Osteoarthritis of the hip joint is a pathology that occupies a leading place among various degenerative-dystrophic problems of the musculoskeletal system. There are many reasons that provoke this disease, so different age groups of people are at risk. However, it should be noted that hip joint injuries are most common in middle-aged and elderly people.
Grade 1 osteoarthritis is successfully treated with drugs without surgery. Unfortunately, however, patients are in no hurry to see a doctor right away, mistakenly believing that the painful sensations will go away on their own. In the meantime, the pathological process has already begun and is progressing more and more every day. Distinguish between primary osteoarthritis of the hip joints which has an unclear etiology and secondary arthrosis arising from such diseases:
- Perthes disease;
- congenital dislocations;
- abnormal tissue development in the hip joint;
- aseptic necrosis of the femur;
- inflammatory processes;
- hip fracture.
One or two hip joints may be affected. Bilateral arthrosis is not uncommon, and it can cover the spine and knee joint with a one-sided pathological process.
Causes of hip arthrosis
- deterioration of arterial blood flow and its venous outflow, as a result of which the tissues are insufficiently nourished, there is an accumulation of podoxidized 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 disorders, metabolic disorders;
- traumatic sprains, cervical and pelvic fractures;
- necrosis of the head bone tissue of the hip bones;
- inflammation of the joints, infectious processes;
- pathological changes on the spine (kyphosis, scoliosis) and flat feet;
- congenital dislocations of the femur;
- congenital pathologies of joint development;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- hereditary predisposition of the body (skeletal weakness, metabolic disorders, structural characteristics of cartilage tissues).
Symptoms of hip arthrosis
The general symptoms of this pathological process are different, however, it must be understood that they can differ in different stages of arthrosis development. The main signs of hip joints are:
- pain in the groin, hips, joints and knees, which does not subside even at rest;
- stiffness and stiffness;
- limping;
- femoral muscle atrophy;
- the affected limb becomes noticeably shorter.
The main symptom of osteoarthritis of the hip joints is pain, its intensity and duration, as well as the nature and localization, which completely depends on the characteristics of the pathological process. It is best to start treatment at the beginning 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, resulting in a significant limitation of the mobility of the affected limb.
Grade 2 osteoarthritis of the hip is characterized by intense pain radiating to the groin and thighs. In this case, the work of the joint is disturbed, lameness appears, internal movements are limited and the hip is pushed aside. Muscle abductors and extensors lose strength, bone growths become visible on an X-ray that can bulge strongly. The head of the femur is deformed, its contour is distorted and the volume increases. In addition, cysts can form in the most advanced parts of the joint.
In the 3rd stage of arthrosis development, the pain becomes permanent and can torment you even at night. It becomes so difficult to walk that you have to use a special stick. In the hip joint, movements are limited, the muscles of the buttocks, the 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 the increase in bone growths, the joint space disappears, and the joint grows together, finally losing mobility.
Treatment of hip arthrosis
If the disease is detected at an early stage, conservative methods of treatment are preferred, with the use of various drugs. The patient is prescribed primarily non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that perfectly relieve swelling and inflammation, which reduces the pain syndrome. In muscle spasms, muscle relaxants are prescribed, the action of which is aimed at stimulating blood circulation and relieving cramps. In addition, chondroprotectors are often used for osteoarthritis - drugs that allow you to restore thinned cartilage.
Don't forget about therapeutic massage and physiotherapy methods, because the efficiency of such procedures is very high. Often affected joints try to treat various compresses, lotions and ointments prepared according to folk recipes, but all these drugs can not provide the desired therapeutic effect. With their help, you can only temporarily relieve pain and muscle cramps. Before treating osteoarthritis of the hip joint, it is necessary to consult a doctor, because the independent use of one or another drug can only worsen the already complex condition.
Gymnastics for osteoarthritis of the hip joint
Gymnastics plays an important role in the treatment of disease. Specially selected exercises for osteoarthritis of the hip joint prevent its growth and maintain mobility. When you develop a painful joint in this way, you must be very careful not to inflict additional injury on yourself. Before and immediately after the exercise therapy exercises, it is recommended to massage the muscles in the area of the thighs and the affected joint in order to prevent the appearance of discomfort.
Water is an excellent helper in the treatment of osteoarthritis, so it is useful for the patient to swim in a pool, river or sea. In addition, a warm bath, in which you can perform smooth and slow movements of the legs, will help relieve pain and relieve muscle tension. It is important not to overload the painful joint and rest as much as possible.