Our body is a complex system in which the destruction of one "screw" provokes the failure of other "parts". In addition to diseases of the internal organs, many problems are created by chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, especially the joints. Today I propose to discuss osteoarthritis of the hip. What are the symptoms and recommended treatments.
This joint is the largest in the human skeleton. It is constantly used when walking, bending, turning, so that the disease brings severe pain and stiffness to the patient. Fortunately, in early diagnosis, the disease is well treated with medication. But it is not so easy to suspect that something is wrong, you need to know all the features of the disease and be able to distinguish the first manifestations. And, of course, take care of ways to prevent it and our article will help you with that.
Osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis of the hip joint is also called coxarthrosis, all of these terms mean a complex progressive disease with destruction of the cartilage covering the head of the femur and the acetabulum. As a result, the joint gradually collapses, turns into bone, grows overgrown and loses mobility.
Coxarthrosis - what is it
Let's take a closer look at what coxarthrosis is, as it is a term often used by doctors due to the fact that the word "arthrosis" has recently been excluded from medical terminology, as it was previously thought to have nothing to do withinflammation, but later scientists proved otherwise. For us, these disputes are not important, the main thing is that all these names refer to the same very unpleasant disease.
Thus, coxarthrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease that provokes the destruction and deformation of cartilage tissue. It is mainly diagnosed in women over 40, and in men - 60.
Why is it such an injustice than the ladies were wrong before nature? The issue here is in the special structure of the female skeleton and the load on the hip joint, especially during childbirth and childbirth. As a result, middle-aged women are more likely to suffer from this disease; in the older age group the number of patients of different sexes gradually equalizes.
Causes of osteoarthritis of the hip
The reasons for the development of osteoarthritis in the hip joint can be many.
The most common of these are:
- heredity, if the parents or one of the relatives had such a disease, then you should be more careful about your health, because although the disease itself is not related to genetics, the predisposition to metabolic disorders and other disorders canto cause joint problems;
- heavy loads on the pelvis, especially in athletes who run, jump, lift weights;
- obesity, even a slight weight gain can be negative for the joints, which leads to increased stress on them, which makes obese people more prone to osteoarthritis;
- injuries, fractures, bruises on the pelvis;
- endocrine disorders such as diabetes can cause bone problems; inflammatory, infectious processes in the body, such as purulent or rheumatoid arthritis;
- the presence of problems with the spine or bones (flat feet, scoliosis, osteochondrosis), which change the posture and stress on the joints;
- hormonal imbalance;
- weakening of blood circulation in the tissues;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- old age, which is associated with deterioration of tissue nutrition.
Degree of coxarthrosis
Doctors distinguish 3 stages or stages of the disease, which will help to distinguish the main symptoms. It is important to know that when diagnosing stage 1 it is quite possible to completely cure the disease and forget about it for many years, and in the third stage the only correct solution will be surgery, otherwise the patient is threatened bydamage.
Step 1
The following symptoms will help detect 1st degree osteoarthritis of the hip:
- pain during and immediately after heavy loading of the joint;
- localization of pain only in the area of the bone connection;
- gait not changed;
- no lameness;
- muscles retain their strength and shape.
During the computer diagnosis, the doctor may notice bone growths on the surface of the joint, especially on the inner and outer edge of the acetabulum. At this stage, properly selected drugs allow you to fully restore joint function, but not all of us tend to run to the doctor at the first sign of pain.
Admit it, a little discomfort often makes you think about stretching, sprains, fatigue. We start rubbing the sore spot with various creams, ointments, trying to treat with folk methods, without understanding the cause and wasting valuable time. Therefore, if you feel pain in your leg, the first thing you need to do is go to the doctor, taking some time for yourself - this is the key to a long, full and happy life!
Step 2
If the problem was not diagnosed and cured immediately, then grade 2 osteoarthritis gradually develops, which is characterized by the following symptoms:
- more common pain that may occur even with inactivity;
- the pain is no longer limited to the area of the bony connection, it radiates to the thigh, groin, back;
- movements become limited, the person is not able to completely move his legs to the side; Appears
- lameness.
