Coxarthrosis of the hip joint is a type of arthrosis and is accompanied by inflammation, pain and stiffness of movements. The disease mainly occurs in people after 40 years, but it can also be at a young age. The doctor should be consulted at the very beginning of the development of pathology, since only this guarantees a high-quality and quick recovery.
The coxarthrosis of the hip joint according to ICD-10 is assigned the code M16. So far, the exact causes of its occurrence are unknown, which is why it is strictly forbidden to conduct independent treatment without first consulting a doctor. It can only accelerate the progression of inflammation and lead to disability. Treatment is selected depending on the stage of the pathology.
Causes of the disease
There are 2 varieties of coxarthrosis of the hip joint, namely primary and secondary. The exact causes of the primary form have not yet been fully established, however, several provoking factors are distinguished, in particular such as:
- previous illnesses;
- constant heavy loads;
- injuries
- bone dysplasia;
- overweight;
- arthritis;
- joint infarction;
- congenital pathology.
It is worth remembering that repeatedly suffered microtraumas in professional athletes and people in dangerous professions often lead to the occurrence of coxarthrosis. Even the smallest damage can have dangerous consequences that occur after a few years.
As one of the predisposing factors, doctors have recently begun to single out prolonged stress. Against this background, there is an increase in the level of corticosteroids, which reduce the production of natural lubrication of the joints. As a result of this, degenerative changes occur.
Of particular importance are chronic diseases of the endocrine system, hormonal changes, osteoporosis and impaired limb sensitivity.
Degrees of coxarthrosis
There are several stages of the development of the disease, which have different symptoms. With coxarthrosis of the hip joint, 1-2 degrees of disturbance are not too pronounced, painful sensations arise only after intense physical exertion. The limbs move freely, and the person’s gait is not disturbed. In addition, pain occurs after a short rest.
Since the symptoms of coxarthrosis of the hip joint of the 1st degree are not particularly manifested, pathological changes can only be recognized by X-ray, since the picture shows a slight narrowing of the joint gap and the formation of osteophytes.
With a 2nd degree of the disease, pain can give to the groin and thigh. With prolonged walking, slight lameness may be observed. The growths and slight deformation of the femoral neck are already clearly visible in the picture.
With coxarthrosis of the 3rd degree , constant severe pain is observed, it becomes difficult for a person to move around without special devices and muscles atrophy almost completely. On the x-ray, the displacement of the pelvic bones is clearly visible.
Grade 4 coxarthrosis of the hip joint does not allow a person to rise from his seat, and the hip joint is almost completely immobilized.
The main types of defeat
Dysplastic coxarthrosis of the hip joint occurs after 25 years on the basis of ongoing hormonal changes. In this case, the lesion affects both joints. In women, this can occur against the background of pregnancy, when motor activity decreases slightly. In addition, the disease can occur as a result of physical inactivity and injuries.
Dysplastic coxarthrosis of the hip joint can be triggered by mechanical effects on cartilage, great physical exertion, and various microtraumas. However, the main reason is still congenital pathological processes. Its beginning is always sharp, the first degree of damage develops very quickly. Initially, a certain discomfort is felt, and then motor activity is disrupted. Painful sensations begin to bother a person, even during sleep. There is a high risk of complete immobilization of the joints.
Deforming coxarthrosis of the hip joint is accompanied by degenerative changes in the cartilage tissue, which leads to its gradual destruction. With subsequent development, the pathological process completely covers the articular capsule, bones and ligaments. A similar condition is observed during physical exertion, expansion of veins and constant mechanical stress.
The main symptoms
Coxarthrosis of the hip joint develops gradually, initially provoking only minor pain in the affected thigh or inguinal region. Over time, the intensity of pain increases, and the mobility of the joint is significantly limited.
The main symptoms include:
- pain in the thigh and inguinal region;
- crunch in the joint when walking;
- stiffness
- amyotrophy;
- lameness.
Sometimes these signs are confused with symptoms of a lumbar lesion. It is worth remembering that pain in coxarthrosis of the hip joint does not reach the toes, which often happens with lesions of the lower back, and only drops to the knee or mid-thigh. This is due to muscle atrophy. Sometimes the knee pain becomes pronounced.
If such symptoms occur, you should definitely contact an orthopedist or rheumatologist, since only a qualified doctor can assess the degree of joint damage and prescribe a qualified treatment.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis is based on anamnesis and the results of an X-ray examination of the hip joint. Depending on the stage of the course of the disease, the images show a change in the joint gap, the joint itself and the femur. Basically, making a diagnosis does not cause any difficulties for the doctor.
Treatment features
Many patients are wondering if the disease can be completely cured. If the therapy was carried out at the initial stages, when the pain is not too pronounced, then very good results can be achieved. However, not everyone goes to the doctor with a slight deterioration in well-being, and in the meantime, the joint is more and more destroyed, which ultimately leads to irreversible changes.
At later stages, joint replacement surgery is indicated. The treatment regimen is compiled strictly individually, depending on the characteristics of the human body, as well as the presence of concomitant diseases. For the treatment, methods such as:
- physiotherapy;
- UHF application;
- massage;
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- vasodilator drugs, muscle relaxants;
- hormonal drugs;
- chondroprotectors.
Coxarthrosis is very difficult to treat, it may take more than a year to treat, but if it is started on time, the prognosis is more positive.
Drug treatment
To eliminate the pain, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, in particular, such as Ketorol, Diclofenac, Piroxicam. They help eliminate inflammation and swelling of the tissues, which greatly reduces pain. However, it is worth remembering that the long-term use of these funds is not recommended, since they have many side effects. If you need to take inflammatory drugs for a long time, it is recommended that the drug "Movalis" be prescribed, since it has much less side effects.
