The hip joints experience the greatest load in the body. They are created by weight during walking, jumping, running, lifting and carrying heavy objects. Patients often feel pain in the hip joint. Orthopedists at the Yusupov Hospital determine its cause using modern diagnostic equipment. Doctors determine the degree of joint damage, which allows them to make an accurate diagnosis and develop optimal treatment tactics.
Doctors at the Yusupov Hospital provide complex therapy for diseases that cause pain in the hip joint. Patients are individually selected effective medications that affect the cause and mechanism of development of pain. Rehabilitation clinic specialists provide rehabilitation therapy using the latest physiotherapeutic procedures, physical therapy, and acupuncture. The presence of special simulators allows you to reduce the load on the joint during training.
In the process of treating pain in the hip joint, doctors from many areas of medicine are involved: endocrinologists, rheumatologists, orthopedists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists. A multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of pain in the hip joint allows for rapid pain relief. Patients suffering from pathology of the hip joints often require outside care. It is professionally carried out by the staff of the Yusupov Hospital who have undergone special training.
What is coxarthrosis
Arthrosis of the hip joint or coxarthrosis is a chronic, slowly progressive degenerative disease, accompanied by the destruction of cartilage and bone tissue of the joint, the growth of bone osteophytes that deform the joint, as well as the involvement of periarticular tissues in the pathological process. All this gradually leads to complete loss of leg function and disability. Women suffer from this type of arthrosis more often.
For a long time, the disease was considered age-related, but it has now been proven that in many people this pathology of the legs begins to develop after 20 years, and sometimes in childhood, remaining asymptomatic for a long time, appearing after 40 - 50 years. In terms of incidence, coxarthrosis is second only to arthrosis of the knee joint. But in terms of the duration of periods of incapacity, it is much ahead of it, since it is more severe. Coxarthrosis of both joints and one joint develop equally often.
In some cases, the disease is detected in late stages, but this is not a death sentence: conservative and surgical treatment methods have been developed for any stage. The code for coxarthrosis according to ICD 10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision) is M16.
Causes and features of the development of arthrosis of the hip joint
Osteoarthritis of the hip joint (HJ) is actually a group of diseases that have different origins, but are similar in the mechanism of development of the pathological process, changes in joint tissues and main symptoms. The disease can be primary (the causes of this disease are not fully established) and secondary.
Reasons for the development of secondary coxarthrosis:
- Exogenous – factors of external influence. This is hard physical labor, sports, accompanied by increased stress on the legs and microtraumas. This also includes the consequences of macrotraumas - fractures, dislocations, ligament ruptures.
- Internal causes are various common diseases, one of the manifestations of which is coxarthrosis. Such diseases include chronic infectious-inflammatory and autoimmune (rheumatoid, reactive, psoriatic arthritis), as well as metabolic (gout) pathological joint processes. Over time, along with inflammation in the joints of the legs, degenerative-dystrophic processes develop - arthrosis-arthritis (osteoarthrosis).
- Congenital diseases - dysplasia (impaired joint formation) and osteochondropathy (malnutrition of the joint with subsequent bone necrosis) can also result in coxarthrosis, for example, aseptic necrosis of the femoral head (Perthes disease) - the causes of these diseases have not been precisely established.
- Genetic predisposition – hereditary structural features of the hip joint and genetic pathology of connective tissue.
- Age-related physiological processes accompanied by hormonal changes, including a decrease in the content of female sex hormones (women get sick more often than men), excess body weight, and less physical activity.
Under the influence of the listed factors (often several at once), changes gradually occur in the articular cavity at the cellular level: the metabolism in the cells of cartilage tissue changes, the processes of destruction in them begin to prevail over the processes of synthesis. The volume of joint fluid that nourishes the cartilage tissue decreases. The joint space narrows.
Damage to the hip joint due to coxarthrosis
This leads to a gradual thinning and then cracking of the articular hyaline cartilage and the growth of connective tissue in the subchondral zone of the bone. The bones along the edges of the articular surfaces begin to grow (protective reaction), forming growths (osteophytes) and deforming the leg. Degenerative-dystrophic processes occur in the articular cavity, periodically aggravated by aseptic (without infection) inflammation. Over time, the articular surfaces partially grow together due to the proliferation of connective tissue, which prevents the leg from bending, straightening and rotating inward. The surrounding muscles are constantly under tension, protecting the joint from additional injury and at the same time increasing pain, which leads over time to their atrophy (decrease in volume).
