Osteoarthritis of the hip joint is a pathology that occupies a leading position among various degenerative-dystrophic problems of the musculoskeletal system. There are many causes that provoke this disease, therefore, different age groups of people are at risk. However, it should be noted that hip damage is most common in middle-aged and elderly people.
Grade 1 osteoarthritis of the hip is successfully treated with drugs without surgery. Unfortunately, patients are in no hurry to consult a doctor immediately, 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, which has an unclear etiology, and secondary arthritis resulting from such diseases:
- Perthes disease;
- congenital dislocation;
- abnormal development of tissues in the hip joint;
- aseptic necrosis of the femur;
- inflammatory processes;
- hip fractures.
One or two hips 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
- deterioration of arterial blood flow and its venous outflow, as a result of which the tissues are malnourished, there is an accumulation of insufficiently oxidized metabolic products, which are 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 disorders;
- traumatic dislocations, fractures of the cervix and pelvis;
- necrosis of the tissues of the head of the hip bones;
- inflammation of the joints, 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 (skeletal weakness, metabolic disorders, structural features of cartilage tissues).
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip
The general symptoms of this pathological process are distinguished, but it should be understood that they may differ at different stages of the development of osteoarthritis. The main signs of hip joints are:
- pain in the groin, hip, joint and knee, which does not subside even at rest;
- stiffness and stiffness;
- limping;
- atrophy of the thigh muscles;
- the affected limb becomes significantly shorter.
The main symptom of osteoarthritis of the hip joints is pain, intensity and duration, as well as the nature and location of which depends entirely 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 severe. If 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.
Osteoarthritis of the hip joint grade 2 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 movements and abduction of the hip joint are limited. The muscles of the abductors and extensors lose their strength, the bone growths become visible on the X-ray, which can stand out strongly. The head of the femur 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 constant and may even bother you at night. It becomes so difficult to walk that you have to use a special cane. In the hip joint, movements are restricted, 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 increased bone growth, the joint space disappears and the joint grows together, eventually losing its mobility.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip
If the disease is detected at an early stage, conservative methods of treatment using different drugs are preferred. The patient is prescribed mainly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which perfectly relieve swelling and inflammation, due to which the pain syndrome is reduced. In case of muscle spasms, muscle relaxants are prescribed, the action of which is aimed at stimulating the blood circulation and relieving the spasms. In addition, chondroprotectors are often used for osteoarthritis - drugs that allow the restoration of thinned cartilage.
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 means can not provide the desired therapeutic effect. With their help you can only temporarily relieve pain and muscle spasms. Before treating osteoarthritis of the hip, it is mandatory to consult a doctor, as 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 the disease. Specially selected exercises for osteoarthritis of the hip prevent fusion and maintain mobility. When developing an inflamed joint in this way, you must be very careful not to inflict further injury. Before and immediately after exercise exercises, it is recommended to do a muscle massage in the area of the thigh and the affected joint to prevent 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 your feet, will help relieve pain and relieve muscle tension. It is important not to overload the inflamed joint and to be at rest as much as possible.