It is necessary to treat arthrosis of the hip joint comprehensively, and the help consists in eliminating the factors provoking the disease and relieving pain, as well as inflammation. Thus, it will be possible to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms associated with pain and limb dysfunction that occur with this disease. Therefore, the diagnosis of this pathology is important and consists in carrying out an X-ray examination in several projections.
Causes and degrees of flow
Factors provoking the development of arthritis include the following phenomena:
- hereditary predisposition;
- weakness of the musculo-articular corset;
- abnormalities in the structure of the skeleton;
- history of trauma;
- inflammation;
- autoimmune processes;
- purulent infections;
- intense physical labor or sports;
- advanced age.
There are 3 stages of the course of the pathological process. So, arthrosis of the 1st degree of the hip joint is characterized by the appearance of pain only after physical exertion, and there are no other symptoms of the disease. The next stage is characterized by constant pain, including at rest. X-ray examination shows narrowing of the joint space. 1 and 2 degrees with proper and timely treatment are reversible conditions, but in the absence of treatment they quickly develop into a more severe form. As osteoarthritis progresses, the pain becomes excruciating and limits the mobility of the femur in the hip joint. The muscles of the lower limb atrophy and do not perform their functions. The detection of osteophytic growths is typical for the 3rd degree of severity of arthrosis of the hip.
Pathology symptoms
The first symptom of the disease is severe pain in the thigh when moving.
Arthrosis of the hip joint is characterized by the occurrence of such manifestations:
- pain syndrome caused by physical activity;
- fever, while body temperature ranges from normal to subfebrile;
- atrophy of the musculo-ligamentous corset;
- lameness;
- limb deformity associated with massive edema and osteophyte formation;
- modification of limb length;
- cracking noises when moving the TBS.
Deforming osteoarthritis develops more often in the region of the right hip joint than in the left hip joint.
The signs are expressed according to the stage of the process. Often the patient's entire leg hurts completely, which is associated with damage or inflammation of the nerve endings passing near the joint. At the same time, arthrosis of the hip joint of the 2nd degree is characterized by the appearance of pain at rest. And also there is a stiffness of movements, especially in the morning. This is caused by the accumulation of intra-articular exudate around the neck and head.
The hyaline cartilage atrophies, so the joint space is significantly narrowed, which causes the appearance of a characteristic crunch during movement, shortening the length of the limb. In this case, the thigh bone is destroyed and the density of its tissues is lost. Osteopathy is progressive in nature and is associated with tissue trophic disorders. The development of chronic inflammation is a factor provoking the destruction of the hip joint. As a result, foci of pathological ossification or osteophytes appear. This is typical for 2 3, and sometimes the first degree of the course of the disease.
How is the diagnosis made?
A traumatologist can determine arthrosis of the hip joint during an external examination and questioning about the course of the disease in a patient. X-ray examination is used to confirm the diagnosis. In the photo, arthritis looks like a seal and a deformity of the pelvic ends of the thigh. This greatly increases the size of the head. An important symptom of the disease is the formation of osteophytes, which is also well detected using this method.
What is dangerous?
The hip joint is a component of the human musculoskeletal system. Therefore, a violation of its functions provokes the immobilization of the patient, and over time causes the appearance of disability. In addition, the inflammation spreads to the bones of the pelvis, causing dysfunction in urination and defecation. It is possible to encroach on the nerve endings passing near the femoral head, which causes a violation of the tactile sensitivity of the limb.
The progression of the disease leads to the formation of cartilage defects, its abrasion and cracking. Cartilage particles enter the joint cavity and cause aseptic or "sterile" inflammation that occurs without the participation of pathogens.
Also, the inflammatory process spreads to the bone tissue, causing aseptic necrosis (necrosis) of the areas of the acetabulum and femoral head. Bony growths are formed - osteophytes - which injure the surrounding tissues, exacerbate the inflammatory process and cause severe pain.
In the advanced stage of the disease, there are signs of periarthritis, when the periarticular soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, nerves, vessels) are affected. The final of the disease is the complete destruction of the joint, which leads to its immobilization - ankylosis of the hip joint.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip joint
Treatment of joint disease should be aimed at eliminating the cause of the process. It is necessary to be treated with the use of drugs, and if necessary, they resort to surgical intervention. The complex effect also includes folk remedies in the form of herbal medicine, which should supplement the main therapy. When the exacerbation of the disease has been overcome, physiotherapy is used. They will also help if an incipient disease process is present. The prevention of osteoarthritis lies in good nutrition. The diet should limit foods high in salt.
With a significant severity of the lesion, it is recommended to replace the joint, including the prosthesis of the pelvic section of the joint.
Preparations
Conservative treatment is able to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms caused by arthrosis of the hip in the early stages of development. It helps to anesthetize the soft tissues of the thigh and pelvis, as well as to eliminate some other unpleasant manifestations. For this purpose, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs based on Diclofenac or Ibuprofen are used. They should be administered intramuscularly, taken by mouth, or smeared on the affected area. Muscle relaxants are also used to reduce muscle spasms in the diseased limb. Drug treatment consists in prescribing a long course of chondroprotectors and vitamin complexes.
Physiotherapy
Arthrosis of the hip joint can be cured in the early stages of the course with the help of physiotherapy. It can also be used after prolonged exposure to the drug and the elimination of signs of the inflammatory process. This type of intervention can help reduce muscle spasms and restore the functional activity of the joint.
If the patient has an initial stage of pathology, then it will be useful to do the following types of physiotherapy:
- magnetic therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- paraffin applications;
- mud treatment;
- baths with essential oils.
Folk remedies
Treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint using non-traditional methods involves the use of various means. For this purpose, you can also use crushed mint and aloe leaves with the addition of petroleum jelly to give viscosity and better application. Celandine, which has been soaked in olive oil for 2 weeks, will come in handy. Horseradish root compresses or healing mud wraps are also used.
In most cases, traditional methods of treating rheumatic pathology include the use of various medicinal ointments, creams and gels as topical therapy. Traditional medicine also uses drugs in the form of ointments. Natural herbs are usually used for their preparation.
Treatment of arthrosis with folk remedies at home is not able to completely get rid of the disease, but it is quite possible to reduce clinical symptoms such as pain, swelling andinflammation.
Exercise therapy and massage
Mild hip osteoarthritis is treated with these types of exposure. Manual therapy is indicated after the complete elimination of inflammation and pain. The massage should be performed by a doctor after reviewing the medical history of the patient. Most often, a course of 15 massage sessions is prescribed. Home treatment involves the use of special gymnastic exercises that will help restore full functional activity of the joint.
Severe osteoarthritis is not treated with massage and exercise therapy.
Prevention
Sufficient physical activity will help prevent osteoarthritis of the hip joint, but physical activity causes rapid wear of cartilage tissue, therefore it is not recommended especially for people predisposed to the onsetjoint diseases. An untreated hip dislocation or other limb injury is also dangerous. Good nutrition with a sufficient intake of vitamins and mineral complexes is also important.