How to treat arthrosis of the hip joint - methods and tools

Coxarthrosis is a disease that affects the patient's hip joint. Treatment is long-term. Only a few decades ago, this diagnosis was practically a sentence for a patient who promised him: severe and exhausting pain, gradual decrease in mobility and early disability.

But thanks to more effective modern treatment methods, it has become possible not only to halt the degenerative process, but even to completely cure coxarthrosis in the early stages.

Understanding the causes of the disease has led to the use of an integrated approach to therapy. Treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip joint may include the use of medications and physical therapy methods.

What is hip arthrosis

Arthrosis is a disease in which the normal structure of joint cartilage tissue is disrupted. Unlike arthritis, the cause of the deformation is not an infectious inflammation of the tissues, but a violation of metabolic processes.

Deforming arthrosis of the hip joint, with rare exceptions, is seen in patients over 40 years of age. The development of the pathology is as follows:

• Metabolism is impaired. Cartilage has no blood vessels, so it is nourished by adjacent muscle tissue. For several reasons, the synthesis of substances is interrupted.
• Due to insufficient nutrition, cartilage begins to lose its elasticity. Over time, it gets thinner. The interosseous lumen is significantly reduced. Grade 3 hip arthrosis is characterized by the fact that bone tissue growths rub against each other. Cartilage is practically absent.

• Loading on the bone, reducing the thickness of the cartilage contributes to the deformation of bone tissue.

After the onset of degenerative changes, it may take years for the patient to develop the third stage of the disease, but in unfavorable circumstances and failure to observe precautions, pathological changes can occur much more quickly.

How arthrosis manifests

The symptoms of arthrosis of the hip joint and its nature depend on the degree of development of the disease. The most common symptom is pain. It is because of the pain that patients often seek medical attention for qualified help. In addition, the insidious character of the disease is that, in the initial stage of degenerative changes, pain, as a rule, does not cause major disturbances, is short-lived and often attributed to common tiredness.

The delay leads to the fact that the most opportune time to start treatment is missed and to cure grade 2 hip arthrosis requires more time and effort. The chances of a successful prognosis still remain, as long as the therapy is prescribed correctly.

The symptoms of the disease are:

1. Pain - may appear in the thigh, groin and joint itself. It is worthwhile to be careful if the symptoms of pain appear at rest. This indicates the need for an urgent visit to an arthrologist.
2. Rigidity of movement, limping. It is observed after prolonged immobility of the leg, for example, after sleep.
3. Over time, the diseased leg becomes shorter than the healthy leg, and atrophy of the muscle tissue is observed, which is palpable.

In the diagnosis of a disease, modern diagnostic studies cannot be dispensed with. Thus, grade 1 hip arthrosis is diagnosed only with the aid of X-rays, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The image clearly shows changes and narrowing of the interosseous lumen.

Stages of hip arthrosis

After the diagnosis of a pathology, the patient receives a code according to ICD 10. This is an international classification of diseases, which is reviewed every 10 years.

Thanks to the assigned code, not only statistics are collected. The therapies that produce the most tangible results can be selected. Thanks to international cooperation, medical treatment for hip arthrosis has improved significantly over time.

In worldwide practice, it is recognized that arthrosis of the hip joint has three stages or stages of development. Each of them has its own symptomatology. In particular:

1. First stage.Pain sensations arise only in the context of overexertion: running, exercising, exercising and so on. The pain is mainly concentrated in the joint area. The pain usually goes away on its own after some rest. In that case, the mobility of the leg remains full, the muscular strength is not limited. First-degree arthrosis can only be diagnosed with X-rays or tomography. The image clearly shows small deformations of the bone tissue, which do not go beyond the so-called articular lip. The gap in the joint is slightly reduced, usually in irregular areas.
2. Second stage.Characterized by migratory pains that begin to spread to the groin, thigh. It can occur spontaneously during rest. Pain in arthrosis of the hip joint in the second stage does not go away on its own and requires the patient to take anesthetics. The range of motion is impaired and muscle tissue atrophy is observed. The image clearly shows bone growth and deformities of the femoral head. Perhaps the appearance of a cyst in the heaviest part of the thigh - the acetabulum. The diagnosis of arthrosis in the second stage is carried out quickly. Even with a superficial examination, the pathological changes are obvious. X-rays or MRIs are done to see the extent of the deformity.
3. Third stage.The pain starts to be chronic. It is possible to determine arthrosis even without a thorough examination. The patient cannot move without a cane, the pelvis is tilted, which leads to shortening of the leg. When moving, the patient must lean the trunk on the damaged joint. As a result, this leads to even greater degenerative changes. The image shows extensive bone deformities. The gap in the joint is almost invisible.

