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.
First, articular cartilage is drawn into the process, it becomes thinner, fragmented. As the pathological process develops, bone growths begin to form along the articular surfaces. Among the diseases of the musculoskeletal system, osteoarthritis of the hip joint accounts for 39 to 48% of cases.
As a rule, the disease occurs in people over 40 years of age, with equal frequency in women and men. The only gender difference is that coxarthrosis of the hip joint is more pronounced in women than in men.
Allocate primary and secondary arthrosis of the hip joint. When primary hip osteoarthritis is diagnosed, it is impossible to determine the cause of the process. With primary coxarthrosis, other joints can be involved in the process at the same time - knees, spine.
Secondary arthrosis of the hip joint occurs against the background of the existing pathology of the hip joint: congenital dislocation, Perthes disease, joint inflammation, 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, femoral head
- post-infectious - as a complication of purulent, allergic processes in the joint
- deshormonal - 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 (competitive athletes, frequent walkers, overweight people are at risk)
- Joint trauma (if you have previously had fractures of the neck or head of the hip joint, osteoarthritis can 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 relationship between patients suffering from coxarthrosis of the hip joint.
- previously transferred arthritis - an inflammatory process in the joint (also treated) can provoke coxarthrosis in the future
- hormonal and metabolic changes - against the background of a metabolic disorder, arthrosis of the hip joint may occur.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip joint
The main symptoms of coxarthrosis are pain in the thigh and groin, limping, 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 only appears with excessive exertion and disappears with rest. Only small bone growths can be seen on the x-ray.
- Second degree: the pain intensifies, gives way to the knee and groin. Can even occur at rest. There is a gear change. The x-ray shows clear bone growths.
- Third degree: Pain becomes a constant companion and can even disturb dreams. The patient can only move with a cane. Extensive bone growths, deformities of the head of the femur are detected radiologically, in the upper outer part the joint space is almost not determined.
Treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip joint
Coxarthrosis is a disease that gradually leads to the patient's disability. That is why the treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint should be carried out under the strict supervision of an experienced doctor. It is he who, taking into account the severity of the disease, will select an appropriate treatment regimen and help you return to a normal lifestyle.
The first step in treatment is to "unload" the diseased joint: you need to reduce motor activity and choose an aid for movement (e. g. a stick).
The next step is drug therapy: painkillers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectors.
If the disease is very advanced, then arthroplasty is required - replacement of the hip joint. Thanks to such operations, patients who have lost hope of being able to move independently can again live comfortably and independently.
The outcome of the disease largely depends on the patient himself: whether he strictly adheres to the doctor's recommendations, whether he agrees to the operation. Unfortunately, coxarthrosis of the hip joint is a progressive process. And a successful victory in the fight against this disease is only the result of the patient's persistent work.
Prevention of arthrosis of the hip joint (coxarthrosis)
Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat. How can you prevent osteoarthritis of the hip joint? Specific prevention of coxarthrosis has not been developed. However, it is not necessary to give up and let everything take its course. There are several general principles, compliance with which will help prevent coxarthrosis:
Rule one: the strictest weight control. Obese people are not only at risk of developing high blood pressure.
Likewise, extra pounds lead to increased stress on the hip joint. Therefore, the slogan "Let the pounds down" is not superfluous in coxarthrosis prophylaxis.
Rule two: adequate physical activity. It just so happens that the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip joint are common among professional athletes engaged in running and jumping.
Excessive loads on the hip joint wear out, with age, professional athletes can develop coxarthrosis. Therefore, you should not abuse walking. Any physical activity should be dosed.
Rule three: If you have metabolic disorders, you should try to compensate for them. Coincidentally, metabolic disorders can provoke many concomitant diseases, including coxarthrosis.
Therefore, any metabolic disorder needs competent treatment. Adjust your metabolism - significantly reduce the risk of coxarthrosis.
Please note that the prevention of coxarthrosis is not possible without an adequate choice of profession. If you have a history of congenital underdevelopment of the hip joint, fractures of the neck, femur, or suppurative disease of the hip joint, then you are at risk.
You shouldn't tempt fate. Professions that involve increased physical activity are taboo for you. But "sedentary" specialties suit you best.
Regular swimming is the best prevention of coxarthrosis. Because during the stay in the water, the joints are relieved, their kind of rest.
Primary prevention of coxarthrosis is 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 degree of coxarthrosis, treatment of primary manifestations, as well as slowing down the further progression of the disease. The timely detection and early treatment of coxarthrosis of the hip joint can positively influence the further prognosis of the disease.