During the study, the images showed bone growths at the edges of the cavity, enlargement of the tip of the bone, its displacement and destruction of the edge.
Fortunately, with the help of complex therapy, grade 2 osteoarthritis is still treatable.
Step 3
Well, it's really bad for patients who have neglected their health so much that they've got stage III osteoarthritis, typical of it:
- daytime pain, even without exercise;
- the need to use crutches or canes;
- atrophy, ie shortening of the muscles of the diseased leg, change in posture.
During the examination, the doctor sees multiple bone growths, increasing the size of the edge of the bone and reducing the joint space. And here there is only one way out - this is an operation to replace a no longer usable joint with a special artificial prosthesis.
Signs
We have already briefly mentioned the symptoms of the disease, it remains to summarize all these symptoms.
Coxarthrosis occurs:
- severe pain in the joint, which can later radiate to the legs, groin, knee;
- impaired movement, difficulty walking without support;
- shortening of the diseased limb;
- bad stand;
- reduced range of motion in the affected joint;
- X-ray shows muscle atrophy;
- MRI shows soft tissue abnormalities, inflammation;
- CT shows the presence of bone growths.
The symptoms are clear but not so clear. Therefore, with one of these signs it is necessary to consult a diagnostic specialist, as it can be both osteoarthritis and completely other diseases with similar symptoms.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of the disease should be made by more than one doctor, as pelvic pain can cause various diseases.
This way:
- The therapist can detect chronic diseases that cause discomfort in the hip joint;
- the neurologist excludes or confirms the presence of intervertebral hernias, they sometimes cause the same symptoms characteristic of osteoarthritis;
- urologist checks men for inflammation of the prostate, these diseases also often cause pelvic pain radiating to the legs;
- the gynecologist is looking for adhesions in the patient, they are also similar in manifestation of this disease;
- rheumatologist is a narrow specialist who deals with solving such problems, he will help determine the stage of the disease, its causes and methods of treatment;
- The surgeon and orthopedist will be helpful at an advanced stage when the patient needs surgery.
This way, in order to make a correct diagnosis, it will not be possible to limit ourselves to one visit to the doctor, and in addition you still have to pass tests:
- clinical and biochemical analysis of urine and blood for inflammation in the body;
- MRI for soft tissue examination;
- CT for bone examination;
- X-rays will show bone damage;
- arthroscopy is indicated in some cases;
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs is sometimes required.
The success of the treatment depends on the correct diagnosis, the degree of damage and the cause of the deformity. For example, if osteoarthritis has caused tuberculosis of the bones, then the usual therapy is prohibited, and in the case of metabolic disorders it is necessary to first eliminate the root cause and then deal with its consequences.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip
The most effective treatment is in the early stages, after which you can limit yourself to various medications. How to treat inflammation - the doctor decides after a series of tests. Therapy largely depends on the cause and degree of destruction, but mainly they try to relieve pain, eliminate inflammation, improve blood circulation, for this they use:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- painkillers to return the patient to normal life and facilitate walking;
- muscle relaxants to restore blood circulation in the affected area of the body;
- chondroprotectors that help stop the deformation of cartilage tissue;
- steroid injections are used when the pain intensifies;
- vasodilation drugs.
In addition to pills, injections and ointments, treatment includes the use of a special diet and exercise therapy, a set of measures helps to significantly improve the condition and restore mobility of the legs.
Surgery
If conservative treatment does not bring a visible result or the disease is diagnosed at the last stage, then there is only one way out - it is surgery. The procedure is complicated, in rare cases there may be rejection or risk of thromboembolism and other fatal complications. At the same time, for seriously ill patients, this is the only chance for a normal life, because with an artificial joint, after healing and rehabilitation, a person will be able to move freely.
As with any surgery, a patient with coxarthrosis must be prepared in advance for general anesthesia, not allowed to eat or drink before the procedure, and the bowel cleaned. His legs are then wrapped with elastic bandages to avoid swelling, laid on his side and immersed in sleep. The doctor then makes an incision in the thigh, opens access to the joint, cuts off the head of the femur and places a pin in the incision to which the titanium head is attached.
