When is hip replacement necessary?

• When is it used?
• Purposes of application
• Taping methods
• Is taping of the hip joint done for arthrosis?

Taping refers to the application of adhesive tapes to the body, which lift the skin, limit movement and provide optimal conditions for the restoration of damaged soft tissues. They protect a person from injury if used for preventive purposes. Let's talk about taping the hip joint: when it is used, how it is performed and what results it gives.

What are tapes

Kinesio Tape is a special tape with an adhesive layer that is used for rehabilitation purposes. In fact, it is an elastic functional bandage for the restoration of muscle fibers and joints, which does not hinder movement. The kinesio taping patch is made from hypoallergenic materials. It perfectly allows air to pass through, and therefore the skin under the correctly applied tape does not become dry.

Standard kinesio tape contains several layers.

• The first layer of the patch consists of cotton materials and polyurethane threads. Thanks to these elastic threads, kinesio tape can stretch when applied to the skin, becoming one and a half times longer. The cotton base of the tape has an adhesive coating - the second layer of the product.
• When applying adhesive tape, this acrylic layer is activated under the influence of body temperature. The reaction occurs 15-20 minutes after the start of the kinesiology taping procedure.
• The third layer of the tape is waxed paper (the backing for the tape) with markings applied on it for ease of use. The kinesio patch does not come off due to wetness, so it can be used when taking a bath and during other water procedures. It does not interfere with free movement, does not cause pain and is invisible under clothing. Lymph tape or kinesio tapes of types X, I and Y can be applied to the hip joint. They differ only in the way the elastic strips are cut.

Therapeutic treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint - treatment of coxarthrosis without surgery

If we want to try to avoid surgery treating coxarthrosis , we need to try to restore the diseased hip joint . We must combine therapeutic measures in such a way as to solve several problems at once:

• eliminate pain;
• improve nutrition of articular cartilage and accelerate its recovery;
• activate blood circulation in the area of ​​the affected joint;
• reduce pressure on the damaged articular head of the femur and increase the distance between it and the acetabulum;
• strengthen the muscles surrounding the sore joint;
• increase joint mobility.

The trouble is that most of the treatment methods offered in our clinics do not solve these problems: doctors at clinics most often either prescribe drugs that relieve pain but do not cure, or prescribe physiotherapeutic procedures that are almost useless for arthrosis of the hip joint .

The same approach exists in most clinics in the USA and Europe: take a painkiller - it doesn’t help - go for surgery. In commercial clinics, on the contrary, “commercially reasonable treatment” is prescribed: the patient is prescribed a lot of unnecessary procedures and medications.

You and I will be wiser and together we will think about what treatment will really be useful, and about how and due to what this or that treatment method will help us achieve the goals set at the beginning of this section. So:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs. The main drugs in this group: diclofenac, piroxicam, ketoprofen, indomethacin, butadione, movalis, nimulid, Celebrex, arcoxia, and their derivatives. These medications are prescribed to relieve pain in the groin and hip.

Doctors are very fond of prescribing non-steroidal, that is, non-hormonal, anti-inflammatory drugs for arthrosis, since these drugs effectively reduce pain in the affected joint. Therefore, in every hospital or clinic, treatment of coxarthrosis, like any other joint disease, usually begins with the prescription of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Sometimes this is justified - NSAIDs can be recommended to the patient during an exacerbation of the disease, if due to severe pain it is impossible to carry out normal treatment. Then, having eliminated acute pain with anti-inflammatory drugs, we can subsequently move on to those procedures that would be intolerable due to pain: for example, massage, gymnastics, joint traction, etc.

But you need to understand that although NSAIDs are good at reducing inflammation in the joint and eliminating pain, they do not treat arthrosis itself. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for coxarthrosis provide only temporary relief. Arthrosis, meanwhile, continues to progress. And as soon as the patient stops taking NSAIDs, the disease returns with renewed vigor.

In addition, when using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it is necessary to remember that they all have serious contraindications and can cause significant side effects with long-term use.

Read more about anti-inflammatory drugs here*

***

Chondroprotectors - glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate belong to the group of chondroprotectors - substances that nourish cartilage tissue and restore the structure of damaged joint cartilage.

Chondroprotectors (glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate) are the most useful group of drugs for the treatment of coxarthrosis. Unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), chondroprotectors do not so much eliminate the symptoms of coxarthrosis as act on the “base” of the disease: the use of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate helps restore the cartilaginous surfaces of the hip joint, improve the production of joint fluid and normalize its “lubricating” properties.

Such a complex effect of chondroprotectors on the joint makes them indispensable in the treatment of the initial stage of coxarthrosis. However, there is no need to exaggerate the capabilities of these drugs. Chondroprotectors are not very effective in the third stage of coxarthrosis, when the cartilage is almost completely destroyed.

After all, it is impossible to grow new cartilage tissue or return the previous shape to the deformed head of the femur with the help of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.

And even in the first and second stages of coxarthrosis, chondroprotectors act very slowly and do not immediately improve the patient’s condition.