Restriction and pain of movements contribute to the fact that the patient takes a forced position when walking with a displacement of the pelvis, the head of the femur and the axis of movement in the leg. This leads to changes in the knee and ankle, and the development of flat feet.
Individuals at risk:
- whose work involves lifting weights - loaders, professional heavyweight athletes;
- those suffering from chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases of the joints or having close relatives suffering from such pathology;
- those suffering from spinal diseases – osteochondrosis, scoliosis, etc.;
- those who are overweight and lead a sedentary lifestyle;
- aged 50 years and older.
Causes
Let's look at the main reasons why the joint area on the left side hurts. The problem lies in pathologies, dysfunction of internal organs and injuries.
This problem occurs more often in women than in men. The following factors can cause pain:
- Injuries.
- Damage to joint tissue. In this case, arthritis can form.
- Joint diseases cause tissue disorders.
- Pathologies during skeletal development.
- Painful sensations during pregnancy.
- Pain when walking can cause inflammation in the soft tissues.
At the initial symptoms of the disease, you should go to the doctor. Discomfort in this area can be caused by injuries such as congenital hip dislocation, fracture, joint bruise or ordinary dislocation.
Soreness occurs with rheumatoid arthritis or degenerative diseases. In the latter case, a burning and nagging pain is felt.
This may be a viral deformity or coxarthrosis. Pain can occur in women during pregnancy. They worry in the last stages with weight gain.
Unpleasant symptoms may occur for the following reasons:
- Large weight gain.
- Hormonal changes.
- Lack of vitamin D and calcium.
- Spinal diseases.
- Arthrosis.
- Past traumas.
Pain occurs after loading the joint. To determine an accurate diagnosis, a comprehensive blood test and ultrasound of the joint are prescribed.
Symptoms of coxarthrosis
The disease begins gradually, often unnoticed by the patient. It is very important to catch the first signs of the disease and not ignore them, but immediately consult a doctor.
But if this was not possible and serious changes have already occurred in the leg, the doctor will be able to help. It will eliminate pain and stop the progression of the disease.
The first signs of arthrosis of the hip joint
The initial symptoms of arthrosis of the hip joint are mild morning stiffness and the appearance of pain after a long walk or standing. The pain is usually localized in the hip joint and radiates to the groin or buttock. But sometimes the first signs of coxarthrosis are pain in the leg from the knee and below. They quickly pass in a state of rest.
Unfortunately, patients rarely consult a doctor when such signs appear; more often they simply ignore them and miss the opportunity to suppress the development of the pathological process at the very beginning, when this is easiest to do.
Obvious symptoms of arthrosis of the hip joint
The pain syndrome intensifies, spreads to the groin area, buttock, along the outer and inner surface of the thigh down to the knee, and then along the lower leg to the foot. There is a restriction in leg movements, especially during internal turns (inward rotation) and outward abduction. Pain also appears regardless of physical activity, including at night. They are often associated with changing weather conditions. Lameness appears, which forces the patient to walk using a cane.
The gait gradually becomes waddling, “duck-like.” The leg takes a forced position: it bends slightly at the hip joint, while the lower back protrudes slightly forward, and the pelvis tilts sideways, towards the coxarthrosis.
The patient begins to notice that the diseased leg becomes shorter and smaller in volume than the healthy one. Obvious symptoms of the disease do not raise doubts that the cause is damage to the hip joint. It is in this condition that patients most often consult a doctor.
Coxarthrosis is characterized by pain in the groin and on the outer side of the thigh.
Dangerous symptoms of hip arthrosis
If the following symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor:
- severe joint pain, inability to step on the leg, feeling of instability - a sign of subluxation of the hip joint;
- an increase in body temperature in combination with increased pain in the leg is a sign of a joint inflammatory process; if the temperature is high, then there may be an infection;
- the affected leg has become significantly shorter than the healthy one, abduction to the side and inward rotation are impossible - a sign of loss of a significant part of the function of the joint.
Types of pain
Painful manifestations in the pelvis and groin area can vary in severity and course. The pain can be bright and sudden, and sometimes with a long period of growth.
