Arthrosis of the hip joint is a pathology that occupies a prominent position among the various degenerative-dystrophic problems of the musculoskeletal system. There are many reasons that cause this disease, so different age groups of people are at risk. However, it should be noted that in most cases the hip joint loss occurs in middle-aged and elderly people.
Grade 1 hip arthrosis is successfully treated with medications without surgical intervention. Unfortunately, however, patients are in no hurry to see a doctor immediately, mistakenly believing that painful sensations will go away on their own. In the meantime, the pathological process has started and progresses more and more each day. Distinguish between primary arthrosis of the hip joints, which has an obscure etiology, and secondary due to 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 the arterial blood flow and its venous outlet, in which the tissues are insufficiently nourished, there is an accumulation of suboxidized metabolic products, responsible for the activation of enzymes;
- mechanical factors that cause overload in the joints, for example, overweight or professional sports;
- biochemical changes in cartilage, hormonal disorders, metabolic disorders;
- traumatic dislocations, cervical and pelvic fractures;
- necrosis of the tissues of the head of the hip bones;
- inflammation of the joints, 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 characteristics of the cartilaginous tissues).
Symptoms of arthrosis of the hip joint
The general symptoms of this pathological process are distinct, however, it must be understood that they can differ at different stages of development of arthrosis. The main signs of injury to the hip joint are:
- pain in the groin, hip, joint and knee, which does not subside even in a calm state;
- rigidity and rigidity;
- limping;
- atrophy of the femoral muscle;
- the affected limb becomes noticeably shorter.
The main symptom of hip joint arthrosis is pain, intensity and duration, as well as the nature and location of which depend entirely on the characteristics of the pathological process. It is best to start treatment early in the illness, when the discomfort is not yet very pronounced. If the appropriate measures are not taken in time, the pain will begin to intensify, and as a result the mobility of the affected limb will be significantly limited.
Grade 2 hip arthrosis is characterized by severe pain that radiates into the groin and thigh. In this case, the functioning of the joint is interrupted, lameness appears, internal movement and abduction of the hip to the side are limited. The abductor and extensor muscles lose their strength, bone growth becomes visible on the radiograph, which can project 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.
In stage 3 of the development of osteoarthritis, the pain becomes permanent and can be uncomfortable even at night. It is so difficult to walk that you need to use a special cane. In the hip joint, movements are limited, the muscles of the buttocks, the affected thigh and the atrophied leg and the shortened leg. All of 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, conservative methods of treatment using various medications are preferred. The patient is mainly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which perfectly relieve swelling and inflammation, with which the painful syndrome decreases. In the case of muscle spasms, muscle relaxants are prescribed, whose action aims to stimulate blood circulation and relieve spasms. In addition, for arthrosis, chondroprotectors are often used - drugs that allow the restoration of thinning cartilaginous tissue.
Do not forget the methods of massage therapy and physiotherapy, as the effectiveness of such procedures is very high. Often, they try to treat the affected joints with various compresses, lotions and ointments prepared according to popular recipes, but all of these remedies cannot have the proper therapeutic effect. With their help, you can only temporarily relieve pain and muscle spasms. Before treating osteoarthritis of the hip joint, it is essential to consult the doctor, as the independent use of one or the other 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. Exercises specially selected for osteoarthritis of the hip joint prevent it from growing together and maintain mobility. When developing a painful joint in this way, you need to be very careful not to hurt yourself anymore. Before performing physical therapy exercises and immediately after them, it is recommended to perform muscle massages in the region of the thigh and the affected joint to avoid the appearance of discomfort.
Water is an excellent aid in the treatment of arthrosis, so it is useful for the patient to swim in a pool, river or sea. In addition, a hot bath, in which you can perform smooth and slow movements with your legs, will help to relieve pain and relieve muscle tension. It is important not to overload the diseased joint and to rest as much as possible.