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 head of the femur with the pelvic bone.
This disease has primary and secondary forms. The primary etiology is not entirely clear, but the secondary can be triggered by several factors. These are trauma, inflammation, Peters pathology, necrosis of the femoral head, hip dislocation and dysplastic processes.
Coxarthrosis of the hip joint causes changes in the composition and properties of the intra-articular fluid. There is an increase in its level of viscosity, which causes damage to the articular surface. Cartilage becomes thinner, the distance between the bones that make up the joint decreases. The pressure on its surface increases, the deformation process is provoked.
Periodically, such a chronic condition enters an aggravating phase. During this period, there is a strong pain syndrome. Beyond severity, therapeutic exercise is a good preventative measure.
Etiology
There are several reasons why coxarthrosis of the hip joint develops. This includes:
- violation of the process of blood supply to the joints - a decrease in the level of venous blood outflow and arterial blood inflow. Due to the violation of trophism, metabolic products accumulate, contributing to the destruction of cartilage tissue;
- such mechanical effects that cause increased load on the joints;
- 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 the 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. Impaired ability to move the affected limb. "Shortening" the legs, as well as the atrophic process of the thigh muscles.
The nature of the pain and its strength and localization depend on the stage. As the disease progresses, the pain increases. Due to the muscle atrophy that appears, pain occurs in the knee. For this reason, sometimes there is an error in the diagnosis - they suggest arthrosis of the knee joint. It is necessary to contact an experienced specialist who will be able to carry out a differential diagnosis and make the necessary appointment. Only a doctor can determine the disease and know what type of therapy the patient needs.
Degree
The following stages of the disease are distinguished.
- First degree. This degree is characterized by a pain syndrome, provoked by stress. Localization of pain - hip joints, less often - thighs and knees. On x-rays, small growths of bone tissue are visible.
- Second degree. In this stage of the disease, the pain increases, its intensity increases. Localization extends to the thigh and groin area. Pain also occurs during rest. Movement is limited, and x-rays reveal volumetric growth of bone tissue. Sometimes cysts form in places of increased pressure.
- third degree. This stage is characterized by constant pain. Walking is difficult. Severe atrophy in the muscles of the thighs, buttocks and lower legs. The limbs are significantly 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 surgery. For example, with dysplasia, the doctor will see the slanting and thickening of the acetabulum. X-ray coxarthrosis as a result of injury allows you to see the shape of the articular bone after its recovery. Coxarthrosis, which develops due to necrosis of the femoral head, also has a characteristic x-ray 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 level at which the disease is located, as well as 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. Often, surgery is required for coxarthrosis, which has arisen due to necrosis of the femoral head.
In the treatment of pathology of the first and second stage, surgery is not required. 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 medications such as tablets, injections, and ointments.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are able to relieve pain, stop inflammation and swelling, and their weakness is a decrease in the regenerative capacity of cartilage. If ineffective, the drug is replaced. The dosage form of some drugs - injection - is the most effective.
- Vasodilator drugs. This action aims to relax muscle tissue and expand the lumen of blood vessels. Improve blood supply.
- Muscle relaxant (medication for muscle relaxation). They relieve muscle spasms and improve blood circulation.
- Chondroprotective drugs. Contributes to the recovery of cartilage tissue. Regular use allows you to completely stop the development of this disease.
- hormone therapy. High-quality injections containing this substance help relieve inflammation. It is necessary to take a week break between injections.
- Local preparations - ointments, compresses. These drugs improve blood circulation, helping to relieve pain caused by muscle spasms.
With the help of the complex of medicines listed, this disease can be cured.
Physiotherapy
It includes several procedures, namely electrotherapy, inductothermy, magnetotherapy and ultrasound therapy. UHF therapy, laser therapy, phototherapy and aeroionotherapy.
All of these techniques can be used to improve blood supply to the joints and help relieve muscle spasms. This procedure is carried out by a doctor with specialization 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 recommendation of a specialist.
Joint traction
Produced manually or using a traction device. It leads to a reduction in the load on the joint and an increase in the distance between the articular surfaces. This procedure is only performed by doctors who have a high level of qualification. It cannot be done at home.
Diet
Needed if necessary to lose weight. This helps reduce stress on the joints.
Gymnastics
A good effect in coxarthrosis has therapeutic exercises. 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, strengthen the muscles. It can be done at home. Moreover, swimming is very useful.
Alternative treatment is also used in the treatment of coxarthrosis, but all 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 therapeutic exercises. You can not self-medicate, so as not to harm your health. Any medication should be prescribed only by a doctor. Proper treatment will help eliminate the need for surgery.