Osteoarthritis of the hip joint is a progressive degenerative-dystrophic disease that is based on functional and structural wear and tear of the hip joint.
At first, the articular cartilage is pulled in the process, becomes thinner, fragmented. With the development of the pathological process, bone growths begin to form along the joint surfaces. Among diseases of the musculoskeletal system, arthrosis of the hip joint represents 39-48% of cases.
As a rule, the disease develops in people over 40 years old, with equal frequency in both women and men. The only gender difference is that coxarthrosis of the hip joint is more severe in women than in men.
Distinguish primary and secondary arthrosis of the hip joint. If primary hip arthrosis is diagnosed, it is impossible to establish the cause of the process. In the case of primary coxarthrosis, other joints - knee, spinal - can be involved in the process at the same time.
Secondary arthrosis of the hip joint occurs against the background of the existing pathology of the hip joint: congenital luxation, Perthes disease, inflammation of the joint, trauma. Classification of coxarthrosis depending on the cause of this disease.
What is coxarthrosis?
- involutive - occurs as a result of age-related changes
- dysplastic - against the background of congenital underdevelopment of the joint
- post-traumatic - after fractures of the neck, head of the femur
- post-infectious - as a complication of purulent, allergic processes in the joint
- dyshormonal - as a result of long-term use of corticosteroids
- metabolic - develops as a result of metabolic disorders
- coxarthrosis of the hip joint - as a complication of Perthes' disease
- idiopathic - the cause is not clear (primary).
Causes of osteoarthritis of the hip joint
- constant overloading of the joint (professional athletes, people who walk a lot, overweight people are at risk)
- joint trauma (if you previously had fractures of the neck or head of the hip joint, then arthrosis may develop over time)
- burdened heredity (if your relatives had problems with metabolism, weakness of bone tissue, then you are at risk). However, there is no clear hereditary link between patients suffering from coxarthrosis of the hip joint.
- previously transmitted arthritis - an inflammatory process in the joint (even treated) can cause coxarthrosis in the future
- hormonal and metabolic changes - arthrosis of the hip joint may appear against the background of impaired metabolism.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip joint
The main symptoms of coxarthrosis are pain in the hip and groin, lameness, shortening of the affected leg and atrophy of the thigh muscles.
Depending on how severe the symptoms are and what the X-ray changes are, there are three degrees of coxarthrosis or stages of the disease:
- First degree: pain in the joint area appears only after excessive load and disappears at rest. Only small bony growths are determined on the radiograph.
- Second degree: the pain becomes more intense, radiates to the knee and groin. It can occur even at rest. There is a change in gait. X-ray shows significant bony growths.
- Third degree: pain becomes a constant companion, it can disturb even sleep. The patient can only move with a cane. Radiologically, extensive bone growths, deformation of the head of the femur are determined, in the upper outer part the articular cleft is almost not defined.
Treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint
Coxarthrosis is a disease that gradually leads to disability of the patient. Therefore, the treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint should be carried out under the close supervision of an experienced doctor. It is he, taking into account the severity of the disease, who will choose an adequate treatment regimen and help you to return to a normal lifestyle.
The first step in treatment is to "unload" the diseased joint: you need to reduce motor activity, choose a mobility aid (for example, a cane).
The next step is drug therapy: pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectors.
If the disease has gone far, then arthroplasty is necessary - replacement of the hip joint. Thanks to such operations, patients who have lost hope of moving independently can once again live comfortably and independently.
The outcome of the disease largely depends on the patient himself: whether he will strictly adhere to the doctor's recommendations, whether he will agree to the operation. Unfortunately, coxarthrosis of the hip joint is invariably a progressive process. And the successful victory in the fight against this disease is only the result of the patient's hard work.
Prevention of arthrosis of the hip joint (coxarthrosis)
Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure. How to prevent osteoarthritis of the hip? Specific prevention of coxarthrosis has not been developed. However, you don't have to give up and let everything go its own way. There are several general principles, the observance of which will help prevent coxarthrosis:
Rule one: strictest weight control. Overweight people are not only at risk of developing hypertension.
Similarly, excess weight creates increased stress on the hip joint. That is why the slogan "down with the extra pounds" is not superfluous in the prevention of coxarthrosis.
Rule two: adequate physical activity. It just so happens that the symptoms of arthrosis of the hip joint often appear in professional athletes engaged in running and jumping.
Excessive load on the hip joint wears it out, with age professional athletes can develop coxarthrosis. That is why you should not abuse walking. Any physical activity must be dosed.
Third rule: if you have metabolic disorders, you should try to compensate for them. It so happens that metabolic disorders can cause many concomitant diseases, including coxarthrosis.
That is why any metabolic disorder needs competent treatment. Correct your metabolism - significantly reduce the risk of coxarthrosis.
Please note that prevention of coxarthrosis is impossible without an adequate choice of profession. If you have a history of congenital underdevelopment of the hip joint, fractures of the neck, femoral head, purulent disease of the hip joint, then you are at risk.
You shouldn't tempt fate. Professions associated with increased physical activity are taboo for you. But "settled" majors suit you best.
Regular swimming is the best prevention of coxarthrosis. After all, it is during your stay in the water that the joints are unloaded, their kind of rest.
The primary prevention of coxarthrosis is the timely detection, treatment and monitoring of patients with congenital defects of the hip joint.
Secondary prevention of coxarthrosis consists in timely diagnosis of the initial stage of coxarthrosis, treatment of the primary manifestations, as well as delaying the further progression of the disease. Timely detection and early treatment of coxarthrosis of the hip joint can positively affect the further prognosis of the disease.