Hip Pain: Causes and Treatment

If you are experiencing hip pain, you need to determine the cause.Treatment of pain depends on the pathology manifesting the pain.Comprehensive measures and strict compliance with recommendations will help to get rid of the disease and maintain joint mobility.Impaired hip joint function prevents active movement.Decreased function limits the patient's ability to move and work independently.

anatomical features

The large joint connects the femur to the pelvic bone and provides movement in three directions: flexion and extension, abduction, and rotation of the lower limb.Degenerative changes cause deformity, limit movement, and cause pain.

The hip joint is supplied with blood by the femoral aorta, which is located in the joint area.Pathologies that disrupt vascular volume can lead to hypoxia and nutritional deficiencies.

Innervation is provided by the large nerve trunks of the sciatic, obturator, and femoral nerves.Pressure or pinching of nerve endings can cause severe nerve pain in the pelvic area.
 

causes of hip pain

The development of diseases of various etiologies in the hip area can lead to serious health problems, including disability.The occurrence of hip pain is accompanied by different stages in the development of each pathology.

The cause of pain determines the nature and intensity of the pain.Acute pain is caused by injury, inflammation, purulent processes, while painful, less intense sensations are caused by chronic diseases.

Many unexplained pathologies and congenital defects can cause symptoms.The syndrome is present initially or may arise due to the progression of the pathological condition.

cause disease

• Trauma of varying severity is one of the most common causes.Bruises, sprains, and fractures can cause mechanical damage to bones and ligaments.On the first day after the injury, I experienced severe pain in my hip joint.Then the pain subsided and became silent.Common injuries: pelvic fractures, hip dislocations, femoral neck fractures.All of the above injuries occurred immediately following a fall or blow causing serious injury.The situation becomes more complicated if a person has a history of osteoporosis, or degenerative changes in joint cartilage and bone tissue.
• Myositis ossificans is characterized by inflammation of the connective tissue of the joint capsule.It occurs after an injury or when it is inherited from a parent.A progressive process results in changes in the morphology of the cartilage tissue, which over time degenerates into a bony structure.
• Hip dislocation, whether it occurs at birth or develops in the womb, can lead to deformity, limited movement and pinched nerves.With this pathology, not only somatic pain, but also neuropathic pain in the hip joint occurs.
• Hip arthritis is a common condition in older adults who live a sedentary lifestyle or engage in strenuous physical labor.Dystrophic changes in cartilage and subsequent bone deformation can cause pain.The first symptoms appear due to intense stress.The advanced course of the disease is accompanied by a persistent dull pain that does not go away at rest or during prolonged sleep.The worsening of the syndrome coincides with progressive changes in the hip joint.
• Arthritis - Inflammation of the joint capsule with severe throbbing pain.It can occur as a stand-alone disease or as a complication after an injury or infectious disease.
• Reiter's syndrome is an allergic reaction that most often occurs after an infectious disease.In some cases, this occurs after chlamydia or gonorrhea invade the joint capsule.The pathology is accompanied by acute pain and tissue swelling in the hip joint.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease of the immune system in which the body's own cells recognize healthy tissue as a foreign organism and attempt to destroy it.This condition leads to changes in joint tissue against the background of a severe inflammatory process.
• Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic joint systemic disease.The procedure located in the iliosacral area is accompanied by pain in the pelvic area, mainly at night.The patient's pain worsens in the morning and the stiffness disappears after activity or exercise.
• Osteochondritis dissecans, also known as Koenig's disease, occurs in the cartilage that contacts the femur.The cartilage begins to delaminate and further separate into a small area.The condition is often complicated by the presence of synovitis.The patient complains of pain in the hip joint; in the final stage, complete obstruction occurs due to the presence of necrotic cartilage tissue in the joint cavity.
• Legg-Calvé-Perthess disease is a pathology similar to osteochondrosis, which occurs when blood circulation and nutrition in the hip joint are compromised.It is characterized by progressive necrosis of the femoral head, accompanied by pain and gait disturbance caused by acquired limb shortening.The disease is considered a pediatric disease because children of preschool and elementary school age are more susceptible.
• Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, which subsequently fills with pathogenic fluid.The disease occurs in the bursa near the hip joint and causes pain primarily with movement or palpation.
• Synovitis is an inflammatory disease of the synovial membrane of the joint capsule wall.In the acute phase, there is persistent severe pain in the hip joint; in the chronic course, the symptoms will gradually disappear.
• Symphysis pubis - changes in the tissue of the pubic symphysis and divergence of the pubic bone.Occurs during pregnancy and childbirth.The pathology is inflammatory in nature, accompanied by severe pain in the pubic area, spreading to the hip joint area.
• Radicular syndromes of the pelvic region are represented by neuropathic pain.The syndrome occurs when bone growth and deformed tissue compress the large nerve at the junction of the femur and pelvic bone.
• Clubfoot deformity (clubfoot) may be a congenital defect or an acquired disease.Due to the inward shift of the forefoot, the load on the foot is improperly distributed, which can negatively impact the hip and knee joints.Over time, due to improper behavior or lack of treatment, the hip joint can become deformed, causing pain.
• Enthesopathy is a degenerative dystrophic process of the articular ligamentous apparatus.This process is often accompanied by inflammation.Pain causes weakening of ligament and tendon structures and may lead to rupture of connective tissue.In addition, ossification occurs in certain areas, reducing the function of the joint.
• Intermittent hydroarthrosis is a chronic joint pathology in which synovial fluid synthesis is increased, accompanied by an increase in joint volume and reduced motor activity due to pain.
• Synovial chondromatosis is the degeneration of the synovial area of a joint into a cartilaginous structure.New growth can reach the size of a matchbox.There is severe pain during movement, which decreases in amplitude until the hip joint is completely blocked.
• Juvenile epiphyseal dislocation is a pathological displacement of the femoral head downward and posteriorly.Boys become ill during puberty due to a malfunction in the synthesis of sex hormones and growth hormone.Pain in the hip joint occurs when trying to move the leg.
• Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head can occur due to acute lack of circulation in the hip joint.Against the background of the death of bone tissue, severe pain turns into a burning sensation, which greatly limits the mobility of the affected leg.Episodes last for several days and pass before the next acute phase begins.
• There are known cases of gout in the hip joint.If uric acid is formed too much and is not excreted enough, it will crystallize and deposit in the joint cavity, gradually filling the joint cavity.When gout attacks, there is excruciating pain.
• Malignant tumors of bone or surrounding tissue.