Acute
Usually the pain is short-term, the patient is easily able to determine its location. The appearance of acute pain indicates organic damage or the formation of a disease.
At first, pain occurs in a specific place, and over time it dissipates throughout the body.
Aching
This type of pain usually appears against the background of acute pain manifestations, but covers a larger area.
Painful sensations most often increase and disappear, and after a while they appear again. It is quite difficult to determine the location of pain, which makes therapy difficult.
Chronic
This type of pain can last for more than six months. This symptom is very difficult to identify and treat. Often, to get rid of painful manifestations of a chronic nature, surgery is required.
If pain in the pelvic and groin areas of any nature systematically appears during even minor physical activity, you should immediately consult a doctor. You should not treat yourself, as the disease in its advanced form can cause serious health problems, which will require serious and long-term treatment.
Why is coxarthrosis dangerous?
Any localization and form of arthrosis has serious complications, so you should not delay treatment.
See how easily the disease can be cured in 10-12 sessions.
Osteoarthritis of the hip joint is dangerous because the disease constantly progresses to the point of complete loss of function, when the leg simply stops moving. There is also a danger of infection joining and spreading to adjacent tissues.
Degrees of coxarthrosis of the hip joint
There are 4 clinical and diagnostic stages of coxarthrosis (degree of damage to articular cartilage).
1st degree arthrosis of the hip joint
It can be asymptomatic, sometimes moderate pain appears after physical activity, quickly disappearing with rest. X-ray: no changes or slight narrowing of the joint space. MRI at stage 1 of coxarthrosis: signs of heterogeneity appear in the cartilage tissue.
Stage 2 arthrosis of the hip joint
The pain intensifies, radiates to the knee, shin and ankle, and does not go away immediately with rest. X-ray: obvious narrowing of the joint space and isolated growths of bone tissue (osteophytes) along the edge of the glenoid cavity. MRI at stage 2 of coxarthrosis: obvious defects (erosions, cracks) of cartilage with loss of less than half the volume of cartilage joint tissue.
3rd degree arthrosis of the hip joint
It is difficult to move the leg to the side and turn inward, the pain intensifies, and often appears at rest during sleep. Pain in the leg when walking forces the patient to take a forced position and rely on a cane. X-ray: the joint space narrows even more, many osteophytes lead to deformation of the hip joint. MRI at stage 3 of coxarthrosis: more than half the volume of cartilage tissue is destroyed. The third stage can still be treated conservatively.
Stage 4 arthrosis of the hip joint
Significant loss of joint function. The whole leg hurts: hip area, groin, gluteal area, hip, knee, ankle. Flat feet develop, the leg shortens, and the muscles atrophy. X-ray: multiple large osteophytes, the joint space is narrowed to a minimum or absent. MRI at stage 4 of coxarthrosis: there is no cartilage, changes appear in the bone subchondral tissue in the form of compaction (sclerosis).
Degrees of coxarthrosis
Possible complications of hip arthrosis
Regardless of the degree of coxarthrosis, treatment should begin immediately. It is better, of course, to do this in the early stages, but even in advanced stages, the doctor will always be able to help the patient, relieving him of pain and preventing the following possible complications:
- infectious and inflammatory purulent processes in the hip joint and adjacent tissues - accompanied by severe fever, chills, severe pain, tissue swelling; emergency surgery is required;
- subluxations and subluxations of the hip joint - manifested by severe limitations of movements in the leg and severe pain; will require hospitalization in the trauma department;
- pinching of the sciatic or femoral nerves by overgrown osteophytes - accompanied by severe radiating pain along the back of the leg (sciatic nerve) or the inner surface of the thigh and groin (femoral nerve); you will need urgent help from a neurologist and possibly a neurosurgeon;
- bursitis - inflammation of the synovial bursae - small cavities filled with joint fluid and located around the hip joint; they act as shock absorbers between the joint and surrounding tissues; in case of injury, cold, against the background of various diseases of the hip joint, they become inflamed; painful swelling, malaise, fever appears;
- tenosynovitis - inflammation of the inner lining of the sheath of the muscle tendons attached to the head of the femur; often develops in advanced stages of coxarthrosis, when the affected leg is shortened; manifests itself in severe pain when stepping on the foot;
- tunnel syndrome - nerve entrapment by large osteophytes; accompanied by severe neurological pain.
