Which doctor treats arthrosis (coxarthrosis) of the hip joint?

Tests that need to be taken after admission Help from doctors and endoprosthetics Doctors who treat coxarthrosis of the hip joint Coxarthrosis is a disease characterized by degenerative processes in the hip joints. As the disease progresses, the cartilage and articular head on the femur are destroyed. We will look at which doctor treats coxarthrosis of the hip joint in more detail in the article.

Doctors who treat coxarthrosis of the hip joint

Symptoms of coxarthrosis

Pain forces the patient to see a doctor for coxarthrosis of the hip joint. The disease is accompanied by various symptoms that develop depending on the stage of arthrosis:

• Stage 1: mild discomfort is noted in the hip area, radiating to the groin. It is provoked by movement and heavy physical activity. Painful sensations go away at rest;
• Stage 2: nagging or stabbing pain occurs when walking, accompanied by lameness, stiffness in movement. When bending the leg at the hip, a person hears a crunching sound, accompanied by pain. The patient is unable to pull the affected limb toward the abdomen or move it to the side.
• Stage 3: continuous pain, does not subside at rest, intensifies in the evening. The thigh muscles atrophy, lameness is noted, as it is impossible to straighten the leg at the hip joint. The affected limb is 1-1.5 cm shorter than the other. To move around you have to use a cane or crutch.

Important!

Pain in coxarthrosis extends only to the knee joint; there is no discomfort below.

You should consult a doctor when the first symptom appears - pain when moving. The treatment method will be selected depending on the degree of development of the disease.

Where to go for coxarthrosis?

If the patient does not know which doctor treats coxarthrosis, then he should seek help from a therapist.

At the appointment, the doctor collects anamnesis, examines the affected joint and prescribes a number of medical examinations to diagnose the disease:

• X-ray of the limb: the image reveals deformation of the articular head, destruction of cartilage and narrowing of the joint space;
• Magnetic resonance therapy: detects coxarthrosis in the early stages, assesses the degree of damage to surrounding tissues;
• Arthroscopy: the exact stage of coxarthrosis is determined by a device inserted into the affected joint;
• Complete blood count: an increase in leukocytes and ESR are signs of an inflammatory process.
• Hip puncture: performed to confirm the presence of infection in the joint fluid and select subsequent treatment.

Tests to be taken after admission

After confirming the diagnosis, the therapist refers the patient to an endocrinologist to check hormonal levels, disruption of which is one of the common causes of coxarthrosis. If abnormalities are detected, the patient is given hormonal therapy.

Treatment of stages 1 and 2 of arthrosis of the hip joint is carried out by a rheumatologist, who selects medications taking into account the severity of the patient’s condition.

Groups of medications prescribed by a doctor for coxarthrosis:

• Treatment of coxarthrosis of the hip joint - types and degrees of the disease, medications, nutrition and physiotherapy

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Indomethacin) relieve pain, tissue swelling, and inflammation;
• Chondroprotectors (glucosamine, junium, arthra) restore cartilage and prevent their further destruction;
• Vasodilators (trental, theonicol) improve microcirculation in the affected tissues;

Ointments and compresses are ineffective in the treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint - they are not able to penetrate inside the joint. Instead, physiotherapeutic treatment is prescribed - heat, electrical muscle stimulation, laser therapy and magnetic therapy. According to indications, massage and gymnastics are performed. The goal of the treatment is to restore damaged tissue.

As additional treatment, hirudotherapy, acupuncture and joint traction are prescribed at the discretion of the doctor. The procedures improve blood circulation and speed up the treatment process.

A little about the disease itself

The first sign of arthrosis is aching pain in the joint area, which usually occurs after excessive stress or, conversely, after sleep. As pathological processes in the joint develop, the pain becomes more intense, and a characteristic “dry” crunch appears in the joint. Without treatment, arthrosis leads to significant limitation of mobility of the affected joint and atrophy of nearby muscles.

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Help from highly specialized doctors for coxarthrosis

Which doctor treats coxarthrosis if drug treatment is ineffective? When diagnosing stage 3 of coxarthrosis, the therapist refers the patient to other specialists: a surgeon, neurologist and orthopedist. The help of these specialists is required if drug treatment is ineffective.

Surgical intervention is carried out at the doctor’s choice of one of two types: organ-preserving or endoprosthetics. The first involves restoring the functions of the joint without removing it. Endoprosthesis replacement is the replacement of the affected bone with a metal prosthesis.

The operation will restore the mobility of the limb, during which the damaged elements will be replaced with endoprostheses. After installation, the prosthesis must “take root” in the tissues, after which it requires development.