symptom

Hip pain is divided into 3 levels:

1. Mild – minor injuries and consequences that can occur after intense stress on the thigh and buttock muscles;
2. Moderate - occurs with malnutrition, inflammation, and infectious lesions that may be localized or radiate to the lower extremities or pubic bone;
3. Strong - fractures, severe dislocations, severe limitation of joint movement, and sometimes even paralysis.

Pain that worsens at night and disappears during the day occurs in lesions with congested blood vessels.Insufficient blood circulation can cause numbness, tingling, and a crawling sensation.

Many diseases occur with inflammation of the joint capsule, ligaments, or surrounding tissues.

In this case, characteristic symptoms appear:

• Swelling occurs around the hip joint due to the invasion of excess fluid, and the skin stretches and becomes shiny;
• Skin color change at the painful area: from moderate red to blue;
• Increased local temperature in the joint area is due to an acute inflammatory response;
• A severe course of the disease leads to systemic intoxication, accompanied by headache, joint pain and fever.

Diagnostic Methods of Hip Joint

For detailed examination, several studies were carried out, with the help of which a comprehensive picture of the disease that occurs can be obtained:

• Laboratory blood tests will indicate underlying or overt inflammation, the presence of rheumatoid factor;
• Bacteriological examination of synovial fluid to determine the causative agent of inflammation;
• Perform biopsies of suspicious tissue to determine whether malignant factors are present;
• X-rays of the hip joint from different sides will help identify signs of tissue deformation;
• Ultrasound examination of joints;
• Doppler is an ultrasound method of assessing blood circulation;
• Computed tomography.

hip treatment

If you have hip pain, treatment may vary depending on the disease.It all depends on the pathology, the symptom of which is unpleasant pain.This program is based on medications, physical therapy, therapeutic exercises, and alternative medicine methods.Strict compliance with the recommendations and fulfillment of all prescriptions can normalize the condition.Only doctors should prescribe medications and medications.