To get a real result, you need to undergo at least 2-3 courses of treatment with these drugs, which usually takes from six months to a year and a half, although advertising for glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate usually promises recovery in a shorter time.

I would like to note with regret that there is some deceit in these promises. Despite all the usefulness of chondroprotectors, one cannot expect miraculous medicinal cure for coxarthrosis. Recovery usually requires much more effort than taking two or three dozen pills.

However, of all the drugs used in the treatment of coxarthrosis, it is chondroprotectors that bring the greatest benefit. In addition, they have virtually no contraindications and extremely rarely give unpleasant side effects.

Read more about chondroprotectors here*

***

Muscle relaxants are drugs used to relieve muscle spasms.

mydocalm and sirdalud are most often used for coxarthrosis . Muscle relaxants are prescribed to relieve painful muscle spasms that often accompany arthrosis of the hip joints.

These drugs sometimes really do a good job of eliminating muscle pain and, in addition, somewhat improving blood circulation in the area of ​​the affected joint. However, their use requires some caution.

The fact is that muscle spasm is often a protective reaction of the body, protecting the joint from further destruction. And if we simply relieve the protective tension of the muscles, but do not take measures to save the joint from excessive pressure, subsequently the damaged joint will begin to deteriorate at an accelerated pace.

That is, it makes sense to use muscle relaxants only in combination, in combination with chondroprotectors and joint traction. And it makes absolutely no sense to use them separately as an independent method of treatment.

I would also like to note that although many clinic doctors love to prescribe Mydocalm or Sirdalud to their patients, I have not seen many patients for whom these drugs would help to radically improve the condition of their joints. Therefore, in my practice I use muscle relaxants quite rarely, only for special indications.

***

Medicinal ointments and creams

Medicinal ointments and creams are often advertised as guaranteeing cure for joint diseases. Unfortunately, as a practicing doctor, I have to disappoint you: I have never encountered cases of healing of coxarthrosis with the help of any medicinal ointment.

But this does not mean that ointments are useless. Although coxarthrosis cannot be cured with ointments and creams, their use sometimes significantly alleviates the patient’s condition.

For example, for coxarthrosis, you can successfully use that warm or irritate the skin: menovazin, gevkamen, espol, finalgon, nicoflex cream or other similar ointments.

It has been proven that the irritation of skin receptors that occurs when rubbing these ointments leads to the production of endorphins - our internal painkillers “drugs”, due to which pain is reduced and painful spasm of the periarticular muscles is partially eliminated; In addition, warming ointments help increase blood circulation in the tissues and muscles around the affected joint.

***

Intra-articular injections (injections into the joint)

Intra-articular injections for coxarthrosis are used quite rarely, since even a healthy hip joint has a narrow joint space and a small articular cavity. Accordingly, with coxarthrosis, when the joint gap narrows by half, it is quite problematic to introduce the medicine directly into the cavity of the affected joint.

Firstly, the risk of missing is very high. Secondly, there is a risk of damaging the vascular and nerve trunks located along the intended needle insertion (since the needle is inserted through the groin). That is why most doctors inject medicine through the thigh, but not into the joint itself, but into the periarticular area.

Such periarticular, or “periarticular” injections are most often performed to eliminate exacerbation of pain. Then corticosteroid hormones are injected into the periarticular area: Kenalog, Diprospan, Flosterone, Hydrocortisone .

However, I would like to emphasize once again that these are not so much therapeutic procedures as a means to eliminate exacerbations and reduce pain. Accordingly, there is no point in injecting corticosteroid hormones in the case of a relatively calm course of the disease, when the joint does not hurt much.

Attempts are also being made to treat coxarthrosis with intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid (an artificial joint lubricant). For this purpose, the drugs synvisk, fermatron, ostenil, and duralan are used.

Hyaluronic acid preparations are injected directly into the hip joint itself, through the groin. They are really useful, but there is one circumstance that significantly limits their use in coxarthrosis: as we said at the beginning of this section, it is quite difficult to introduce the medicine exactly into the cavity of the affected hip joint.

And if the doctor missed even by a centimeter and did not hit the needle clearly inside the joint, there will be no benefit from the injection at all (according to statistics, when trying to inject medicine into the hip joint, in at least 30% of cases doctors end up in the “milk”, that is, past the cavity of the joint ).

For this reason, it is best to trust the administration of hyaluronic acid preparations only to very experienced doctors. It’s even better if you find a doctor who inserts them under direct control using an X-ray machine or tomograph (to clearly record the needle entering the joint cavity).

***

Physiotherapeutic treatment of coxarthrosis

From my point of view, most physiotherapeutic procedures are not suitable for the treatment of coxarthrosis. The fact is that the hip joint is a “deep-lying” joint. That is, it is hidden under the thickness of the muscles, and most physiotherapeutic procedures simply cannot “get” it, so they cannot radically influence the course of coxarthrosis.

Moreover, no physiotherapeutic procedures can “stretch the joint,” that is, they cannot separate the bones from each other and increase the distance between the articular head and the acetabulum.

