Osteoarthritis of the hip joint is a pathology that occupies a leading position among various degenerative-dystrophic problems of the musculoskeletal system. There are many causes that provoke this disease, therefore, different age groups of people are at risk. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the most common hip fracture occurs in middle-aged and elderly people.
Grade 1 arthrosis is successfully treated with medication without surgery. However, unfortunately, patients are not in a hurry to seek medical attention immediately, mistakenly believing that the painful sensations will disappear by themselves. Meanwhile the pathological process has already begun and is progressing more and more every day. Distinguish between primary arthrosis of the femoral joints, which has an unknown etiology and secondary, as a result of such diseases:
- Pertussis disease;
- Congenital dislocation;
- Abnormal development of tissue in the hip joint;
- Aseptic necrosis of the femur;
- inflammatory processes;
- hip fractures.
One or two hip joints may be damaged. Bilateral arthrosis is not uncommon and a unilateral pathological process can cover the spine and knee joint.
Causes of hip arthrosis
- Deterioration of arterial circulation and its venous outflow, resulting in insufficient nutrition of tissues, accumulation of products of oxidative metabolism, which are responsible for the activation of enzymes;
- Mechanical factors that cause joint overload, such as being overweight or playing sports;
- Biochemical changes in cartilage, hormonal disorders, metabolic disorders;
- Traumatic dislocations, cervical and pelvic fractures;
- necrosis of the femoral head tissues;
- inflammation of the joints, infectious processes; Abnormal changes in the spine (kyphosis, scoliosis) and flat feet;
- Congenital dislocation of the femur;
- Congenital pathologies of joint development;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- Hereditary predisposition of the body (skeletal weakness, metabolic disorders, structural features of cartilage tissues).
Symptoms of hip arthrosis
The general symptoms of this pathological process are distinguished, however it should be understood that they may differ at different stages of osteoarthritis development. The main signs of hip joint damage are:
- Pain in the waist, thighs, joints and knees that does not subside even at rest;
- firmness and firmness;
- lameness;
- thigh muscle atrophy;
- The affected limb is noticeably shorter.
The main symptom of osteoarthritis of the hip joints is pain, its intensity and duration, as well as the nature and localization depend entirely on the characteristics of the pathological process. It is best to start treatment early in the disease when the discomfort is not yet very pronounced. If proper measures are not taken in time, the pain will start to intensify, resulting in significantly limited mobility of the affected limb.
Grade 2 hip arthrosis is characterized by severe pain that radiates to the abdomen and thighs. In this case, the functioning of the joint is disturbed, lameness occurs, internal movement and abduction on the hip side is limited. The extensor and extensor muscles lose strength, and x-rays show bone growth that can come out strongly. The femoral head is deformed, its contour is distorted, and the volume increases. In addition, cysts can form in the most stressful areas of the joint.
In the 3rd stage of osteoarthritis, the pain becomes constant and may even bother you at night. Walking is so difficult that you will have to use a special cane. Movement in the hip joint is limited, buttock muscles, atrophy of the affected thigh and lower leg, and the leg are deprived. All this leads to a change in gait and an increase in the load on the affected joint. As bone growth increases, the joint space disappears, and the joint grows together, eventually losing mobility.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip joint
If the disease is detected at an early stage, conservative methods of treatment, the use of various drugs are preferred. The patient is prescribed primarily nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which perfectly relieve swelling and inflammation, thus reducing the pain syndrome. Muscle spasms are prescribed to muscle relaxants whose action is aimed at stimulating blood circulation and relieving spasms. In addition, chondroprotectors are often used for osteoarthritis - drugs that allow you to restore healthy cartilage tissue.
Do not forget about therapeutic massage and physiotherapy methods, as the effectiveness of such procedures is very high. Quite often, they try to treat the affected joints with various compresses, lotions and ointments prepared according to folk recipes, but all these remedies do not have the proper therapeutic effect. With their help you can only temporarily relieve pain and muscle spasms. It is necessary to consult a doctor before starting treatment for osteoarthritis of the hip, because the independent use of this or that medication can worsen the already difficult condition.
Gymnastics for hip arthrosis
Gymnastics plays an important role in the treatment of disease. Exercises specially selected for hip arthrosis prevent it from growing together and maintain mobility. When developing a sore joint this way, you need to be very careful not to injure yourself further. Before and immediately after performing exercise therapy exercises, it is recommended to massage the muscles in the thighs and the affected joint area to prevent discomfort.
Water is an excellent assistant in the treatment of osteoarthritis, so it is useful for the patient to swim in a pool, river or sea. In addition, a warm bath in which you can perform smooth and slow movements of your legs will help relieve pain and relieve muscle tension. It is important not to overload the painful joint and relax as much as possible.