drug treatment

1. Narcotic medications may be used to temporarily relieve pain.Pain relievers do not treat the cause of hip pain, but they can effectively relieve symptoms for a short period of time.
2. If severe pain occurs, blockade is performed if non-narcotic analgesics are not effective.
3. NSAIDs are used as anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic agents.Take the medicine strictly according to the instructions and do not exceed the dose to avoid gastrointestinal side effects.
4. For severe inflammation that cannot be treated with non-hormonal drugs, corticosteroids have an active therapeutic effect.Steroid hormones have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antihistamine effects.They can be injected directly into the diseased joint during a puncture procedure.
5. Antibiotics are used to treat associated purulent infections.Antimicrobial agents have a harmful effect on pathogens and destroy pathological causes.In addition to antibiotics, patients need to take probiotics to normalize their intestinal flora.
6. Muscle relaxant - effectively relaxes muscles and eliminates spasms.Medication relieves pain in the pelvic area by reducing the tension to the point of immobility.
7. Diuretics remove fluid, preventing swelling and negative effects on heart activity.
8. Vitamin therapy boosts immunity and improves overall health.Ensures that biochemical processes of the body's vital functions proceed at optimal speed.
9. If the degenerative process destroys the joint, long-term administration of chondroprotectants is required to halt the degenerative process and allow for independent recovery.These medications contain chondroitin and glucosamine, a lack of which can lead to joint imbalances.These medications are available in tablet form and can also be injected into the joints.
10. A sedative used to treat unbalanced mental states.Neurological disorders occur when a person experiences persistent, debilitating pain in the hip joint.
11. Vasoprotective agent that improves blood microcirculation.They improve the metabolic processes of the blood vessel wall and increase its permeability.

Physical therapy for hip pain

Modern complementary treatment methods can relieve pain in the affected area and help to quickly eliminate lesions.Modern medicine has many ways to relieve hip pain.

The specified purpose of each method is:

• Improve blood circulation to hip joint tissues;
• Reduce inflammation;
• pain relief;
• Prevent the development of edema;
• Improve cellular metabolic processes;
• Initiate tissue self-healing process;
• Strengthen the immune system.

Laser therapy can affect joints and penetrate to a depth of up to 9 cm.The laser beam is directed toward the affected area, heating the tissue down to the bone.The healing effect on nerve processes can reduce pain.This method is intended to relieve inflammation; the analgesic effect is additional.

Electrophoresis uses galvanic cells to penetrate deep into tissue.Low-intensity and low-voltage direct current is used in combination with anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs, which are administered through a chemical reaction.

Magnetic therapy ensures that the magnetic pulse current penetrates to a depth of 7 to 12 centimeters.Treatment is carried out in separate sessions, with the effect achieved at the end of the treatment period and maintained until the start of the next session.To improve the health of the hip joint, devices that relieve pain and trigger the regeneration process are suitable.

Shockwave therapy involves short-term exposure to low-frequency sound pulses.It is used to eliminate inflammatory manifestations and provides a high-frequency massage.Collagen synthesis begins to increase, blood supply and tissue nutrition improve.

Orthopedic medical products

The symptoms of hip pain can be reduced with the help of orthotics and rehabilitation products.Modern medical product developers have thought ahead to the difficulties patients may face.

Injuries involving the femoral neck require complete immobilization for several months.In order not to impose a large cast on the entire lower limb, there is an orthosis with a degree of rigid fixation - a "derotation boot".The product is convenient for patients to use in practice, safe from an allergenic point of view (the plaster can cause skin irritation and allergies) and also convenient for others to care for the victim's legs.

An anti-decubitus mattress is essential if a person has to lie there for long periods of time.During the recovery period, start with independent movement using a walker as you take your first steps after an injury.When greater stability occurs, crutches and then canes are used to provide support while walking.

Syndesmitis can cause a lot of pain with severe pain in the pubic and pelvic area.To reduce pain and reduce the load on the hip joint, compression and support with the help of rigid ribs, a pelvic ring orthopedic bra is used.

Choosing the right shoe is very important for proper unloading of the hip joint.Shock-absorbing preventive insoles for everyday wear not only relieve joint problems, but also spinal problems.

