Osteoarthritis of the hip joint is a pathology that occupies a leading position among the various degenerative-dystrophic problems of the musculoskeletal system. There are many causes of this disease, so different age groups are at risk. However, it should be noted that most hip joint failures occur in middle-aged and elderly people.
Grade 1 femoral arthrosis is successfully treated with medication without surgery. Unfortunately, patients are not in a hurry to see a doctor right away because the pain will go away on its own. By this time, the pathological process has already begun and is progressing with each passing day. Distinguish between primary arthrosis of the hip joints of unknown etiology and secondary diseases such as:
- 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 may be affected. Bilateral osteoarthritis is not uncommon and can involve the spine and knee joint with a unilateral pathological process.
Causes of osteoarthritis of the hip joint
- Deterioration of arterial blood flow and its venous flow, resulting in malnutrition of tissues, accumulation of less oxidized metabolic products responsible for the activation of enzymes;
- mechanical factors that cause joint overload, such as overweight or professional sports;
- biochemical changes in cartilage, hormonal disorders, metabolic diseases;
- traumatic dislocations, cervical and pelvic fractures;
- necrosis of the head tissues of the hip bones;
- joint inflammation, infectious processes;
- pathological changes in the spine (kyphosis, scoliosis) and straight legs;
- congenital dislocation of the femur;
- congenital pathologies of joint development;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- hereditary predisposition of the body (skeletal weakness, metabolic diseases, structural features of cartilage tissue).
Signs of osteoarthritis of the hip joint
The general symptoms of this pathological process are different, but it should be understood that they may be different at different stages of the development of osteoarthritis. The main symptoms of hip joint damage are:
- pain in the groin, thighs, joints and knees that does not subside even at rest;
- hardness and rigidity;
- axsama;
- femoral muscle atrophy;
- The affected limb is significantly shortened.
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip joints are pain, intensity and duration, as well as the nature and localization depends entirely on the characteristics of the pathological process. At the onset of the disease, it is best to start treatment when the discomfort is not yet very pronounced. If appropriate measures are not taken in time, the pain will intensify, resulting in significant limitation of the mobility of the affected joint.
Grade 2 femoral arthrosis is characterized by severe pain in the groin and thigh area. In this case, the function of the joint is impaired, lameness occurs, internal movement and lateral movement of the hip is limited. The abductor and extensor muscles lose strength, bone growths appear on X-rays, and they can come out strong. The head of the femur is deformed, the contour is distorted and the volume increases. In addition, cysts can form in the most tense areas of the joint.
In stage 3 of osteoarthritis, the pain is permanent and can even bother you at night. It is so difficult to walk that you have to use a special cane. Movement in the hip joint is limited, hip muscles, atrophy of the affected thigh and lower leg, and leg shortening. All this leads to a change in gait and an increase in the load on the affected joint. As a result of increased bone growth, the joint space disappears and the joint grows together and eventually loses mobility.
Treatment of hip arthrosis
If the disease is detected at an early stage, conservative treatment using various drugs is preferred. The patient is prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which perfectly eliminate swelling and inflammation, primarily because of the reduction of pain syndrome. Exercises with muscle spasms are prescribed muscle relaxants aimed at stimulating blood circulation and relieving spasms. In addition, chondroprotectors are often used for osteoarthritis - drugs that allow the restoration of thinned cartilage tissue.
Do not forget the methods of therapeutic massage and physiotherapy, because the effectiveness of such procedures is very high. They often 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 necessary therapeutic effect. With their help, only pain and muscle spasms can be temporarily relieved. It is important to consult a doctor before treating osteoarthritis of the hip joint, because the independent use of one or another drug can aggravate an already complicated condition.
Gymnastics for hip arthrosis
Gymnastics plays an important role in the treatment of the disease. Specially selected exercises for osteoarthritis of the hip joint prevent joint growth and maintain mobility. You need to be very careful not to injure yourself while developing a painful joint in this way. It is recommended to perform muscle massage in the thigh and affected joint area before and immediately after exercise therapy exercises to prevent discomfort.
Water is an excellent helper in the treatment of osteoarthritis, so it is useful for the patient to swim in the pool, river or sea. In addition, a warm bath where you can do smooth and slow movements of your legs will help relieve pain and relieve muscle tension. It is important not to overload the patient's joint and to rest as much as possible.