Arthrosis of the hip joints is a disease in which the cartilage tissue covering the surface of the femoral head and the acetabulum is destroyed and the joint gap is narrowed. The disease leads to partial or complete immobilization of the affected limb. Arthrosis of the hip joints is also called coxarthrosis. 

The older the person, the higher the risk of arthrosis: up to 40 years, the disease is rare, after 40 years – in 10% of people, after 70 years – in 80%. This picture is typical for all types of the disease: for arthrosis of the knee joint, shoulder, and so on. In young people, the most common causes of the onset of the ailment are injuries or diseases that affect the joint and start the destructive process, as well as hip dysplasia not diagnosed in time.

One of the outcomes is ankylosis, that is, fusion of the pelvis with the femur. Arthrosis of the hip joints leads to such consequences if left untreated. 

With coxarthrosis, either one joint is affected, or both. Even if the disease “hurts” both joints, at first the destructive process develops in one of them, and only later the second starts to hurt.

Arthrosis of the hip joints can be masked for other diseases. Most often, he is confused with inflammation of tendon bags, radicular syndrome, piriformis syndrome. Incorrect diagnosis creates many problems. 

Another complication of the disease is that often in the initial stages, pain occurs in the knee. If the doctor does not have the proper competence, he will prescribe an x-ray, detect any changes in the knee (which are very common in people aged) and begin treatment of knee arthrosis. At this time, a destructive process will develop throughout the hip joint. At the Bersenev Medical Center, specialists will conduct a thorough diagnosis, confirm or refute the diagnosis, and, if necessary, develop an individual treatment regimen. 

Hip arthrosis is a progressive disease. Its feature is that the tissues that the disease destroyed are not subject to restoration. Therefore, the earlier arthrosis is detected and stopped, the more positive the prognosis will be. 

Causes of arthrosis of the hip joints.

• Age factor. This reason has already been mentioned. Even if a person has not been injured, has no previous illnesses, cartilage can begin to wear out after 40 years.
• Overweight. Extra pounds increase the load on the joint and lead to its compression. 
• Congenital pathology. For example, an abnormal structure of the femoral head can lead to the appearance of a disease. 
• Diabetes.
• Unsuccessful surgical interventions.
• Work related to the frequent transfer of heavy loads. This factor becomes the only cause of the disease in rare cases, but it serves as a catalyst that enhances the harmful effects of other causes. 
• Occupation of professional sports, involving serious loads: for example, weightlifting.
• Arthritis is a disease that leads to the appearance of an inflammatory process in the joint zone.
• Inactivity, that is, weakening of muscles and joints due to a sedentary lifestyle.
• Endocrine dysfunction.
• Infectious diseases of the joints.

Stages of development of arthrosis of the hip joint.

• First stage. The process of tissue destruction is just beginning. At this stage, symptoms may be absent altogether. If there is pain, they most often occur after physical exertion and long rest. After being in a stationary state for a long time, a person needs to “diverge” – as a result, uncomfortable sensations are eliminated. An x-ray shows a minimal narrowing of the joint space, as well as the formation of bone outgrowths (osteophytes). Unfortunately, many people at this stage do not seek help, as the symptoms are not intense.
• Second stage. It is at this stage that most patients go to a specialist, as discomfort reduces the quality of life. The pain manifests itself when moving, and at rest. A person has to take a forced posture during sleep. Pain sensations give rise to psychological fear: the patient is afraid to exert pressure on the affected leg, and therefore is lame. At this point, a crunch may appear in the joint. 
• Third stage. If the disease has progressed to this stage, the prognosis worsens significantly. Arthrosis of the hip joints begins to manifest itself visually: the leg is slightly shortened. Significant lameness intensifies, the patient literally “skews” on one side. The pain becomes very severe, it is almost impossible to do without painkillers. Pain occurs in the knee and thigh. Due to the minimization of mobility, the muscles of the thigh and buttocks begin to atrophy. 
• The fourth stage. At this stage, the thigh muscles are significantly atrophied. A person cannot walk without assistance or a cane, crutches. The cartilage tissue is completely worn out, the surfaces of the bones are connected. Pain treatment at this stage is ineffective. It is only possible to restore a comfortable life to a patient by implanting an artificial joint. 

Symptoms of arthrosis of the hip joints

• Pain during movement or at rest.
• Stiffness in the hip and / or knee.
• Clicks, crunch in the area of ​​the hip joint. 
• A feeling of limited movement in the morning. 
• Pain in the thigh, knee as a reaction to bad weather.
• Pain when trying to change the position of the body (for example, after getting up from a chair).

At the first stages of development, arthrosis of the hip joint may resemble usual overwork or “age-related” pain. Most often, it is the elderly who ignore the first symptomatology, believing that at their age it should be so. In fact, the opposite is true: older people need to carefully monitor the condition of the joints, because they are at risk. 

Diagnosis of arthrosis of the hip joints

At the doctor’s appointment, the patient talks about the symptoms, previous injuries and diseases. A specialist examines the affected limb, may ask the patient to walk in order to assess the gait. In addition, hardware diagnostic methods are used.

• Roentgenography. The most efficient hardware method. Allows you to determine the condition of the joint space, as well as to find out if there are bone outgrowths. 
• MRI Provides more complete information about joints and cartilage. Provides information about the presence of an inflammatory process, if any.
• Ultrasonography. It makes it possible to identify the initial signs of arthrosis of the hip joints. Provides information in qualitative and quantitative form about the state of the surface of the joint. 

Modern diagnostic methods allow you to determine the disease in the early stages. The information obtained during the diagnosis makes it possible to develop a treatment regimen taking into account the particular case. This is the key to successful therapy. 

Treatment of arthrosis of the hip joints

The doctor selects treatment methods depending on the stage of the disease, the nature of its course, symptoms and individual characteristics of the patient. Consider the basic methods that are used in modern medicine.

• Drug treatment. Anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, vasodilators, muscle relaxants, antispasmodics are used. Chondroprotectors are used to restore cartilage. If the disease can be determined at an early stage, use the simplest methods to improve blood circulation: ointments, patches. 
• Exercise therapy. Light exercise improves joint mobility, strengthens ligaments, improves muscle tone. 
• Diet. This item is especially relevant for people with excess weight. Each patient is better to refuse fried, spicy, sweet, fast food. It is recommended to eat fish, lean meat, greens, vegetables, fruits, and legumes. Such a diet not only positively affects the joints, cartilage and muscles, but also prepares the body for the recovery process, which requires a lot of energy. 
• Massage. Relieves pain, improves blood circulation, increases muscle tone. 
• Miostimulation. Effects on muscles with electrical impulses. The method is especially effective if muscle atrophy has already begun. 
• Metameric method. Injections are injected into the affected areas, which trigger regenerative processes, stop dystrophic changes, and improve the condition of the joint and cartilage tissue. 
• Mechanotherapy. The use of simulators to restore motor functions of the lower extremities. 

If the disease is at an advanced stage, resort to surgery to replace the joint. 

Conclusion

Arthrosis of the hip joint, as well as, for example, arthrosis of the shoulder joint, is a serious disease if it is not detected on time. Dystrophic processes are developing rapidly, so we recommend that you contact the Bersenev Medical Center if you detect the first symptoms. Multilevel diagnostics and individually selected treatment are the key to a successful fight against arthrosis.