosis of the femoral head.
In the treatment of pathology of the first and second degree, surgery is not necessary. Medical treatment and physical therapy are used as prescribed by the attending physician, as well as therapeutic exercises that can be used at home.
Medical therapy
Drug treatment includes medications such as pills, injections, and ointments.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They have the ability to reduce pain, reduce inflammation and swelling, and reduce the ability of cartilage to regenerate. If ineffective, drugs are substituted. The dosage form of some drugs - injections - is the most effective.
- Vasodilators. This movement is aimed at relaxing muscle tissue and widening the blood vessel lumen. Improve blood supply.
- Muscle relaxants (medications to relax muscles). They relieve muscle spasms and improve blood circulation.
- Chondroprotective drugs. Contributes 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 reduce inflammation. There should be a mid-week break between injections.
- Local preparations - ointments, compresses. These drugs improve blood circulation, which helps to get rid of the pain caused by muscle spasms.
With the help of the listed drug complex, the disease can be cured.
Physical therapy
It includes several procedures, namely electrotherapy, electrotherapy, magnetic therapy, and ultrasound therapy. UHF therapy, laser therapy, phototherapy and aerodynamic therapy.
All of these techniques can be used to improve blood supply to joints and help relieve muscle spasms. Procedures are performed by a physician with expertise in physical therapy.
Massage
Massage is an effective way to treat this condition: it improves blood circulation, strengthens muscles, relieves pain caused by spasticity, swelling. With its help, the distance between the joint surfaces will increase. Massage can be done at home, but only after the recommendation of a therapist.
Joint traction
Produced by hand or using towing equipment. It leads to a decrease in the load on the joint and an increase in the distance between the joint surfaces. This procedure should only be performed by a highly qualified doctor. It cannot be done at home.
Diet
Mandatory if necessary to reduce body weight. This helps reduce stress on the joints.
Exercise
A good effect in coxarthrosis has therapeutic exercises. The doctor selects special exercises to strengthen the muscles, not to increase the load on the joint area. Appropriate therapeutic exercises can alleviate the condition, strengthen the muscles. It can be done at home. Moreover, swimming is very useful.
Alternative therapy is also used in the treatment of coxarthrosis, but all its methods must be agreed upon by the attending physician.
It should be noted that the treatment of coxarthrosis must be complex. Physical therapy and massage should not be overlooked. You also need to do the exercises recommended by the physiotherapy exercises. You can not self-medicate so as not to harm your health. Any medication should only be prescribed by a doctor. Appropriate treatment will help eliminate the need for surgery.