Crunching in joints - when to worry
Intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid
Exacerbations of arthrosis of the hip joint
Exacerbations of coxarthrosis are associated with periodically occurring inflammatory processes in the joint. Usually they are aseptic in nature and develop after additional injuries and any previous diseases. This pathological process is called arthrosis-arthritis; today it is more often called osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis, depending on which process (inflammatory or degenerative-dystrophic) predominates.
Exacerbation is manifested by increased pain, swelling of the periarticular tissues and a slight rise in temperature. If the fever is high and the general condition suffers, then this is most likely a sign of infection of the joint. If signs of exacerbation appear, you should:
- call a doctor at home - you cannot cope with this problem on your own;
- take any sedative (2 tablets of valerian extract, Novo-Passit tablet) and pain reliever (Paracetamol 500 mg tablet, Ketorol 10 mg, etc.); apply ointment or gel Diclofenac, Voltaren, Ketorol, etc. to painful areas of the body;
- lie down and take a position that minimizes pain;
- follow all doctor's orders; if the doctor believes that hospitalization is necessary, you should not refuse it.
general description
Aching pain in the right or left hip joint is usually associated with inflammation, pinching or irritation of the sciatic nerve. Moreover, it can radiate to the leg, thigh and buttock. This pain is especially pronounced when walking and exercising.
This is interesting! Sciatica is called pain in the right or left hip joint, which radiates to the leg and buttock and is caused by pinching or inflammation of the sciatic nerve.
This pain often spreads from the hip joint and tailbone, gradually moving to the gluteal muscle, the back of the thigh and calf, integrating into the foot, but not affecting the toes. Thus, it spreads throughout the lower limb. Usually this sensation affects only the right or left side. But in some cases it can affect both limbs at once.
This symptom often affects the general condition and gait of a person. The patient experiences severe discomfort while walking and, trying to reduce the load on the affected limb, begins to limp.
Integrating pain
Types of arthrosis of the hip joint
Coxarthrosis is divided into types, forms and types according to different criteria: origin, nature of the course, characteristics of changes in tissues, etc.
By origin
On this basis they distinguish:
- primary or idiopathic type, the origin of which cannot be determined;
- secondary, with established causes, previous injuries, diseases, for example:
- post-traumatic coxarthrosis - develops after injuries (fractures, dislocations, ligament ruptures) or against the background of prolonged minor injury in athletes and people engaged in heavy physical labor;
- against the background of inflammatory processes in the joints (arthritis):
- localized – pathological process only in the hip joint;
- generalized - multiple joints become inflamed (rheumatoid, psoriatic, reactive arthritis).
According to the nature of the flow
Degenerative-dystrophic lesions of the hip joint always occur slowly and chronically. But during such diseases there are two types:
- low-symptomatic – occurs unnoticed or with mildly expressed symptoms, while radiological changes can progress regardless of the absence of clinical signs; develops more often in young and middle-aged people;
- manifest - all symptoms are clearly expressed, changes on x-ray lag behind them or are completely consistent; more common in old age; the course of this type is divided into rapidly and slowly progressing.
Sore joint on x-ray (right)
According to the characteristics of changes in articular tissues
The destruction of intra-articular cartilage is accompanied by the proliferation of replacement connective tissue. On this basis, the following types of changes in the TBS are distinguished:
- hypertrophic – connective tissue grows excessively, forming numerous osteophytes and sclerosis of bone subchondral tissue; is formed:
- deforming arthrosis of the hip joint is the most common outcome of the disease; due to overgrown osteophytes, the shape of the joint changes, branches of the nerves innervating the joints may be pinched, which leads to severe pain; dysfunction of the leg quickly develops, read more about it here;
- atrophic – the growth of connective tissue is insignificant, which leads to further injury and destruction of bone tissue.
Seven causes of pain in the hip joint with kickback to the leg
- Injuries;
- arthritis;
- arthrosis;
- inadequate blood supply to joint segments;
- infections;
- a change in the normal anatomy of the joint, when, as a result of dislocation or subluxation (congenital or acquired), the head of the femur occupies an incorrect position in the acetabulum;
- diseases of other organs and systems, when joint pain radiating to the leg occurs against the background of neurological disorders: lumbar radiculitis, sciatic nerve neuritis and piriformis syndrome.