Damaged pelvic bone tissue is also removed and replaced with a polymer pad to allow normal movement of the legs in the future. Then the wound is sutured, a bandage is placed on top. After healing, there is still a period of recovery, but in the absence of rejection, a person can walk for 20 years or even a lifetime, walk calmly with an artificial joint without feeling pain and stiffness.
Chondroprotectors
Due to the disease, the hip joint loses its mobility, changes in tissues, destruction of cartilage and formation of bone growth in its place are observed. Fortunately, effective drugs have been invented to repair cartilage tissue, they are also called chondroprotectors, which in Latin means "protection of cartilage. "So what are these drugs capable of?
- stop the process of destruction of cartilage tissue;
- speed up metabolism in the joint;
- stimulate the production of synovial fluid, ie natural lubrication, which is usually produced in the cartilage tissue and promotes easy sliding of the bone in the joint;
- relieving inflammation;
- facilitate joint movement.
There are two main components that can be included in the preparations - glucosamine and chondroitin.
As for the form of the drug, it can be different - from tablets, capsules, ointments, creams to solution for injection. The choice of drug, dosage and duration of use should be prescribed by the attending physician, taking into account the characteristics of the organism. But as a rule, injections are used during exacerbations and then the patient is transferred to a more gentle treatment, which can last for months, at least six months. Ultimately, cartilage tissue repair is a long process, but it allows you to regain freedom of movement without surgery.
Injections
In some cases, treatment for the disease involves injections. Only a doctor should make them, resorting to such a solution only in extreme cases, as it is risky to treat the disease in this way. The fact is that the difference between the bones in the hip joint is small, and in coxarthrosis it narrows even more. As a result, sometimes even an experienced doctor cannot enter the joint capsule itself and the risk of touching the nerves and blood vessels is high.
At the same time, injections are sometimes the only way to relieve pain and inflammation; different drugs are used for these purposes:
- corticosteroids to relieve pain, such injections are allowed to be made no more than once every two weeks and a course no more than 7; Chondroprotectors help repair tissue, stimulate synovial fluid production for normal bone glide, and improve tissue elasticity. In the form of an injection, medicines work faster than tablets or ointments, allowing the medicine to be delivered directly to the destination; Hyaluronic acid is the newest method for relieving inflammation and pain. It is used after all other drugs have been tried and have not obtained the desired result, the effect of its use is long-lasting, the injection is made once.
Physiotherapy
Unfortunately, in the fight against osteoarthritis of the hip, physiotherapy procedures are ineffective due to the deep bedding of the affected area. Sometimes, however, doctors prescribe kinesiotherapy to relieve pain.
Massage
If medical massage is performed by a professional, it helps to improve blood circulation in the joint, restore mobility and stop tissue destruction. But its use is shown only exclusively during the period of remission, during the absence of pain.
Also, to get a clear effect, you do not need one-time visits to a specialist, but courses two or three times a year to maintain the condition of bones and joints.
Treatment of coxarthrosis with folk remedies
Although it is quite difficult to completely cure coxarthrosis in the hip joint, using exclusively folk remedies, especially in severe, advanced form, even doctors recognize the effectiveness of natural remedies. Many formulations based on herbs, roots and essential oils significantly alleviate the condition of a sick person, stop the destruction of cartilage and the formation of bone and scar tissue, stimulate the production of synovial fluid, which is very important in the fight against the disease.
In order for the treatment to be most effective and give positive results, it is worth discussing with your doctor what alternative methods you can use at home.
Some of the most popular tools:
- destruction ointment. To prepare it, the root must be crushed in a coffee grinder, mixed with melted lard in a ratio of 2: 3, boil on low heat for five minutes, cool and crush with the composition of the inflamed areaevening for a month. Then rest for a week and continue treatment;
- ointment with celandine - dry 7 plants, separate the leaves from the stems and grind, add 1 cup of olive oil, leave in the cold for 14 days, after which the drug will become like jelly, will melt in your hands. Lubricate the affected area with a substance every night;
- birch leaves, linden blossom, dried parsley, chop, brew instead of tea and drink every day;
- Wash the lemon, slice it and add 1 liter. boiling water, strain after a few hours, add honey, drink three times a day;
- combine honey, iodine, ethyl alcohol and glycerin in the same amount, insist 3-4 hours, lubricate the skin above the joint with a cotton swab 3 times a day;
- take 60 grams of saber and elecampane roots, mix with 0, 5 liters. vodka, insist for a day in a dark and cool place, strain, drink 25-30 drops three times a day 30 minutes before meals, can also be used for rubbing.
