Arthrosis of the hip joint is a pathology that occupies a leading position among various degenerative-dystrophic problems of the musculoskeletal system. There are many reasons that provoke this disease, therefore, different age groups of people are at risk. It should nevertheless be noted that most often the defeat of the hip joint occurs in middle-aged and elderly people.
Grade 1 hip arthrosis is successfully treated with medication without surgery. However, unfortunately, patients are in no hurry to immediately consult a doctor, mistakenly believing that the painful sensations will go away by themselves. In the meantime, the pathological process has already started and is progressing more and more every day. Distinguish between primary arthrosis of the hip joints, which has an unclear etiology, and secondary arising from such diseases:
- Perthes disease;
- congenital dislocation;
- abnormal tissue development in the hip joint;
- aseptic necrosis of the femur;
- inflammatory processes;
- hip fractures.
One or two hip joints can be affected. Bilateral arthrosis is not uncommon, and with a unilateral pathological process can cover the spine and knee joint.
Causes of arthrosis of the hip joint
- deterioration of arterial blood flow and its venous outflow, as a result of which the tissues are insufficiently nourished, there is an accumulation of under-oxidized metabolic products that are responsible for the activation of enzymes;
- mechanical factors that cause joint overload, for example, overweight or professional sports;
- biochemical changes in cartilage, hormonal disruptions, metabolic disorders;
- traumatic dislocations, cervical and pelvic fractures;
- necrosis of the tissues of the head of the hip bones;
- joint inflammation, infectious processes;
- pathological 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 (weakness of the skeleton, metabolic disorders, structural features of cartilaginous tissues).
Symptoms of arthrosis of the hip joint
General symptoms of this pathological process are distinguished, however, it must be understood that they may differ at different stages of arthrosis development. The main signs of hip joint damage are:
- pain in the groin, hip, joint and knee that does not subside even at rest;
- stiffness and stiffness;
- limping;
- femoral muscle atrophy;
- the affected limb becomes noticeably shorter.
The main symptom of arthrosis of the hip joints is pain, intensity and duration, as well as the nature and localization of which depends entirely on the characteristics of the pathological process. It is best to start treatment at the onset of the disease, when the discomfort is not yet very pronounced. If appropriate measures are not taken in time, the pain will begin to intensify, as a result of which the mobility of the affected limb will be significantly limited.
Grade 2 hip arthrosis is characterized by intense pain that radiates to the groin and thigh. In this case, the functioning of the joint is disrupted, lameness appears, internal movement and abduction of the hip to the side are limited. The abductor and extensor muscles lose their strength, bone growths become visible on the x-ray, which can protrude strongly. The head of the femoral bone is deformed, its contour is distorted, and the volume increases. In addition, cysts can form in the most stressed areas of the joint.
At stage 3 of the development of arthrosis, the pain becomes permanent and can bother even at night. It becomes so difficult to walk that you have to use a special cane. In the hip joint, movement is limited, the muscles of the buttocks, affected thigh and lower leg atrophy, and the leg is shortened. All this leads to a change in gait and an increase in the load on the affected joint. As a result of an increase in bone growth, the joint space disappears, and the joint grows together, finally losing its mobility.
Treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint
If the disease is detected at an early stage, preference is given to conservative methods of treatment, using various drugs. The patient is prescribed primarily anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs, which perfectly relieve swelling and inflammation, due to which the pain syndrome decreases. With muscle spasms, muscle relaxants are prescribed, the action of which is aimed at stimulating blood circulation and relieving spasms. In addition, for arthrosis, chondroprotectors are often used - drugs that allow the restoration of thinned cartilage tissue.
Do not forget about therapeutic massage and physiotherapy methods, since 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 cannot provide the desired therapeutic effect. With their help, you can only temporarily relieve pain and muscle spasms. Before treating arthrosis of the hip joint, it is imperative to consult a doctor, since the independent use of one or another medication can only worsen an already complex condition.
Gymnastics for arthrosis of the hip joint
Gymnastics plays an important role in the treatment of the disease. Specially selected exercises for arthrosis of the hip joint prevent its fusion and maintain mobility. When developing a sore joint in this way, you need to be very careful not to inflict additional injury on yourself. Before performing exercise therapy exercises and immediately after them, it is recommended to carry out muscle massage in the area of the thigh and the affected joint in order to prevent the appearance of discomfort.
Water is an excellent helper in the treatment of arthrosis, so it is useful for the patient to swim in a pool, river or sea. In addition, a warm bath can help soothe pain and relieve muscle tension, in which you can perform smooth and slow movements of your legs. It is important not to overload the sore joint and be at rest as much as possible.