Hip dislocation
Diagnostics
The correct diagnosis of the disease can only be made in a clinical setting. The Moscow Medical School has all the conditions for this.
Do not try to treat yourself: without a preliminary examination, this will lead to the progression of the disease and increased pain!
The following diagnostic tests are prescribed:
- Clinical – the doctor interviews and examines the patient.
- Laboratory:
- general and biochemical blood test - inflammatory processes and metabolic disorders are detected;
- If necessary, additional laboratory tests are performed to clarify the diagnosis.
- Instrumental:
- radiography of the hip joint - reveals violations of bone structures;
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - detects changes in all joint tissues.
Chondroprotectors: what are they, how to choose, how effective are they?
Joint pain at rest
Joint diseases and their characteristic symptoms
Often the spine ache very much precisely because of problems with bones and joints. These factors are the most common cause of discomfort. Moreover, both injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system can cause such a problem.
Joint diseases that cause pain in the joint:
- With osteoarthritis, pain mainly occurs in the morning. It gradually fades away over the course of the day. However, it returns under load. The more advanced the stage of the disease, the longer the pain syndrome does not go away.
- Bursitis makes itself felt with cramping pain. With this problem, it seems that the discomfort comes from deep within the tissues.
- Coxarthrosis is typical for older people. For a long time, this disease makes itself felt by pain only while walking. And only after severe destruction of the joints does it begin to manifest itself at rest.
- With arthritis, discomfort is expressed by severe aching pain.
- When the ligaments become inflamed, the pain is very pronounced and painful. They appear at the slightest load.
- Neuralgia of the cutaneous femoral nerve is expressed by severe and burning pain. The thigh and buttock may also ache.
In addition to painful symptoms, some other signs can indicate the presence of problems with the joint. Among them are a crunch in the joint, loss of flexibility and mobility of the back, general or local temperature, and a change in gait.
Treatment of coxarthrosis
Therapy is prescribed individually and depends on the cause of the leg lesion, the stage of the disease, and the presence or absence of concomitant diseases. First, a complex of conservative therapy is prescribed. If this does not help and the disease progresses, accompanied by severe pain, surgical treatment is recommended.
At any stage of the disease, the main goals of treating arthrosis of the hip joint are:
- pain relief;
- suppression of disease progression;
- restoration of destroyed cartilage.
The complex of conservative therapy includes drug treatment and non-drug methods - diet, physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises, etc.
Drug treatment (pharmacotherapy) of coxarthrosis
All medications for the treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint are selected individually for each patient, taking into account the characteristics of his body.
To eliminate pain the following is prescribed:
- Paracetamol - tablets or rectal suppositories in a dosage of 500 mg are enough to relieve pain and minor inflammation (if any); can be repeated up to 4 times a day; the safest pain reliever;
- drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); Depending on the severity of the pain syndrome, they can be prescribed in the form of intramuscular (IM) injections, rectal suppositories, orally in the form of tablets and externally:
- diclofenac (trade names - Diclofenac, Voltaren) - an effective analgesic but often gives side effects from the stomach;
- ketorolac (Ketorol, Ketanov) is the most powerful pain reliever from the NSAID group, but also has side effects;
- ketoprofen (Ketonal) - less effective than Ketorol and Diclofenac, but there are fewer side effects;
- ibuprofen (Ibuprofen, Nurofen) - more suitable for relieving fever and inflammation, but also effective as a pain reliever; fewer side effects;
- nimesulide (Nimesulide, Nise) - belongs to a new generation of NSAIDs and almost does not irritate the stomach;
- Any ointment (cream, gel) based on NSAIDs is applied externally to the site of pain.
All NSAIDs have side effects, including irritating the gastric mucosa (risk of ulcers) and thinning the blood (risk of bleeding). In addition, they do not treat degenerative processes in the joints, but simply eliminate pain.
To eliminate muscle tension, muscle relaxants are prescribed. Tension of the muscles adjacent to the joint is a protective reaction of the body, but increases pain in the leg. To relax the leg muscles, tolperisone (Mydocalm) or tizanidine (Sirdalud) are prescribed.
To improve blood circulation and nutrition of the joint - pentoxifylline (Pentoxifylline, Trental) - dilates small blood vessels, improves blood circulation.