The applicator has been proven to be effective in relieving pain and improving blood circulation.Plastic needles come into close contact with the painful area, causing pain at first and then turning into pleasant warmth.Sessions range from 5 minutes to 6 times a day for acute pain and 15 minutes to 3 times a day for chronic pain.

therapeutic gymnastics

Exercise therapy sessions serve a special purpose.The more motion a joint undergoes under a measured load, the more synovial fluid is produced, which is necessary for tissue nutrition and performance.Medical instructors develop an individual set of exercises for each patient.

Exercises are performed during the remission phase, when there is no pain.The techniques for correct execution of movements are explained by physiotherapists and reproduced under the supervision of experts.Movements should not be strenuous or excessive; repetitions should be performed exactly as directed.

Therapeutic exercises can improve blood flow, strengthen thigh muscles, increase mobility in pelvic joints, make walking easier, and improve immunity.Each exercise must be coordinated; incorrect behavior can cause pain, increase blood pressure, and develop microtrauma that leads to inflammation.

A set of exercises to do at home:

• Lie on your back, bend your knees at a right angle, pull your legs to your chest at the same time, and create slight resistance with your hands;
• Keeping the posture unchanged, pull up the bent legs one by one and hold for a few seconds;
• Lie on your right side, lift your left leg, bend your knee, and repeat the same action with the other leg;
• Lie on your stomach, stretch your arms along your body, raise your straight legs 15 cm, hold for 5 seconds, and take turns with your legs;
• Sit on a chair, raise your legs until they are parallel to the floor, and repeat with each leg.

Surgical treatment of hip joint

When conservative treatments fail to achieve the desired results, surgery is performed to relieve the patient's condition.There are several methods of surgical care:

1. Arthroscopic debridement - removal of necrotic particles from the lining of the joint, followed by cleaning with a medical solution.Manipulation was performed in the operating room.
2. Periarticular Osteotomy – Fractures of the bones of a joint to connect them at different angles to reduce the load on the diseased joint.
3. An endoprosthesis is the replacement of a diseased joint with an artificial joint.This approach involves active rehabilitation activities after surgery.

traditional medicine

Affordable and safe recipes from therapists with hundreds of years of experience help relieve hip pain and speed recovery.Consult before use to rule out contraindications.

1. Peel and mince a head of garlic, add chopped celery root and the zest of a lemon.Mix all ingredients and add hot water and leave in a cool place for a day.Take 1 tablespoon for thirty days.
2. Drinking linden and birch bud tea daily can reduce inflammation.Brew a teaspoon of linden flowers and birch buds with hot water.After 30 minutes, the soup is ready to use.
3. Prepare herbal mixture: 1 tablespoon each of St. John's wort, chamomile, and helichrysum.Pour the composition into 500 ml of water and boil for 10 minutes.Take 50ml 3 times daily.
4. Finely chop the radish and add a little honey and 30 ml of vodka.Apply the resulting mixture to the painful joint and secure it with plastic wrap.The compress was covered with a warm blanket throughout the night.
5. Mix mustard powder with honey and vegetable oil.Fold gauze into several layers, dip it in the composition and apply it to the joints.Leave the compress on for no more than 60 minutes.
6. Wash the cabbage leaves, apply honey on them and apply them on the hip joints.Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and cabbage can relieve pain in affected joints.
7. Mix crushed celandine leaves with a little olive oil.The mixture is infused for 7 days and then used to rub the painful area.
8. It is necessary to chop and mix the hop cones and St. John's wort, add petroleum jelly to an ointment-like consistency.Rub sore joints twice a day.
9. Mix paprika, kerosene and vegetable oil and let sit for 3 weeks.Do not wipe more than once a day.

hip prevention

To prevent hip pain, simple tips will help:

• Live an active lifestyle and engage in regular light physical exercise;
• Proper nutrition is the basis of health: exclude greasy, salty and smoked foods, alcohol, sausages, chocolate, sweets;
• Do not engage in strenuous physical activities or heavy work that overloads the joints;
• Use preventive bandages to relieve stress on pelvic joints;
• Wear comfortable shoes that meet orthopedic standards;
• If you experience discomfort in the hip joint area, please consult your doctor for examination and effective treatment.