Coxarthrosis is a change in the hip joint that is common among diseases whose basis is degenerative-dystrophic processes. The hip-pelvic joint is formed as a result of the articulation of the head of the femur with the pelvis.
There is a primary and secondary form of this disease. The primary etiology is not entirely clear, but a number of secondary factors may incite. These are trauma, inflammation, Peters pathology, necrosis of the femoral head, hip dislocation and dysplastic processes.
Coxarthrosis of the hip joint causes a change in the composition and properties of the intra-articular fluid. There is an increase in the degree of viscosity, which causes damage to the articular surfaces. The cartilage becomes thinner, the distance between the bones forming the joint decreases. The pressure on their surfaces increases, the deformation process is triggered.
Periodically, such a chronic condition goes into an exacerbation phase. During this period, there is a strong pain syndrome. Apart from exacerbation, therapeutic exercises are a good preventive measure.
Etiology
There are several reasons for the development of coxarthrosis of the hip joint. These include:
- violation of the joint blood supply process - a decrease in venous blood flow and arterial blood flow. Due to the violation of trophism, metabolic products accumulate, contributing to the destruction of cartilage tissue;
- such a mechanical effect that causes an increased load on the joint;
- violation of biochemical homeostasis, hormonal imbalance;
- traumatization;
- infectious inflammation;
- necrotic state of the femoral head;
- dysplastic disorders of cartilage and bone tissue;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- genetic predisposition;
- congenital dislocation of the hip.
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. 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. Pain in the knee occurs due to the resulting muscle atrophy. For this reason, sometimes there is a mistake in the diagnosis - they suggest arthrosis of the knee joint. It is necessary to contact experienced specialists who can make a differential diagnosis and schedule 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.
- First degree. This degree is characterized by stress-induced pain syndrome. Localization of pain - hip joint, less often - thigh and knee. X-ray shows small growths of bone tissue.
- Second degree. At this stage of the disease, the pain intensifies and increases in intensity. Localization extends to the thigh and groin area. Pain also occurs at rest. Movements are limited and X-rays reveal bulky growths of bone tissue. Sometimes cysts form in places of increased stress.
- Third degree. This degree is characterized by constant pain. It's hard to walk. Severe atrophy of the muscles of the thigh, hip and lower leg. The limb is noticeably 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 stage of development of the disease, determine the need for surgical intervention. For example, with dysplasia, the doctor will see a bending and thickening of the acetabulum. X-ray of coxarthrosis caused by injury allows to see the shape of the articular bones after their restoration. Coxarthrosis, which develops as a result of 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 degree of location of the disease, as well as the intensity of the pain. Self-treatment at home is dangerous. With third-degree coxarthrosis, the disease can be treated only with the help of arthroplasty, in which the doctor replaces the joint by installing an artificial prosthesis. Coxarthrosis, caused by necrosis of the femoral head, often requires surgery.
Surgical intervention is not required in the treatment of primary and secondary pathology. Therapeutic and physiotherapeutic treatment is used, which is prescribed by the attending physician, 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 disadvantage is a decrease in the regenerative capacity of cartilage. If ineffective, the drugs are changed. 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 (medications for muscle relaxation). They relieve muscle spasms and improve blood circulation.
- Chondroprotective drugs. Contribute to the regeneration of cartilage tissue. Regular use allows you to completely stop the development of the disease.
- hormone therapy. High-quality injections containing these substances help to eliminate inflammation. It is necessary to take a break between injections for a week.
- Local preparations - ointments, compresses. These drugs improve blood circulation, help to get rid of pain caused by muscle spasm.
The disease can be treated with the help of the complex of listed drugs.
Physiotherapy
It includes a number of procedures, namely electrotherapy, inductothermy, magnetotherapy and ultrasound therapy. UHF-therapy, laser therapy, phototherapy and aeroionotherapy.
All these methods are used to improve blood supply to the joint and eliminate muscle spasm. Procedures are performed by a doctor specializing in physiotherapy.
Massage
Massage is an effective method in the treatment of 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
It is produced 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 articular surfaces. This procedure is performed only by a highly qualified doctor. This cannot be done at home.
Diet
It is required when needed to reduce body weight. This helps reduce stress on the joint.
Gymnastics
Therapeutic exercises have a good effect on coxarthrosis. The doctor chooses special exercises to strengthen the muscles, so as not to increase the load on the joint area. Correct 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 in the treatment of coxarthrosis, 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 should also do the exercises recommended by the therapeutic exercises. You can not self-medicate so as not to harm your health. Any medicine should be prescribed only by a doctor. Proper treatment will help eliminate the need for surgery.