Drugs for the treatment of coxarthrosis
Chondroprotectors are used to restore cartilage tissue. This group of drugs includes chondroitin sulfate (CS) and glucosamine sulfate (GS):
- Dona (contains GS) is an effective remedy with a relatively short course of treatment;
- Structum (contains cholesterol) - you will have to be treated for at least six months;
- Teraflex (CS + GS) - course of treatment from 3 to 6 months;
- externally: Chondroitin (CS) ointment - 2 times a day for 3 weeks, Teraflex M (CS + GS) cream 2 - 3 times a day for a month; A small amount of ointment is applied to the skin and lightly rubbed.
Biologically active food additives (dietary supplements) of targeted action used in the treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint:
- Boswellia extract (Now Foods, USA) is a herbal preparation that protects cartilage from destruction, has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect; course of 1 capsule three times a day for a month;
- Connect Ol (Naturas Pluse, USA) – contains CS, GS, bromelain, calcium, zinc, copper, vitamin C, alfalfa, Chinese sea cucumber; course of 1 – 2 tablets per day for a month;
- Joint Formula (Cevan Nutritionals, USA) – contains GS; course of 1 capsule per day for a month.
Non-drug treatment of coxarthrosis
This is an even more significant section of the conservative treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint than medication. It includes proper nutrition, exercise and massage, and physiotherapy.
Nutrition for coxarthrosis
There is no special diet for degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the leg joints. But many people with sore feet are overweight. Therefore, sweets, baked goods, and sweet carbonated drinks should be excluded from the diet. It is necessary to significantly reduce the consumption of high-calorie foods: fatty meat, fish caviar, sausage. Regular consumption of alcohol is harmful - blood circulation in the joint is impaired.
You can eat lean meat, fish, dairy products, cottage cheese, cheese, buckwheat and oatmeal, first courses with vegetable or non-concentrated meat broth, compotes, fruit drinks.
Exercise therapy for arthrosis of the hip joint
The most important thing is to perform the exercises correctly, gradually increasing the load and not ignoring the appearance of pain (if pain appears, gymnastics should be stopped). Training should take place regularly. The first classes should be conducted under the supervision of a physical therapy instructor. And only after a while you will be able to conduct them yourself at home. Swimming in the pool, smooth gymnastics in the style of Pilates or yoga are very useful.
Exercise therapy for arthrosis of the hip joint strengthens muscles, activates blood circulation and metabolism, and helps restore the function of leg joints. Exercises for arthrosis of the hip joint can be performed from the starting position lying or standing.
Several exercise therapy exercises for the treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint
Physiotherapy for coxarthrosis
Physiotherapy procedures are of auxiliary importance, since the BTS is located deep under the muscle layer. However, sometimes electrophoresis with painkillers is prescribed to eliminate pain, and laser and magnetic therapy is prescribed to improve blood circulation.
In the absence of inflammatory phenomena in the joint, sanatorium-resort treatment with courses of ball and mud therapy is recommended. The resorts of Caucasian Mineralnye Vody are suitable.
How to treat arthrosis of the hip joint using traditional methods
Folk remedies are often included in complex treatment to reduce drug load:
- warming the upper part of the leg with sea salt; sew a long linen bag (must match the length of the upper leg), fill it with hot sea salt; First put a towel on the joint area, and then a bag; when the salt has cooled slightly, remove the towel, hold the sea salt until it has cooled completely; relieves pain, stimulates cartilage restoration, improves joint movements;
- honey massage; Use liquid warm honey as a massage oil: apply to the upper part of the leg and rub into the skin of the leg with light circular movements, patting occasionally, for three minutes; then wrap your leg and hold it there for two hours; perfectly relieves pain and activates blood circulation.
Surgical operations for coxarthrosis
Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint is recommended only in cases where all possibilities of conservative therapy have been exhausted, and the disease continues to progress and is accompanied by severe pain.
To help the patient, the following types of surgical interventions are used:
- arthrodesis – strong fastening of joint bones in the desired position using various structures; over time, this leads to their complete fusion; the leg fully performs the supporting function, but does not move, therefore arthrodesis is performed only if there are contraindications to other surgical interventions;
- femoral osteotomy – dissection of the femur to create an artificial fracture and subsequent fastening in the desired position using various metal structures; not only the supporting, but also partially motor function of the leg is preserved, pain disappears;
- endoprosthetics is the replacement of a destroyed joint with an artificial one that fully performs all the functions of the removed one.