Exercises for coxarthrosis of the hip joint
Specially selected exercises will help to significantly improve the condition with coxarthrosis, some will be suggested by the doctor. Before using them, you should consult your doctor, because with the wrong choice of complex and the presence of contraindications you can cause even more damage to your health.
For example, deforming osteoarthritis is dangerous for treatment with physical activity - it is fraught with even greater pain and tissue destruction.
Gymnastics is also prohibited when:
- exacerbation of the disease;
- obvious pain when moving;
- fever;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- menstruation;
- hernia;
- severe heart and lung diseases.
It is believed that therapeutic exercises for coxarthrosis should be aimed at restoring muscles and ligaments, but not to load the already weak joint, therefore dynamic but static movements are not more appropriate. I am also glad that the set of exercises can be performed at any convenient time without spending money and nerves on trips to specialists, and given their effectiveness, it would simply be a crime not to use such a universal remedy.
Here are some exercises:
- lying on your back, lift the affected leg by 10-15 cm, freeze for 20-30 seconds, repeat for the other leg;
- perform the same movement, but quickly, holding your legs for only 1-2 seconds;
- lift not a straight leg, but a leg bent at the knee at a right angle;
- lying on your stomach, take your feet off the floor and hold for a few seconds, slowly spread to the sides, connect again, lower to the floor;
- lying on your side, bend your lower leg and lift your upper leg and hold it at an angle of about 45 degrees, wait 30 seconds, return to starting position, repeat for the other leg;
- perform the previous exercise, but at the same time rotate your legs in and out.
It is true that it is not recommended to practice only on the description of exercises and videos, it is better to discuss this issue with a doctor or even visit a rehabilitation specialist several times, because in the case of a different type of disease isnecessary to correct the complex to avoid complications.
Nutrition
As osteoarthritis largely depends on metabolism, it is important to stick to proper nutrition when treating the disease. It should be frequent, but not abundant. Off:
- salty foods;
- fatty broths, mayonnaises, oils, dairy products (sour cream, sour cream);
- preservatives;
- bakery products made from first-class flour;
- smoked.
They need to be replaced with more cartilage:
- milk and low-fat dairy products, in particular cheese, are very important as they promote tissue regeneration and calcium absorption;
- lean fish and meat;
- beans, mushrooms, buckwheat, lentils, rich in vegetable protein;
- jelly meat, jelly fish, jellies that contain collagen;
- carbohydrates from cereals;
- vegetables, fruits;
- complex carbohydrates (dried fruits, honey).
Drinking plenty of fluids is important for maintaining salt balance.
Proper nutrition helps to eliminate uric acid, which is dangerous for the joints, to relieve inflammation, to eliminate excess weight, swelling and thus reduce the load on the affected area and even restore cartilage. The greatest effect can be achieved in stage 1 of the disease.
Prevention
If there are cases of the disease in the family or if there is already arthrosis of the hip joint and it has been successfully treated, proper and regular prevention is important, which consists of the following points:
- proper nutrition, which contains all the vitamins and minerals for normal tissue metabolism;
- weight control to avoid additional loads;
- Moderation of physical activity, the ability to move in such a way as to avoid injuries and strain in diseased joints;
- Beware of hypothermia as it may get worse. It is important to dress warmly, wrap a basin in cold weather, avoid sitting on cold surfaces and stay up to date;
- lead a healthy lifestyle, walk in the fresh air, gently strengthen the leg muscles.
Osteoarthritis is a very unpleasant disease, which without proper treatment with bone fusion ends in disability and wheelchair life. Therefore, at the first symptoms go to your doctor for diagnosis and help. Timely and comprehensive treatment allows you to get rid of the problem and live without pain and limitations.