Coxarthrosis is a change in the hip joint, common among diseases, the basis of which are degenerative-dystrophic processes. The hip joint is formed by the joint of the femoral head with the bones of the pelvis.
This disease has a primary and a secondary form. The etiology of the primary is not entirely clear, but the secondary can provoke a number of factors. These are trauma, inflammation, Peters pathology, femoral head necrosis, 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 its viscosity, which causes damage to the joint surfaces. Cartilage thins, the distance between the bones that form the joint is reduced. The pressure on their surfaces increases, the deformation process is provoked.
Periodically, such a chronic condition passes into a phase of exacerbation. During this period, there is a strong pain syndrome. Outside of exacerbation, therapeutic exercises are a good preventative 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 arterial blood supply. Due to the violation of trophism, metabolic products accumulate, contributing to the destruction of cartilage tissue;
- such a mechanical effect that causes an increase in the 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. Reduced ability to move the affected limb. "Shortening" of the leg, as well as atrophic processes of the thigh muscles.
The nature of the pain, its strength and localization depend on the stage. As the disease progresses, the pain intensifies. Due to the emerging muscle atrophy, knee pain occurs. Because of this, sometimes there is an error in the diagnosis - they suggest osteoarthritis 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. 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 area. Pain also occurs at rest. Movement is limited and radiographs reveal volumetric growths of bone tissue. Sometimes cysts form in places of increased stress.
- Third grade. 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 noticeably shortened. X-rays show extensive growths of bone tissue.
Diagnostics
The main diagnostic method is X-ray examination. With the help of her, 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 notice the bevel and thickening of the acetabulum. An X-ray of the coxarthrosis resulting from an injury allows you to see the shape of the joint bones after their restoration. Coxarthrosis, which developed as a result of necrosis of the femoral head, also has a characteristic radiographic 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 found and the intensity of the pain. It is dangerous to self-medicate at home. With third-degree coxarthrosis, 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. Surgery is often required for coxarthrosis, which has occurred due to necrosis of the femoral head.
Surgery is not required in the treatment of first and second degree pathology. Medical and physiotherapeutic treatments are used, 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-inflammatories. They are able to relieve pain, stop inflammation and swelling and the disadvantage is a decrease in the regenerative capacity of the cartilage. If ineffective, the drugs are replaced. The dosage form of some drugs - injections - is more effective.
- Vasodilator drugs. The action is aimed at relaxing muscle tissue and expanding the lumen of blood vessels. Improve blood supply.
- Muscle relaxants (muscle relaxation drugs). 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 off 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 listed complex of 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 of these techniques are applicable to improve the blood supply to the joint and help relieve muscle spasm. The procedures are performed by a physician who specializes 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
Manufactured manually or using traction devices. It leads to a decrease in the load on the joint and an increase in the distance between the joint surfaces. This procedure is performed only by a doctor with a high level of qualification. It can't be done at home.
Diet
Necessary if necessary to reduce body weight. This helps reduce stress on the joint.
Gym
A good effect in coxarthrosis has therapeutic exercises. The doctor selects special exercises to strengthen the muscles, so as not to increase the load on the joint area. Proper therapeutic exercises can relieve the condition, strengthen the muscles. It can be done at home. In addition, swimming is very useful.
An 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 are not to be neglected. It is also necessary to perform the exercises recommended by the therapeutic exercises. You can not self-medicate, so as not to harm your health. Any medications should only be prescribed by a doctor. Proper treatment will help eliminate the need for surgery.