Features of the treatment of pain of different types
Treatment options for pain depend on the cause that caused it. Of course, you can take a painkiller to temporarily eliminate the symptom. However, this will not solve the problem, and after the effect of the drug wears off, the painful sensation will return again. In addition, such medications have a lot of contraindications, in the presence of which they cannot be taken.
For joint disease, drug therapy is often prescribed. It includes steroidal or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectors, etc. Physiotherapy can also be prescribed in combination with medications.
In advanced stages, conservative treatment may be useless. In this case, surgical intervention is prescribed. Moreover, various techniques can be used. In extremely advanced cases, total joint replacement is used.
Treatment
Pain is a sign that indicates the presence of a problem in the body. Therefore, you should not try to eliminate this symptom without identifying its cause. Don't self-medicate and stay healthy.
Good day, dear guests of the site! This article will tell you what pain in the hip joint on the left side indicates.
This joint faces a lot of stress every day and therefore discomfort in this area can cause great inconvenience.
- Remedies for pain in the hip joint - medicines and traditional medicine recipes
The hip joint includes the femoral head, neck and socket, which enters the articular cavity. Therefore, the appearance of pain cannot be ignored.
Approach to treating the disease in our clinic
Moscow Medical Specialists have extensive experience in treating degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the leg joints. If coxarthrosis is suspected, a full examination of the patient is first performed using the most modern diagnostic methods, including MRI. And only after the final diagnosis and stage of the disease is established, comprehensive treatment is prescribed.
A special feature of the treatment in our clinic is that doctors use not only the most modern methods of treating leg diseases, but also the use of traditional oriental techniques that have been successfully used for centuries by doctors of Ancient China and Tibet. To treat coxarthrosis we use:
- PRP therapy is an advanced modern technique for activating restoration processes in the hip joint by introducing the patient’s platelets into the pathological focus; This method can restore cartilage tissue;
- methods of reflexology (RT) – influence in various ways on points on the human body that are reflexively connected with the tissues of the hip joint; techniques such as acupuncture, moxibustion with wormwood cigarettes, acupressure, auriculotherapy (impact on points in the ear area), etc. are used;
- manual therapy – a chiropractor uses his hands to correct the position of the hip bones;
- hirudotherapy - treatment with leeches that improve blood circulation in the leg, which leads to the restoration of cartilage tissue of the joint;
- kinesiotherapy – restoration of motor function of the hip joint with the help of specially selected therapeutic movements.
And these are not all the methods used. An integrated approach to treatment allows not only to quickly eliminate symptoms, but also to prevent exacerbations and improve overall well-being. If you have problems with your leg joints, contact the Paramita clinic, we will definitely help you!
We combine proven techniques of the East and innovative methods of Western medicine.
Read more about our unique method of treating arthrosis
Characteristic and accompanying symptoms
Joint pain radiating to the leg is always accompanied by symptoms that indicate the nature of the pathology that caused it. Examples:
- Inflammation of other joints accompanied by elevated temperature is a sign of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Pain of an indeterminate nature, radiating not only to the leg, but also to the buttock, lower back and knee, is a signal of avascular necrosis (a very serious disease).
- If the discomfort increases gradually, covers the entire leg, intensifies during movement or when forced to sit still, and changes the gait, these are signs of arthrosis.
- The combination of pain radiating to the leg with lumbar pain indicates the development of radiculitis of the lumbosacral region.
General clinical recommendations for coxarthrosis
To prevent the disease from progressing, you must adhere to the following rules:
- move more, but do not forget to give the sore leg rest;
- completely avoid lifting heavy objects and standing for long periods of time;
- daily perform a complex of exercise therapy prescribed by your doctor, swim, do yoga;
- eat properly, fully, but exclude high-calorie foods from the diet;
- get rid of excess body weight;
- Regularly visit your doctor and carry out preventive courses of treatment.
Prevention of arthrosis of the hip joint
Preventing the development of coxarthrosis is easier than treating it. To do this, you need to lead a healthy lifestyle, do as much sports as possible, and eat right. If you have close relatives suffering from coxarthrosis, it is better not to engage in strength sports and heavy physical labor.
