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 reasons that cause this disease, therefore, different age groups of people are at risk. However, it should be noted that most often the defeat of the hip joint occurs in middle-aged and elderly people.
Grade 1 osteoarthritis of the hip joint is successfully treated with drugs without surgery. However, unfortunately, patients are in no hurry to immediately consult a doctor, mistakenly believing that the painful sensations will go away on their own. Meanwhile, 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 resulting from 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 may be affected. Bilateral osteoarthritis is not uncommon, and with a one-sided pathological process it can cover the spine and knee joint.
Causes of osteoarthritis of the hip joint
- deterioration of arterial blood flow and its venous outflow, as a result of which the tissues are not sufficiently nourished, there is an accumulation of under-oxidized metabolic products 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 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 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 features of cartilage tissues).
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip joint
The general symptoms of this pathological process are distinguished, however, it is necessary to understand that they can differ at different stages of the development of arthrosis. The main signs of damage to the hip joint are:
- pain in the groin, hip, joint and knee, which does not subside even in a calm state;
- stiffness and rigidity;
- limping;
- femoral muscle atrophy;
- the affected limb becomes noticeably shorter.
The main symptom of arthrosis of the hip joints is pain, intensity and duration, as well as the nature and localization of which depend entirely on the characteristics of the pathological process. It is better to start treatment at the very beginning of the disease, when the discomfort is not yet very pronounced. If the appropriate measures are not taken in time, the pain will begin to intensify, as a result of which the mobility of the affected limb will be significantly limited.
Grade 2 hip osteoarthritis is characterized by intense pain that radiates to the groin and thigh. In this case, the functioning of the joint is disrupted, lameness appears, internal movement and abduction of the hip to the side are limited. The abductor and extensor muscles lose strength, bone growths become visible on the x-ray, which can strongly protrude. 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 disturb you even at night. It becomes so difficult to walk that you have to use a special cane. In the hip joint, movement is limited, the gluteal muscles, the affected thigh and lower leg atrophy, and the leg shortens. 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, eventually losing its mobility.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip joint
If the disease is detected at an early stage, preference is given to conservative methods of treatment, using various drugs. The patient is mainly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which perfectly relieve swelling and inflammation, due to which the pain syndrome decreases. With muscle spasms, muscle relaxants are prescribed, the action of which is 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 about therapeutic massage and physiotherapy methods, as the effectiveness of such procedures is very high. Quite often, they try to treat the affected joints with various compresses, lotions and ointments prepared according to folk recipes, but all these remedies cannot have the correct therapeutic effect. With their help, you can only temporarily relieve pain and muscle spasms. Before treating osteoarthritis of the hip joint, it is imperative to consult a doctor, since the independent use of one or another drug can only worsen an already complex condition.
Gymnastics for osteoarthritis 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 you develop a sore joint in this way, you need to be very careful not to inflict further injury on yourself. Before performing physical therapy exercises and immediately after them, it is recommended to perform a muscle massage in the area of the thigh and the affected joint to prevent the appearance of discomfort.
Water is an excellent assistant in the treatment of osteoarthritis, so it is useful for the patient to swim in a swimming pool, river or sea. Additionally, a warm bath, in which slow, fluid movements of the legs can be performed, will help relieve pain and relieve muscle tension. It is important not to overload the aching joint and to be at rest as much as possible.