And although sometimes such procedures can still bring some relief to the patient (thanks to improved blood circulation and reflex analgesic effects), in general, physiotherapeutic procedures for coxarthrosis bring little benefit: doctors prescribe them either out of ignorance or to simulate vigorous activity.

***

Diet

Read more about diet for arthrosis*

***

Adequate fluid intake

At the very beginning, we looked at the mechanism of joint destruction during arthrosis. In particular, we talked about the fact that with arthrosis, diseased joints lose moisture and become “dry”. This partly explains the fact that arthrosis occurs more often in older people, whose moisture content in the body decreases compared to young people.

Therefore, we can assume that people with arthrosis need to drink more water (a fact not scientifically proven, but probable). However, difficulties may arise here due to the fact that many older people have a tendency to edema. And they rightly fear that increasing water consumption will lead to increased swelling.

In such cases, I have to explain that the presence of edema is usually not associated with excessive drinking of water, but most often indicates poor functioning of the kidneys (or heart and liver). Many doctors, for example, know of cases where edema occurred in a patient who, on the contrary, drinks too little.

Therefore, by gradually increasing water consumption, you just need to take care of better removal of fluid from the body, and improving the functioning of the above organs. For these purposes, you can use various diuretics or herbs, as well as agents that improve the functioning of the kidneys, heart and liver. And in case of serious problems with internal organs, it is necessary, of course, to see a specialist first.

Well, for those who do not have a tendency to edema, you can safely increase your water consumption (up to about 2 liters per day), but observing basic conditions. You only need to increase the consumption of regular non-carbonated water (can be bottled, or just boiled).

But it is undesirable to greatly increase the consumption of tea, coffee, juices, soda, etc. After all, it is ordinary water, unlike various “saturated solutions,” that actively circulates inside the body, penetrates deeply into the joints, and is then easily excreted by the kidneys.

***

Using a cane and reducing harmful stress on the joint

Almost all patients with arthrosis begin to listen to numerous ridiculous, and often simply harmful, advice from others about how they should now live and behave in order to “get better sooner.” One of the most harmful pieces of advice for coxarthrosis is: “you need to walk as much as possible to exercise your sore leg.”

It is difficult to think of anything more stupid than this, since the presence of coxarthrosis in itself indicates that the hip joint cannot cope even with normal everyday load. And an attempt to load the sore joint even more will only lead to its rapid further destruction (you can study this issue in more detail below, in the section on gymnastics).

Before loading, or rather overloading, a diseased joint, it must first be properly treated, the aggravation removed, and the muscles around the damaged joint strengthened with the help of special gymnastics. Only then can you move on to active everyday activities, gradually increasing the load and in no case allowing pain.

Therefore, I initially advise prudent patients, on the contrary, to, if possible, reduce the load on the sore joint. It is necessary to reduce such types of physical activity as running, jumping, lifting and carrying heavy objects, squats, brisk walking, especially over rough terrain, climbing hills, walking on stairs without relying on railings - especially down stairs. All of these activities place a force on the affected joint that is significantly greater than the body's weight, which is harmful to the already damaged cartilage.

Studies carried out at the University Biomechanical Laboratory at the Orthopedic Hospital of Berlin showed that the hip joint experiences minimal load when walking steadily at a slow pace. So, if when standing it is, as we have already said, 80–100% of body weight, and when walking slowly evenly it is 200–250% of body weight, then when walking quickly it rises to 450%. When running slowly, it is already 500% of body weight, and when slightly stumbling, it is 720–870%. But when walking with support on a stick, the load is reduced by 20–40%. Climbing up the steps with support on the railing relieves the joint even more. When descending stairs, the harmful load on sore hip joints, on the contrary, increases significantly. Carrying heavy loads also increases the load on sore leg joints: carrying 10% of the body weight in one hand leads to an increase in the load on the hip joint by 22%, and when the weight is distributed evenly in both hands, it increases the load on both legs by 9% each. for each.

In addition, it is advisable for those suffering from coxarthrosis to avoid fixed positions, such as prolonged sitting or standing in one position, squatting or bent position when working in the garden. Such postures impair blood flow to diseased joints, as a result of which the nutrition of the cartilage also deteriorates.

It is necessary to develop such a rhythm of motor activity so that periods of load alternate with periods of rest, during which the joint should rest. The approximate rhythm is 20–30 minutes load, 5–10 minutes rest. You need to unload the leg joints in a lying or sitting position. In the same positions, you can perform several slow movements in the joints (flexion and extension of the joints) to restore blood circulation after exercise.

In addition, if conditions permit, it is advisable to use a stick or cane when moving. Leaning on a stick when walking, patients with coxarthrosis greatly help their treatment, since the stick takes on 20–40% of the load intended for the joint.

However, in order for the stick to be useful, it is important to choose it exactly according to your height. To do this, stand up straight, lower your arms and measure the distance from your wrist (not your fingertips) to the floor. This is exactly the length the cane should be. When buying a stick, pay attention to its end - it is advisable that it be equipped with a rubber nozzle. Such a stick cushions and does not slip when people lean on it.