Diagnostic measures
In medical practice, a well-coordinated scheme has been developed, the use of which makes it possible to completely determine why the hip joint hurts, what to do and how to treat it.
During the first visit, the doctor’s task is to collect anamnesis. The person is asked about his lifestyle, physical activity, and is asked whether he has any relatives who suffer from joint diseases. An external examination of the joint and palpation is also carried out. If there is inflammation, this will help narrow the range of hypothetical ailments that cause pain.
Next, various laboratory tests and hardware studies are prescribed. As a rule, they resort to:
- tomography;
- radiography;
- endoscopy.
You will need immunological and microbiological blood tests and a test for rheumatoid factor. The synovial fluid of the joint may need to be examined.
Frequently asked questions about the disease
How does arthrosis of the hip joint hurt?
Characterized by pain in the groin and on the outer side of the thigh, extending to the knee. The buttock area hurts less often.
Is it possible to cure a hip joint without surgery?
It will not be possible to completely cure, but it is quite possible to eliminate the pain, stop the destruction of the joint and partially restore the cartilage. Surgery is performed when conservative treatment does not help.
Who treats arthrosis of the hip joint?
Traumatologist-orthopedist.
How can I determine if I have coxarthrosis?
Coxarthrosis can be suspected when there is pain in the groin, radiating to the leg, as well as when pain occurs while walking. After this, it is better to consult a doctor immediately.
Degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the joints of the legs and primarily the hip joint are dangerous because, due to constant high load, they very quickly lead to disability. Therefore, it is very important to immediately consult a doctor at the slightest suspicion of such a pathology. And don’t be afraid of anything: the specialists of the Paramita clinic in Moscow will help you in any case, even if you have advanced disease and can barely walk.
Literature:
- Volokitina, E. A. Coxarthrosis and its surgical treatment: abstract. dis. Doctor of Medical Sciences / E. A. Volokitina. - Kurgan, 2003. - 46 p.
- Comprehensive characteristics of degenerative changes in coxarthrosis /E. A. Volokitina et al. // New technologies in medicine: abstract. scientific-practical conf. in 2 parts - Kurgan, 2000. - Part 1. - P. 48-49.
- Ganz R., Leunig M., Leunig-Ganz K. et al. The etiology of osteoarthritis of the hip. An Integrated Mechanical Concept. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2008;466(2):264–72.
- Mastbergen SC, Bijlsma JW, Lafeber FP Synthesis and release of human cartilage matrix proteoglycans are differently regulated by nitric oxide and prostaglandin-E2. Ann Rheum Dis 2008;67(1):52–8.
Themes
Arthrosis, Joints, Pain, Treatment without surgery Date of publication: 08/24/2021 Date of update: 01/11/2021
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Causes of pain not related to joints
There are various reasons why pain in the hip joint may appear, radiating to the leg and buttock. Treatment for such a problem largely depends on what factors contributed to its occurrence.
The causes of discomfort may lie in diseases of the joints or internal organs, or may not be associated with illnesses at all.
Where does the pain come from if the joints are healthy:
- Pregnancy is one of the factors that causes lower back pain. Moreover, in this case, such a feeling is caused by a number of factors. This is a restructuring of the body, and the pressure of the pregnant uterus on the organs, and the load on the joint. Therefore, in an interesting situation, even young women experience this kind of discomfort.
- Infectious and inflammatory diseases that affect nerves and tissues can also cause this type of pain. At the same time, it can be both acute and aching.
- Also, excess weight puts a lot of stress on the spine, which is why the described sensations may appear.
- Banal hypothermia is also fraught with severe discomfort. Moreover, because of such a nuisance, diseases of the bones and joints often occur.
- Also among the possible causes is neoplasms in the spine. Moreover, discomfort can be caused by both malignant and benign tumors.
- Muscle diseases also often cause pain in the back, buttocks and legs.
- Diseases that affect metabolism, such as diabetes, are often accompanied by similar symptoms.
Pain in the lower back and lower extremities can be caused by a pinched sciatic nerve. Even a sedentary and lying lifestyle and an uncomfortable mattress can lead to a similar problem.
- Lower back pain, radiating to the buttock and leg: reasons, how to treat
In addition, age and related diseases are often the cause of the problem. For example, the same osteochondrosis.