Doctors' help and endoprosthetics

Endoprosthetics is only one of the surgical methods for treating coxarthrosis, and restoring the functioning of the hip joint is possible in other ways:

• Periarticular osteotomy: During the operation, the femur bone is filed down in certain places and then reattached at a different angle. The goal of the intervention is to slow down the development of toxarthrosis.
• Arthroplasty: first, the adhesion, which is the cause of limited mobility of the articular head, is removed. Then the shape of the joint surfaces is restored, between which a spacer is installed to prevent the re-development of toxarthrosis.
• Plastic surgery of intra-articular fluid: hyaluronic acid is injected into the joint cavity, which is embedded in the damaged cartilage and exhibits an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.

In the postoperative period, the surgeon takes control of the patient’s condition and the rehabilitation specialist, whose goal is to restore the functions of the joint. The result is achieved through a set of exercises, breathing exercises, and massage.

After surgery and the rehabilitation period, the patient follows a daily routine and rest, avoids physical activity, and is examined prophylactically by an orthopedic surgeon.

• Treatment of grade 3 arthrosis of the hip joint: are there methods?

The primary category of osteoarthritis is that the disease occurs without visible prerequisites. Indirect causes of the disease are: circulatory and hormonal disorders, spinal pathologies, sedentary work, and old age. Secondary category - the disease develops after injury or against the background of concomitant diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Who treats coxarthrosis?

The absence of provoking factors for the onset of the disease often leads to errors in diagnosis. Which doctor should I go to for pain in the hip joint? Arthrosis or not? The right direction will help you avoid unnecessary costs and save your time. Let's try to figure it out.

If you suspect coxarthrosis, first of all contact an orthopedic surgeon. You will also need consultation with other highly specialized specialists - an arthrologist, a rheumatologist. If the pathology occurs as a result of a joint injury, a traumatologist is needed. This doctor is available in any clinic. Diagnosis and treatment method depend on the stage of the disease.

Timely medical assistance is an almost one hundred percent guarantee of prompt non-intervention. The advanced state of the disease leads to disability.

Prerequisites for the occurrence of coxarthrosis of the hip joint:

1. Genetic predisposition (heredity);
2. Excess weight;
3. Increased physical activity of a constant nature (excessive joint loads combined with a short rest period contribute to accelerated wear of cartilage);
4. Inactivity;
5. Injuries;
6. Congenital joint pathologies;
7. Stress, old age, metabolic disorders.

Genetic predisposition Excess weight Increased physical activity Inactivity Injuries Congenital joint pathologies Stress Old age

Doctors treating associated complications

Many joint diseases, especially rheumatological ones, often lead to systemic damage to the entire body. Often other areas of the body suffer due to advanced arthrosis, so if you have specific complaints, you can contact the following doctors:

1. Cardiologist, nephrologist. Rheumatoid processes often affect the heart and kidneys, which leads to certain problems.
2. Neuropathologist. If the patient often complains of concomitant neuropathological complications, including headaches, surges in blood pressure or dizziness, then it is recommended to seek help from this doctor. There are situations when joint diseases are multisystem in nature, which is why it is necessary to treat these symptoms.
3. Urologist, gastroenterologist. When arthritis occurs, complications from other internal organs often occur, including the intestines and lesions of the genitourinary system. There is evidence indicating a direct link between Crohn's disease or chlamydial infection and the development of reactive arthritis. As is known, long-term lack of treatment for arthritis often leads to degenerative changes in cartilage tissue.
4. Psychologist. It is important to provide the patient with mental balance during exacerbations. Some patients require psychological support.
5. Rehabilitologist. Exercise therapy or therapeutic exercises are an integral part of recovery. These doctors select an individual restorative complex aimed at improving the mobility of the joint capsule.
6. Physiotherapist. Physiotherapy if joint degeneration occurs is also necessary. The procedures eliminate chronic inflammation and a feeling of stiffness.

How not to miss the onset of coxarthrosis?

Coxarthrosis always begins on one side. At the first stage, it is usually discovered by chance, for example, during an examination for other reasons.

Let's look at the warning signs.

• Which doctor will help in the treatment of coxarthrosis of the hip joint?

Stage I - legs begin to get tired quickly; in the morning you feel stiffness in the hip (after a short walk, movements are restored); Sometimes there is pain in the groin area.

WHAT'S HAPPENING? The cartilage tissue becomes thinner, bone growths form, and the joint space narrows.

Stage II - pain from the hip area goes down to the knee, but does not spread to the foot and lower leg; after rest the pain disappears; mild lameness often occurs; with sudden movements of the leg, the suffering intensifies. Getting up from a chair and putting on shoes becomes a problem.

WHAT'S HAPPENING? Bone growths continue to deform the femur, and the joint space narrows even more.

Stage III is the penultimate stage in the destruction of the hip joint. Coxarthrosis atrophies the muscle groups of the thigh; the affected leg differs in appearance and length from the healthy one. There is a “shooting” in the lower back, pain becomes a constant companion. There is a need for around-the-clock outside help.

WHAT'S HAPPENING? The joint space almost disappears, and subluxation of the femoral head occurs. The reactive inflammatory process provokes severe pain that does not go away with rest.