Remember that if your left leg hurts, you should hold the stick in your right hand. Conversely, if your right leg hurts, hold the stick or cane in your left hand.

Important: train yourself to transfer your body weight to the stick exactly when you take a step with your sore leg!

If one of the legs is severely shortened due to coxarthrosis, it is also advisable to use an insole or pad for the shortened leg. The lining will help equalize the length of the legs, prevent “falling” on the shortened leg when walking, and thereby protect the hip joint from the impact that occurs during a “falling” step.

***

Dosed sports activities

Despite the above limitations, it is necessary to lead an active lifestyle by increasing physical activity that does not have a negative effect on cartilage.

You need to force yourself to do special exercises every day from those given below. These exercises allow you to form a good muscle corset around the joint, maintain normal mobility, and provide the joint with the necessary blood supply.

Regular exercise should turn from an unpleasant chore into a useful habit, which is the best way to maintain normal joint function.

In addition to therapeutic exercises, the patient may benefit from leisurely skiing, since due to sliding the weight load is reduced and sore joints are almost not loaded. In addition, leisurely skiing, in addition to its beneficial effect on the joints, also brings a positive emotional charge.

To begin with, it is enough to ski for 20–30 minutes, and later, depending on the condition of the joints, the duration of skiing can be increased to 1–2 hours. The only “but”: with coxarthrosis, you can only ski in the usual classic style, and you cannot use the newfangled skating skiing.

The issue with cycling is more complicated. Long, fast, or too active cycling with coxarthrosis is definitely harmful. But riding a bike slowly will most likely not cause any harm. You just need to avoid riding on uneven terrain (bouncing movements are hard on your joints) and also minimize the risk of falling from your bike.

You need to choose the right bike. You need to choose between sport and semi-sport types, as they are easier to ride and weigh less than road bikes. Since the handlebars on sports bikes are lowered down, while on road bicycles they are usually horizontal or raised, it is more convenient to raise the handlebars on a sports bike.

The most problems arise when the saddle height is set incorrectly. It should be set so that when the pedal is fully pressed in the down position, the leg is fully straightened. If the knee is bent in this pedal position, pain in the joints and muscles occurs. The distance to the steering wheel is also important - your elbows should be slightly bent.

A cyclist places stress on different muscles than a pedestrian. Therefore, to begin with, a 20–30 minute drive is enough; later, depending on the capabilities, the duration of the trips can be extended to 40–60 minutes. And I would like to emphasize once again - when riding a bicycle, do not rush into fast riding, as in this case you will harm your joints. Ride with pleasure, but calmly.

In addition to skiing and cycling, a person suffering from coxarthrosis can benefit from swimming . But here, too, there are some rules - you need to swim calmly, without jerking or too vigorous movements that can injure the joint. Choose a swimming style that does not cause discomfort or even mild pain in the joint.

When engaging in the listed sports, do not try to become “great athletes” before you get your sore joints in order. Such attempts in the overwhelming majority of cases, believe me, end sadly. “Frantic athletes” usually suffer from coxarthrosis more severely than others, and suffer many more complications.

And if you really want to help your aching joints, using the reserve physical capabilities of your body, it’s better to do the special gymnastics suggested below. The benefits from it will be much greater than from any other treatment. Moreover, without such gymnastics we are unlikely to be able to count on a significant improvement in the condition of sore hip joints.

***

Therapeutic exercises for arthrosis of the hip joint

Dear readers! We have come to consider one of the most important methods of treating arthrosis of the hip joints. Almost no person suffering from coxarthrosis will be able to achieve real improvement in their condition without therapeutic exercises . After all, it is impossible in any other way to strengthen muscles, “pump” blood vessels and activate blood flow as much as this can be achieved with the help of special exercises.

At the same time, Dr. Evdokimenko’s gymnastics is almost the only treatment method that does not require financial costs for the purchase of equipment or medications. All the patient needs is two square meters of free space in the room and a rug or blanket thrown on the floor. Nothing more is needed except consultation with a gymnastics specialist and the desire of the patient himself to do this gymnastics.

True, there are big problems with desire - almost every patient in whom I detect coxarthrosis during an examination has to be literally persuaded to engage in physical therapy. And it is most often possible to convince a person only when it comes to the inevitability of surgical intervention.

The second “gymnastic” problem is that even those patients who are committed to physical therapy often cannot find the necessary sets of exercises. Of course, there are brochures for sale for patients with arthrosis, but the competence of a number of authors is questionable - after all, some of them do not have a medical education. This means that such “teachers” themselves do not always understand the meaning of individual exercises and the mechanism of their action on sore joints.

Often, gymnastic complexes are simply thoughtlessly copied from one brochure to another. At the same time, they contain such recommendations that you can just grab your head! For example, many brochures instruct a patient with arthrosis of the knee joints to “do at least 100 squats a day and walk as much as possible,” and for arthrosis of the hip joints to “cycle a bicycle vigorously.”

Often patients follow such advice without first consulting a doctor, and then sincerely wonder why they feel worse. Well, I’ll try to explain why the condition of sore joints from such exercises, as a rule, only worsens.