Therapeutic treatment of deforming osteoarthritis of the hip joint is effective only in stages 1-2. The third stage in the development of pathology usually leads to the need for surgical intervention.

How to treat arthrosis in the hip joint

Regardless of what is used, gymnastics for hip arthrosis or medication, all approaches are based on six fundamental principles. Namely:

• Take the pain away.
• Provides normal nutrition to cartilage tissue and, if possible, restores it.
• Improves blood flow to the affected area.
• Reduce stress on the joint.
• Strengthen the atrophied muscles.
• Restore joint mobility.

To achieve all six goals, it is necessary to use complex therapy. Thus, for example, when prescribing injections in the joint, but without taking care to reduce the load on it, it is possible to nullify all the beneficial effects of chondroprotectors. It is not surprising that, in worldwide practice, generally 2 to 10 different approaches are used simultaneously, depending on the condition of the patient.

How to treat hip arthrosis

A comprehensive approach to treating the hip joint provides better results than using just one therapeutic agent - this is a fact recognized by the world's leading arthrologists. Therefore, it is not uncommon for a patient to simultaneously receive several types of treatment including the following:

• NSAIDs- Non-steroidal drugs to relieve the inflammatory process are "classic" treatments. Medicines for osteoarthritis of the hip joint are necessarily prescribed either in combination with non-steroidal drugs or have them in their composition. NSAIDs are especially effective during an exacerbation of the disease. They help to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Reception allows physiotherapy exercises to be performed for osteoarthritis of the hip joint, massages, gymnastics and other physiotherapy procedures. The disadvantage of NSAIDs is their negative effect on the gastric mucosa. Patients need to understand that non-steroidal drugs for hip arthrosis do not cure the disease, but simply eliminate symptoms, making therapy possible.
• Chondroprotectors and hyaluronic acid.These drugs are a new stage in the treatment of the hip joint, so they can be differentiated into a separate group.
  1. Chondroprotectors are prescribed as restorative therapy. With long-term use, chondroprotectors restore damaged cartilage tissue, but their effectiveness is limited by the initial stage of the disease.
  2. Hyaluronic acid creates an intermediate layer between bones, thereby reducing stress on the joint. Effective as restorative therapy.
• Muscle relaxants- are vasodilator drugs and can relieve muscle spasm. It is prescribed to reduce the load on the joint. Muscle relaxants can only be used as part of complex drug therapy.
• Anesthetic ointment- Despite the advertisements about ointments as a miracle cure for disease relief, in fact, they just eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of the disease. On the other hand, pain relievers in the form of ointments increase the effectiveness of conservative treatment, allowing to relieve swelling and relieve the patient's condition.
• Intra-articular injections- designed to relieve pain, restore cartilage or provide protection against excessive pressure in a joint. The most commonly used drugs are corticosteroids. They relieve pain by allowing the patient to begin treatment with physical therapy. The group of corticosteroids can also include hyaluronic acid preparations. The effectiveness of intra-articular injections depends a lot on the surgeon's experience (according to statistics, 30% of doctors, when carrying out manipulations, miss the articular capsule).

Some medications can be harmful to the body. It is strictly forbidden to self-medicate!

Bandaging the hip joint will relieve stress on the joint and reduce the factor that is the main cause of the onset of tissue irritation that leads to the inflammatory process. Therefore, along with drug therapy, fixation of the damaged area is often prescribed.

Alternative methods and physiotherapy

In addition to prescribing anti-inflammatories, intra-articular injections and other medications, the patient can undergo physical therapy and use the aid of non-traditional methods of therapy.