Osteoarthritis of the hip joint: treatment at Dr. Dlin’s clinic

One of the main activities of the clinic in Moscow is effective prevention, rehabilitation treatment and rehabilitation of the disease. The full course of therapy begins with a comprehensive diagnosis, identifying the causes of pain, and continues until the discomfort is completely eliminated and the usual full standard of life is returned. The specialists providing highly professional assistance have undergone training in the world's leading medical centers - leaders in the treatment of joint problems, and have extensive successful experience in this area.

The clinic offers:

• exclusive treatment of international level using innovative technologies;
• the latest diagnostic and treatment equipment;
• services of the best specialists in the treatment of arthrosis;
• immediate relief of pain;
• caring staff and comfortable environment.

We are waiting for you for a free initial appointment!

Help from a specialist and a set of therapeutic measures at different stages

If you consult a doctor for treatment of coxarthrosis at the onset of the disease, the chances that hospital treatment can be avoided are high. A specialist in the treatment of joints prescribes chondroprotectors, anti-inflammatory and vasodilator drugs.

In combination with drug treatment, it is necessary to maintain a diet, engage in physical therapy (physical therapy) and limit physical activity.

It is forbidden to perform exercises: in case of severe pain, exacerbation, or discomfort in the sore leg! The exercises are performed smoothly, without jerking, otherwise the training, instead of the expected benefit, will only bring harm to the patient with coxarthrosis.

The diet must include: dairy products (preferably fermented milk and low-fat milk), lean meats, fish (boiled, baked, steamed), milk porridge (oatmeal, rice, buckwheat) and rye flour products (a source of carbohydrates) ).

Exclude from the diet - sugar, pastries, sweets, smoked meats, sausage, wheat and semolina porridge, limit salt intake (no more than a teaspoon per day).

At the second stage of the development of osteoarthritis, to help chondroprotectors and anti-inflammatory drugs, ointments are prescribed to relieve pain and muscle relaxants that relax the muscle. Rarely - injections into the joint, in case of unbearable pain. Complex therapy, as in the first stage of arthrosis of the hip joint, includes exercise therapy, massages and diet.

Be sure to exclude from the diet:

• Products high in preservatives;
• Fried and fatty foods;
• Offal.

To reduce the load on the hip joint, fixing medical bandages are used.

Treatment of stage III coxarthrosis is a complex, lengthy process. The disease borders on disability. Therapy is necessary without delay, otherwise the joint will completely collapse and treatment will only be possible through surgery. Hormonal steroids are added to the above remedies - by injection, the drug enters directly into the affected area, relieves pain, inflammation, and stabilizes the structure of cartilage.

The complex treatment, along with exercise therapy, massages and diet, includes physiotherapy.

Procedures with a high rate of effectiveness:

1. Magnetotherapy – accelerates the restoration of cartilage, improves blood circulation in tissues and slows down the process of joint destruction in coxarthrosis;
2. Ultrasound – relieves pain, a feeling of stiffness in the joint and promotes muscle relaxation;
3. Laser therapy – improves metabolism and blood circulation, is very effective in blocking pain attacks;
4. Mud treatment – ​​eliminates inflammation;
5. Radio wave baths - increase tissue properties such as permeability to microelements, saturate the body's cells with oxygen and other useful substances.

Physiotherapy is an auxiliary way to alleviate the patient’s condition and is used only in complex treatment. The procedures have a restorative and preventive effect and are prescribed after drug therapy.

Diagnostics

If there are subjective and objective symptoms of joint arthrosis, the patient is prescribed a comprehensive diagnostic examination to determine the degree of destruction of the osteoarticular joint and select the optimal treatment method. Source: L.V. Luchikhina, D.E. Karateev New approaches to the early diagnosis of arthrosis and prospects for its pathogenetic therapy // Modern Rheumatology, 2014, No. 4, pp. 33-38 Diagnosis of joint arthrosis includes collecting anamnesis, examination and additional instrumental studies (radiography of the affected joint, ultrasound, CT and MRI).

Surgery and endoprosthetics

In advanced stages of coxarthrosis, conservative therapy does not always give positive results.

Sometimes surgery is necessary. Operations prescribed for stages II and III of coxarthrosis (osteotomy, chondroplasty, debridement) slow down the pathological process, but do not stop it.

At the last stage of the disease, the cartilage is completely destroyed. In this case, replacing the hip joint with an implant is the only method of helping a patient with arthrosis. Endoprosthetics (replacement surgery) helps to return to a full life and restores the functionality of the limb.

Why does ankle arthrosis occur?

Arthrosis is in most cases the lot of older people. However, in recent years the disease has become younger and appears in patients under 45. The most common causes:

• injuries and microdamages;
• ankle surgery;
• excess weight;
• heavy load: long standing, playing sports;
• constantly wearing high heels;
• hereditary predisposition;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• gout, diabetes mellitus, osteochondrosis (as provoking factors).