Let's think of a joint as a bearing. Damaged by arthrosis, the diseased joint has already lost its ideal round shape. The surface of the “bearing” (or cartilage) is no longer smooth. Moreover, cracks, potholes and “burrs” appeared on it. Plus, the lubricant inside the sphere had thickened and dried out, and it was clearly not enough.

Try to put such a structure into operation and, in addition, give it a load beyond the norm. Do you think that due to excessive rotation, such a deformed “bearing” can become smoother and more even, and the lubricant more liquid and “sliding”? Or, on the contrary, will the entire structure quickly wear out, become loose and collapse?

In my opinion, the answer is obvious: such a “bearing” will collapse prematurely due to excessive load. In the same way, any bearings are destroyed and worn out during movement if, for example, sand gets into the lubricant and excessive friction occurs. It is not difficult to understand that already damaged, cracked and “dried out” joints are destroyed by stress in the same way. This means that exercises that place excessive stress on sore joints will only make those joints worse.

So maybe if you have arthrosis you can’t do gymnastics at all? Nothing like that is possible and even necessary. As already mentioned, gymnastics is an important method of treating arthrosis of the hip joints. However, of all the exercises, it is necessary to choose only those that strengthen the muscles of the affected limb and the ligaments of the diseased joint, but do not force it to bend and unbend excessively.

Probably, after such a recommendation, many of the readers will be surprised: how can you load the muscles and ligaments of a limb without forcing its joints to bend and straighten?

In fact, everything is very simple. Instead of the fast dynamic exercises that are familiar to us, that is, active flexion and extension of the legs, we need to do static exercises. For example, if, while lying on your stomach, you slightly lift your leg straight at the knee and hold it suspended, then after a minute or two you will feel fatigue in the muscles of your leg, although the joints in this case did not work (did not move). This is an example of a static exercise.

Another variant. You can very slowly raise your straightened leg to a height of 15–20 centimeters from the floor and slowly lower it. After 8-10 of these slow exercises, you will also feel tired. This is an example of a gentle dynamic exercise. This movement algorithm is also useful, although in this case the hip joints are still a little loaded. But the gentle amplitude and speed of movement do not provoke joint destruction.

It’s a completely different matter if the exercise is performed quickly and energetically, with maximum amplitude. By swinging your legs or actively squatting, you put increased stress on your joints, and their destruction accelerates. But the muscles, oddly enough, are strengthened much worse with such movements.

We conclude : to strengthen muscles and ligaments with arthrosis, exercises should be done either statically, fixing the position for a certain time, or slowly dynamically.

By the way, it is slow dynamic and static exercises that most of my patients do not like to do, since they are especially difficult to perform. But this is how it should be: correctly selected, these exercises strengthen those muscles and ligaments that have atrophied in a person due to illness. Therefore, at first, be patient. But, having endured the first 2-3 weeks, you will be rewarded with improved condition of your joints, overall well-being, increased strength, and you will notice how your figure will tighten.

In addition to exercises to strengthen muscles and ligaments, exercises to stretch the joint capsules and ligaments of the joints are of great benefit for arthrosis. But here, too, certain rules cannot be broken. Such exercises should be performed very gently, stretching the ligaments and joints either with very light pressure, or simply by relaxing properly. Under no circumstances should you apply force to the sore joint or pull with a jerk! And I’ll emphasize again: don’t do exercises while overcoming pain.

This applies to both stretching and strengthening exercises. All of them should not cause sharp pain. Although moderate, aching pain after performing a gymnastic complex may last for some time. They are caused by the inclusion of previously uninvolved muscles and ligaments. Such soreness usually disappears after 2-3 weeks of exercise.

Remember: if an exercise causes sharp pain, it means it is contraindicated for you or you are doing it incorrectly. In this case, you should consult with your doctor about the advisability of including this exercise in your individual complex.

In general, it is ideal when a set of exercises for a patient is prepared by a doctor who knows the basics of physical therapy. After all, gymnastics is a fairly serious treatment method that has its own contraindications.

For example, (for all their usefulness) these exercises cannot be performed :

• on menstruation days in women;
• with significantly increased arterial and intracranial pressure;
• at elevated body temperature (above 37.5 C);
• in the first month after operations on the abdominal and chest organs;
• for inguinal hernias and abdominal hernias;
• for acute diseases of internal organs;
• for severe heart damage and blood diseases.

And, of course, you can’t do gymnastics during an exacerbation of the disease . It is necessary to first eliminate the exacerbation of the disease with other therapeutic measures. Only then, in the absence of contraindications, the doctor chooses the exercises that are optimal for the patient and prescribes the mode of their implementation: sequence, number of repetitions, time to hold a certain position.

However, I am aware that not every sick person has the opportunity to consult with a competent gymnastics specialist. That is why below I present a number of exercises that are useful for arthrosis of the hip joints.

Note from Dr. Evdokimenko When doing gymnastics, do not rush. If you want to recover, you will somehow have to train yourself to do the exercises slowly and smoothly, without jerking. A jerking effort can only “tear” the muscles and will bring absolutely no benefit.