• Manual therapy- this procedure has a milder effect on damaged tissues than massaging the hip joint for osteoarthritis. Any aggressive effect on the injured area can easily cause the inflammatory process to start. In our area, manual therapy is not yet used, but in the West it is very widespread and is one of the official methods of therapy.
• physiotherapyfor deforming arthrosis is a vast area in which the patient can choose between traditional and non-traditional methods. With hip arthrosis, Pilates, yoga, as well as water exercises and other ways to restore the function of atrophied muscles are popular. Physical education and moderate efforts, together with medications, have a beneficial effect and contribute to the patient's recovery.
• Traditional medicine- most arthrologists are against this method as independent therapy. And your opinion is justified. A large number of patients, having refused help from traditional medicine, acquired a disability. But, under the supervision of the attending physician, effective treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip joint with folk remedies is quite possible. Most of the herbs and infusions used have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Some drug claims have serious contraindications, so you should consult an arthrologist before taking them. The use of unconventional alternative methods of treating osteoarthritis of the hip joint with caution is recommended. Some of the recipes not only do not contribute to the improvement, but also lead to the opposite effect, causing accelerated destruction of the cartilage.
• Homeopathy- helps to normalize the synthesis of substances in the body. Homeopathy is especially effective in post-traumatic arthrosis, allowing to deal with the main factor that led to the development of the disease.
• Apitherapy- the treatment with bee stings is very effective, it allows combining the effect of acupuncture with drug therapy. It is not surprising that many heating and effective ointments contain processed bee venom. Apitherapy is usually more effective than hip blockade. The convenience of using apitherapy should be decided by the attending physician.
• Magnetotherapy- is used as an aid in the treatment and prevention of disease. The effect of the magnet increases blood flow to the tissue, helps to restore metabolic processes. Removes salt deposits.
• Hirudotherapy- leech therapy has been used for several centuries. It is proven that the leeches' saliva, which enters the bloodstream, contains a substance that promotes its liquefaction. As a result, blood can even enter atrophied capillaries and blood vessels.
• Mud therapy- has a mild heating effect, helps to obtain the necessary nutrients. The correct application of mud therapy reduces inflammation and pain. It is prohibited with purulent arthrosis of the hip joint. It is prescribed with caution in the presence of blood clots and vascular diseases.
• Shilajit for arthrosis- used both in pure form and as part of dyes and compresses. The beneficial substances that make up Mumiyo promote tissue regeneration. Mumiyo is especially effective in the early stages of the disease.
• Self-massage- strong and aggressive clapping is excluded. When massaging, it is necessary to ensure the flow of blood and lymph. An experienced chiropractor or massage therapist will show you the types of movements and their direction.

The treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint at home using non-traditional methods should be supplemented with adequate nutrition.

Losing weight by just 5 kg will reduce the likelihood of an inflammatory process starting by about 30%.

Arthrosis of the hip joint and pregnancy

Pregnancy with osteoarthritis in the hip joint is a double stress for the woman's body. Most medications are prohibited during pregnancy. At the very least, they should be taken very carefully so as not to harm the baby.

If hip arthrosis during pregnancy is at an early stage, drug treatment is recommended to be postponed until after delivery.

It is possible to give birth with osteoarthritis in the hip joint, but it is necessary to understand all the risks associated with this. Complications after the birth of a child are not uncommon, and the deformation of the cartilage tissue occurs at an accelerated rate.

During the child's planning, it is necessary to do a complete examination of the body. All medications, ointments and painkillers can only be taken as directed by the doctor.

Consequences of arthrosis

In the most advanced stages of the disease, it becomes impossible to cure coxarthrosis in the usual way. Surgery is necessary. The operation is the last resort and can be performed in different ways.

1. Joint replacement- completely restores all motor functions. The disadvantage of this solution is the limited life of the prosthesis. On average, after 15 years, a second operation will be needed to replace it.
2. Laser therapy for operated arthrosisof the hip joint - is used in case of rejection of the articular part of the bone. Using laser therapy, the damaged surface is removed and replaced with an artificial insert.

All types of surgery are temporary, but without them the patient is disabled.

Early diagnosis of coxarthrosis and a properly prescribed course of restorative therapy is the only reliable way to fight the disease. Ignoring the symptoms leads to disability.