During life, the joints of the legs are exposed to a lot of stress. The hip is a large ball-and-socket joint that allows for independent movement. The appearance of painful sensations, stiff movements, limping gait makes a person think about the appearance of pathology.
In recent years, the number of people under the age of 30 who have been diagnosed with arthrosis has increased dramatically. This statistic is extremely disappointing as the disease is progressive and can lead to severe disability and disability. In order to protect yourself from the development of harmful effects, you should start treatment immediately and follow all medical recommendations.
Arthrosis of the hip joint causes a lot of discomfort to its owner. If you have discomfort in the joint area, you should consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment. Late treatment may cost the patient's ability to walk independently.
What is arthrosis
Arthrosis is a rheumatological disease based on degenerative and dystrophic changes in the joints. At the same time, not only the joint surfaces, but also the ligament apparatus and the capsule are involved in the pathological process. The joints of the hands, feet, and knees are most often affected, but the most serious disease is arthrosis of the hip joint. As it develops, the risk of developing total disability increases due to severe movement restrictions.
The basis of articular cartilage is collagen molecules and proteoglycans: they give the joint its strength and flexibility, making it resistant to various loads. As a result of external factors, the amount of collagen and proteoglycans decreases, which results in the exhaustion and gradual destruction of cartilage tissue. Arthrosis develops as a result of the following factors:
- mechanical damage;
- inflammatory processes in the joints;
- excessive load on the lower limbs;
- obesity;
- age-related changes in the body (for those over 55);
- menopause (in women);
- malnutrition with a lack of protein products and calcium;
- hereditary predisposition;
- transferred operations on the joints.
How is arthrosis of the hip joint manifested?
Arthrosis develops gradually, so it is rather difficult to recognize its initial manifestations. The patient may ignore the symptoms of the disease, mistaking them for fatigue or overload. After an injury, the discomfort may worsen. Arthrosis of the hip joint is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Pain in the affected limb. Dull, painful in nature, constant throughout the day. Unpleasant sensations increase during physical activity (exercise, running or walking) and decrease when at rest. If the hip joint is affected, the pain radiates to the groin, perineum, and thigh. The joint may also begin to "react" to changes in weather conditions or atmospheric pressure.
- Atrophic muscle changes. While walking, the patient unconsciously spares the affected limb, thereby putting less strain on the muscles of the buttocks and thighs. This is accompanied by their atrophy and loss of volume. This is especially noticeable in case of unilateral arthrosis.
- The appearance of a crunch when performing joint movements. This sound is similar to the rustling of a plastic bag and gets louder after a long period of immobility (sleeping at night). In medicine, this term is called "crepitus". The appearance of cracking is associated with a violation of the mobility of the joint.
- An increase in the volume of the affected joint. This occurs as a result of the formation of the smallest spines - osteophytes - on the bone surfaces. Such a reaction occurs as a compensatory response to an increase in the load on the surface of the bones (with the thinning of the cartilage).
Medical treatment of arthrosis
Currently, it is not possible to completely prevent the destruction of cartilage tissue. Therefore, the treatment of arthrosis with the help of drugs is aimed at reducing pain and slowing the progression of the disease. The following drug groups are most often used in therapy:
- Non-narcotic pain relievers and mixed-effect pain relievers. They help reduce pain and are available as tablets or ampoules for intravenous administration.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also used in the form of topical ointments or creams to reduce pain. It is also prescribed when arthrosis is accompanied by inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joint.
- Chondroprotectors are drugs that slow the progression of the disease and improve joint function.
Exercise therapy and physiotherapy methods
Non-medicinal agents are also widely used in the fight against the disease. Doctors prescribe exercise therapy for patients to strengthen muscles and prevent the development of joint immobility. The nature of the exercises and the frequency of their implementation are determined individually in each case. The treatment of arthrosis also includes such physiotherapy procedures as:
- transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation;
- acupuncture;
- magnet therapy;
- electrophoresis with painkillers;
- laser therapy;
- massage.
In order to reduce the load on the affected limb, the patient is also recommended to use a cane or walker. It will be helpful to wear a hip orthosis, a special device that helps restore leg function and prevent further damage to the joint.
Surgery
Endoprosthetics are prescribed when conservative treatment methods for arthrosis of the hip joint are ineffective. The aim of the operation is to eliminate the pain syndrome and restore the motor function of the limb. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia in a specialized hospital, after which the patient receives a long rehabilitation. The most favorable birth prognosis is for patients aged 40-75 and weighing no more than 70 kg: with them, the probability of rejection of the endoprosthesis is minimal, which makes the treatment of arthrosis extremely effective. On average, the lifespan of a prosthesis is about 10-12 years, but there have been 20-25 years of successful use with minimal wear.