And remember that even if you perform gymnastics correctly, improvement does not come immediately. As already mentioned, in the first 2 weeks of training, joint pain may even intensify somewhat, but after 3-4 weeks you will feel the first signs of improvement.

I wish you the will and perseverance necessary to regain your former ease of movement. And if you are ready to work hard for your health, then the following set of exercises is at your service: A video with gymnastics for the treatment of coxarthrosis can be viewed here*

***

Article by Dr. Evdokimenko© for the book “Arthrosis”, published in 2003. Edited 2011. All rights reserved.

READ MORE:

• No more medications needed?
• Symptoms of coxarthrosis
• What is arthrosis of the hip joint (coxarthrosis) often confused with?
• Causes of arthrosis of the hip joint (coxarthrosis)
• Structure of the hip joint
• Changes in the hip joint with coxarthrosis
• Examination of a patient with arthrosis of the hip joint
• X-ray diagnosis of coxarthrosis: the most common mistakes
• Treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint: prospects
• Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint
• Our best exercises for the treatment of coxarthrosis

All articles by Dr. Evdokimenko

Why do you need joint taping?

Kinesio taping of the hip area is fixation of the problem area of ​​the thigh using a special adhesive strip. This procedure helps speed up the recovery of muscle and joint function and also helps relieve pain. Kinesiological taping in articular projections is also used:

• for the treatment of the hip joint with coxarthrosis and arthrosis to reduce pain;
• with muscle tension of various etiologies;
• for sports injuries and sprains.

It is not recommended to use kinesio patches on your own. Initially, it is better to consult with your doctor and get all the necessary recommendations and directions to apply tape to the hip joint without any consequences.

The first kinesiotaping procedures should be carried out in a specialized institution. Incorrectly applied kinesiology tape can lead to additional pain and dysfunction of the hip joint in coxarthrosis.

What are the consequences of lack of proper rehabilitation?

If, after hip replacement, rehabilitation is not carried out in the required sequence or is absent altogether, then the injured muscles begin to lose tone, and scars may form at the incision sites. If the patient does not strain the limbs, the ligaments will remain in a stretched position, which will lead to the following consequences:

• dislocation of the prosthesis head;
• inflammation of the nerves that are located near the prosthesis;
• broken bones near the prosthesis.

Benefits of using tapes

Kinesiotaping of the hip joint for coxarthrosis, sciatica, arthrosis and other pathologies has a number of advantages compared to other methods of treating the musculoskeletal system. Tape on the hip joint does not contain drugs and is therefore safe for the body. Those. While wearing kinesio tapes, a person can take their usual medications without worrying about the compatibility of certain medications.

The tapes are characterized by long-term effectiveness. They work well throughout the course of treatment, which is usually from one day to a week. Kinesio patches do not affect peripheral circulation and do not lead to numbness in various parts of the body. At the same time, kinesiological strips for fixing joints are inexpensive, and they can be bought not only in rehabilitation centers, but also in online stores.

Possible complications

Given the seriousness of the operation, the doctor must inform the patient about all possible complications or consequences. Most often, prosthetics ends successfully, especially if the patient obediently complied with all the requirements and recommendations.

The operation is an external intervention in the human body, therefore, you should be prepared for any situation:

• bleeding;
• prosthesis rejection;
• displacement of the prosthesis;
• infection in the wound;
• the development of asymmetry, in which one leg will be different from the other;
• dislocation of the prosthesis head;
• pulmonary artery thrombosis;
• complete destruction of the structure.

Also, the patient will be accompanied by pain for quite a long time. In a situation where complications cannot be eliminated using conservative methods, revision endoprosthetics is used. During which the implant will be replaced with another one, taking into account all the body’s reactions.

Rehabilitation for injuries and diseases of the hip joints should not be neglected. Yes, it can be hard, and it takes a lot of time. But without an adequate recovery process, returning to a normal, fulfilling life will not be possible in principle. Therefore, you should try hard so as not to receive disabled status in the future.

What are contraindications to the procedure?

Taping the hip joint for pain is an innovative therapeutic treatment, but it is not indicated for everyone. There are a number of contraindications to the procedure of applying elastic tapes. These include:

• any malignant neoplasms in the hip joint, regardless of the presence of metastases in organs and tissues;
• open wounds and open fractures (it is more advisable to use regular bandages instead of tape);
• systemic pathologies of the skin;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system (this is especially true for acute forms of diseases);
• hyperthermia of any etiology;
• severe diabetes;
• postoperative periods;
• impaired renal function.
• pregnancy (especially the first trimester).

It is also not recommended to tap the hip joint if there is any benign neoplasm in the projection of the tape. This exposure increases the risk of tumor degeneration. In any case, before the kinesiology taping procedure, you should consult with your doctor.

Purposes of application

Taping as an independent method of treatment can be used only for minor injuries that a person receives during training, as well as for bruises, bruises, and muscle pain. In this case, the body recovers on its own. Tapes only help overcome pain, relieve swelling, and provide good conditions for the regeneration of damaged tissues.