The use of vasodilating drugs, in particular, such as Cinnarizine, Trental, is also indicated, which helps to normalize blood circulation, which greatly improves the restoration ability of cartilage tissue. Muscle relaxants are able to relax the spasmodic muscles of the lower leg and thigh, and also help to normalize blood circulation in the joint, thereby reducing the intensity of pain.
Chondroprotectors for coxarthrosis of the hip joint help to stimulate recovery and slow down the process of destruction of cartilage tissue. These drugs with regular use help to significantly slow down or stop the progression of the pathological process. It is worth noting that recovery continues for some time after drug discontinuation. In particular, chondroprotectors for coxarthrosis of the hip joint such as Arthroglycan and Teraflex are prescribed.
Patients note the high effectiveness of drugs for external use, in the form of ointments and gels. The active substance penetrates through the skin directly to the joint. The use of warming ointments is shown, as they contribute to the normalization of blood circulation and the elimination of muscle cramps.
In some cases, injections to the joint are prescribed for coxarthrosis of the hip joint. They help eliminate intense pain, as well as inflammation of muscle tissue and tendons. In particular, hormonal injections to the joint are indicated for coxarthrosis of the hip joint, for example, such as Hydrocortisone or Kenalog. The effect after carrying out such procedures remains for a long time.
The use of folk remedies
In addition to the drugs prescribed by the doctor, alternative treatment for coxarthrosis of the hip joint can be used, which implies the following:
- the use of decoctions and infusions of herbs;
- taking baths with the addition of herbal decoctions;
- grinding;
- setting compresses.
Healing ointments, as well as medicinal herbs, for example, such as an overwhelming help to improve the well-being of patients. Decoctions are prepared from it, ground into powder, and then insisted. However, treatment with folk remedies for coxarthrosis of the hip joint must be carried out very carefully, strictly observing the dosage, and you must first consult a doctor.
Nettle leaves and juniper berries help well, which must be taken in equal proportions and then mixed with melted pork fat. The resulting ointment should be rubbed into the affected area 3 times a day.
Essential oils are widely used to treat coxarthrosis of the hip joint with folk remedies. Celandine will help cope with pain. Grind it, add olive oil and leave for 2 weeks, so that the product is well insisted. It is necessary to rub several times a day, and then wrap the joint with a warm cloth. After a week, you need to repeat the procedure.
You can prepare a good pain medication based on alcohol, honey, iodine and glycerin. They need to be taken in equal proportions, mixed thoroughly with each other and left for 3 hours. The prepared mixture needs to treat the affected area.
In addition, it is important to lead an active lifestyle, eat right and control your weight.
Therapeutic exercises
A set of exercises can be performed when the disease has passed into the stage of remission and its manifestations are practically not observed. In the case of exacerbations, after surgery, as well as in violation of the functioning of the heart muscle, the loads are strictly contraindicated.
The orthopedist selects therapeutic exercises for coxarthrosis of the hip joint depending on the degree of damage and the complexity of the course of the disease. Each exercise should be repeated several times gently and smoothly. Classes should be held regularly so that you can achieve the desired result. There are also very good joint and muscle recovery techniques developed by leading traumatologists.
In the initial stages of the lesion, an exercise to develop the limb should be performed. To do this, it needs to be bent, raised up. All exercises should be carried out while lying or sitting on a chair or fitball.
One of the most popular methods is exercise therapy developed by Dr. Bubnovsky. It is based on the principle of ensuring good nutrition of articular cartilage by normalizing the functioning of adjacent ligaments and muscles that provide active circulation. A set of exercises can be performed on special simulators, during work on which the load on the diseased joints is reduced and as a result, blood microcirculation in weakened muscles is restored, they are strengthened, painful manifestations disappear, and the mobility of the affected area returns.
This technique has been successfully applied not only in the initial stages of the course of coxarthrosis, but also before the planned surgery on the joints. It allows you to strengthen the body and promotes faster recovery after surgery. The success of therapy depends on the systematic implementation of exercises and strict adherence to the doctor’s recommendations.
Other therapies
It is possible to carry out treatment of coxarthrosis independently, for this it is necessary to take into account such areas of therapy as:
- dieting;
- intake of a sufficient amount of fluid;
- weight loss with excessive weight;
- reduction of the load on the joint;
- physiotherapy.
Manual therapy is widely used, which should be combined with other treatment methods to obtain the desired result. A similar technique involves the gradual extension of the affected limb.
An effective therapeutic massage for coxarthrosis of the hip joint, which helps to normalize blood circulation, improve the nutrition of cartilage, increase the elasticity of joints and restore their functioning.
Hirudotherapy is prescribed at the initial stage of the development of the disease, since the action of the enzymes that the leech gives off is similar to the effect of chondroprotectors. Such manipulations help reduce pain and inflammation. Among the methods of physiotherapy, magnetic, laser therapy and electrophoresis can be distinguished. In just a few treatments, swelling and pain can be reduced.
In severe cases, joint replacement is prescribed, which involves replacing the joint with an artificial analog. Often the operation is performed at the 3rd stage of the course of the disease, when a person receives a disability and cannot move independently.
Disability with coxarthrosis
If with coxarthrosis a person cannot independently perform simple household tasks, then he is assigned disability. For this, the patient needs to undergo a special examination, on the results of which the purpose of disability will depend.
Usually, a person suffering from coxarthrosis is assigned a 3rd group, and the 2nd is somewhat more difficult to get. If the operation was performed and the well-being began to improve, then disability can be removed.
Joint coxarthrosis is a disease in which there is a gradual destruction of the cartilage and deformation of the bone surface, which eventually leads to a restriction of mobility. That is why it is necessary to conduct timely treatment using an integrated technique to prevent complications.