Mechanisms of action:

• the tape lifts the skin in the damaged area, provides decompression of lymphatic and venous vessels, therefore improves blood circulation and removes swelling;
• pain is reduced due to the effect on the proprioceptive sensitivity of tissues;
• due to increased microcirculation, tissue regeneration is accelerated;
• Some taping methods limit the range of motion in the joint, therefore making them less painful and reducing the risk of injury aggravation during physical therapy or the ongoing training process.

Severe injuries or severe diseases of the hip joint may require plaster immobilization and additional conservative measures. Some consequences of injuries or degenerative processes can only be eliminated using surgical methods. Taping can be used after surgery during the recovery phase, but it cannot replace it.

General recommendations for taping the hip area

The tape can be applied in a standing, lying or sitting position, depending on the purpose of using the medical tapes. You can tap any part of the body approximately 30-40 minutes before physical exercise (at least). Before applying the kinesiology patch, you need to degrease the skin with alcohol-containing wipes and then carefully dry it. You can also use any antiseptic solution to degrease the skin.

If there is hair on the taping area, it should be carefully removed. Then you need to measure the patch to the required length and cut a strip of tape. To ensure secure fastening, the ends of the tape are rounded off with scissors.

After this, the protective layer must be removed from the elastic patches. The beginning and end of the tape (its anchor) must be applied to the skin without tension in order for kinesio taping of the hip joint to be as effective as possible.

For better adhesion to the skin, the tape is thoroughly rubbed so that the adhesive materials begin to act earlier. Kinesio tape should be worn for 1-7 days, depending on the doctor's recommendations. It does not need to be removed during sports training or while taking a bath. Swimmers should use special reinforced kinesio tapes. It is also recommended to gently blot the patch with a dry cloth after each bath.

Material requirements

Materials for the manufacture of endoprostheses can be durable plastic (polymer), ceramics, or metal alloy. Most often, a metal alloy is used to make the femoral stem of the artificial joint. It could be:

• titanium;
• titanium-cobalt alloy;
• cobalt-chromium alloy;
• stainless steel.

The femoral head, liner, cup can be made of alloys, plastic or ceramics, or a combination of these materials. Their characteristics mean strength, but they must have some flexibility to provide joint mobility. It is not permissible to use materials that are not biocompatible. While in the patient's body, products made from these materials should not cause a rejection reaction, an allergic reaction, or be susceptible to corrosion.

Options for applying tapes

In the first case, first you need to take 4 tapes. The first vertical strip should be located in the projection of the diseased joint, and the anchor should be on the sacrum. The tension should be average: about 40%. When applying kinesio strips, you need to slightly bend the joint, stretching the muscle, and only then stick the tape. The tape is located along the muscles. A second strip is applied perpendicular to the first on the anterior iliac bone with similar tension so that the necessary changes occur in the hip joint.

The third and fourth tapes should be placed diagonally with maximum stretch. The third strip is glued 10 cm above the problematic hip joint. The fourth tape goes along the side of the thigh to its third.

The second scheme will require 5 tapes 25 cm long. The first tape is applied to the center of the damaged joint with strong tension (more than 80%). The remaining 4 adhesive tapes are glued diagonally from the first kinesio tape, so that you end up with a snowflake or a star.

Types of endoprosthesis according to manufacturing materials

The service life of an artificial prosthesis depends on the friction unit. It is determined by the types of material from which the friction pair is made.

In most cases, the femoral head is made of a metal alloy or ceramics; the liners are made of polymer, metal, or ceramics. Prostheses that are combined according to the principle of “ceramics - ceramics” are very popular. With correctly selected materials for the friction pair, the patient does not experience discomfort when using the endoprosthesis until the time of its replacement. Types of friction pairs by materials:

1. Metal-polyethylene are used quite often, but their advantage is limited by the low price of finished products. The metal head is prone to rapid wear, and the polymer of the liner quickly reduces the friction force.
2. Metal-to-metal is gradually losing its popularity because when using an artificial joint of this type, patients may develop complications caused by the results of metal-on-metal friction entering the body.
3. Ceramic ceramics are among the most expensive products because the production of these implants has its own difficulties. Friction between components is minimal, there are practically no complications.
4. Ceramic-polyethylene is an option that combines budget cost with low friction and high wear resistance. The head of the bone is made of ceramic; a complex polymer is used to make the liner.

Patients using a ceramic-polyethylene type construction highly appreciated the advantages of such a complex.

Therapeutic taping scheme for arthrosis

The hip joint can be taped at any stage of the disease. Taping for coxarthrosis and arthrosis is carried out only by a specialist. For treatment of arthrosis and coxarthrosis of the hip joint, the patient should lie on his side on the side of the healthy joint. The knee of the affected leg should be bent and placed opposite the thigh, subject to only slight discomfort.

The anchor of the first tape, 3-4 cm long, is applied without tension to the sacrum on the side of the diseased joint, and then, with tension, the patch is glued in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the spine and smoothly goes to the knee along the rectus muscle. Auxiliary tapes are applied along the main one in those areas where the pain is especially severe. Their number depends on the nature of the pain. Taping the hip joint for arthrosis is a fairly effective way to combat a serious illness.

There are endoprosthetics:

• hip joint;
• knee joint;
• shoulder;
• elbow;
• ankle;
• joints of the hands and feet.

Initial consultation with a rehabilitation specialist

+8

Record

It is important to remember that surgery does not complete the treatment process and rehabilitation is necessary to restore the function of the operated joint.

During the rehabilitation period, measures are taken to combat postoperative swelling, restore the functions of the joint: its mobility, ability to absorb load, and, of course, increase overall endurance. Special attention is paid to the muscles around the joint. It is necessary to restore the elasticity, strength and endurance of the muscles around the operated joint in order to ensure the normal functioning of the endoprosthesis. Competent and timely implementation of rehabilitation measures is necessary so that the patient avoids complications and is able to return to normal life and daily activities as soon as possible.

Rehabilitation periods after joint replacement vary.

Terms of rehabilitation

• after hip replacement: up to 3 months;
• knee joint: about 2 months.

Kinesio taping for pain of various etiologies

In case of severe pain, the tape is applied crosswise in the area of ​​​​the projection of the articular joint. This will reduce the load on the joint, muscles and ligaments, and also relieve all discomfort. When applying kinesiology tape, the patient lies on his side on the side of his healthy leg. The leg with the sore joint should be slightly pulled back and hung from the couch.

Then you need to take kinesiology tape 25 cm long. This wide elastic tape is glued to the lateral femoral surface from the beginning of the pelvic bone to the knee joint. The second kinesiology strip should be applied crosswise on the widest part of the thigh.

What rules must be followed in the postoperative period?

In order for a person’s motor function to be restored as quickly as possible, the following rules should be followed:

• using handrails, you can sit down and stand up already on the second day after surgery;
• physical activity should increase gradually;
• on the 5th day, you can try to climb several steps of the stairs, taking the first step with your healthy leg (vice versa when descending);
• You cannot make sudden movements;
• do not cross your legs;
• you cannot carry objects heavier than 5 kg;
• you cannot bend over and pick up objects from the floor without the help of special devices;
• you need to keep your weight within certain limits;
• do not overload the operated leg - you should change its position every half hour;
• you can drive at least 2 months after home rehabilitation;
• when traveling in a car in the passenger seat, you should stretch your legs as far as possible;
• You can sleep on your back or side with a cushion between your knees;
• the diet should be balanced;
• Sexual relations can be resumed 2 months after the operation.

Videos on the topic of taping

If you have time, it’s better to watch videos on how to tap the hip joint correctly. The video shows the basic taping schemes. The instructions also tell you how to choose kinesio tape for the hip joint.

While watching the videos, you can learn how to properly tap the hip joint for certain pathologies.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHANNEL OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTER BBTAPE ON YOUTUBE AND LEARN ALL THE SECRETS OF TAPING FROM FIRST HANDS!

Recommended Articles

Taping for cellulite of the thighs Kinesio taping of the thighs for cellulite helps to quickly and painlessly correct your figure. This technique is a procedure of applying kinesio tapes – elastic bands with an adhesive base – to the skin. Also, taping the inner thigh and other parts of it helps to cure various injuries (including hidden ones).

Hip taping (kinesio taping) Non-drug therapy methods are gaining more and more popularity due to their effectiveness and painlessness. Hip taping is used in sports medicine, orthopedics, traumatology and other clinical areas. The technique allows you to protect, support, restore and relax muscles.

Taping the abdomen for a hernia Taping a hernia is a modern method of quick and painless treatment of a rather dangerous disease. The technology appeared more than forty years ago, was used to heal athletes’ injuries, and today is used in various techniques; even a hernia of the spine can be cured by applying tapes.

Our specialists

• Mizonov Sergey Vladimirovich

  The doctor is a neurologist. Chiropractor. Osteopath. Physiotherapist. Experience: 8 years.

• Tarasova Svetlana Vitalievna

  Expert No. 1 in the treatment of headaches and migraines. Head of the Center for the Treatment of Pain and Multiple Sclerosis.

  Somnologist.
  Epileptologist. Botulinum therapist. The doctor is a neurologist of the highest category. Physiotherapist. Doctor of Medical Sciences.
  Experience: 23 years.

• Derevianko Leonid Sergeevich

  Head of the Center for Diagnostics and Treatment of Sleep Disorders.

  The doctor is a neurologist of the highest category. Vertebrologist. Somnologist. Epileptologist. Botulinum therapist. Physiotherapist. Experience: 23 years.

• Drozdova Lyubov Vladimirovna

  The doctor is a neurologist. Vertebroneurologist. Ozone therapist. Physiotherapist. Experience: 17 years.

• Zhuravleva Nadezhda Vladimirovna

  Head of the center for diagnosis and treatment of myasthenia gravis.

  The doctor is a neurologist of the highest category. Physiotherapist. Experience: 16 years.

• Ogurtsov Denis Alexandrovich

  Traumatologist - orthopedist of the highest category. Candidate of Medical Sciences.

  Experience: 23 years.