Causes of pain in the hip joint and methods of treatment

The bone-articular structure of a person is characterized by a complex structure and includes a variety of elements. The hip joint is one of the largest and most loaded joints within the human musculoskeletal system. It is located at the junction of the femur and pelvis. The joint has a peculiar structure, which ensures free mobility of the limb in different directions. It is with this joint that a person's ability to walk upright is associated. With the appearance of pain discomfort in the hip joint, there is a serious decrease in its functionality with problems in movement or sitting. In some cases, numbness of the limb is possible.

The main causes of pain

In order to start the treatment of pathologies of the hip joint in a timely manner, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination as early as possible in order to diagnose diseases and the causes of their manifestation. At the same time, the diagnosis can be difficult, since pain is provoked by a wide variety of problems - injuries, skeletal diseases, background pathologies of internal organs. The intensity and nature of pain also varies. They can be both aching and sharp, burning.

To the greatest extent, complaints of pain in the hip joint can be heard from patients older than 50 years. Moreover, such violations are usually found in women. This refers to the pathologies of the joint itself or the hip.

Pain can be caused by such factors that affect the state of the joint:

1. Problems of traumatic origin - fractures affecting the femoral neck, direct bruising of the articular region, intense hip dislocations. Myositis ossificans, which has arisen and progresses due to injuries inflicted to the joint, can provoke discomfort and pain. Specialists also note frequent fractures of the pelvic bones, the development of epiphysiolysis of the femoral head.
2. Damage to the connective tissue in the hip joint, which is caused by the development of Reiter's disease, rheumatoid-type arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis.
3. Pathological disorders of the articulation, which occur against the background of degenerative processes in the tissue area. For example, we are talking about coxarthrosis.
4. Osteochondropathic manifestations caused by the progression of osteochondritis dissecans, Legg-Calve-Perthes pathology.
5. Deviations in the processes of skeletal development. For example, this applies to epiphyseal varus deformity of the foot, which is typical for adolescent patients.
6. Inflammatory changes in soft articular tissues. These pathologies include bursitis, transient synovitis, coxitis of the articular variety due to the action of tubercle bacillus.

Traumatic causes of pain syndrome

With the appearance of pain in the hip joint, attention should be paid to such pathologies of a traumatic nature that can cause them:

• Congenital damage to the hip in the form of dislocation, which occurs due to improper conduct of the birth process or is formed at the prenatal stage of the child's development. Such a violation can be quickly diagnosed already in newborns. They will have unevenness in the gluteal folds and may show signs of shortening of one leg. In some cases, a pinched nerve occurs. Experts recommend paying close attention to the signs of such deviations, since the disease itself is considered dangerous. It often leads to the preservation of the consequences of trauma throughout the rest of life.
• Dislocation of the hip of a traumatic nature - there are sharp pains, as a result of which the ability to carry out movements is lost. The patient cannot assume an upright position or sit down. Edema and hematoma form in the area of the damaged joint. If there are signs of hip dislocation, then any physical load is contraindicated. Sports during this period lead to a deterioration in the patient's condition, cause the development of negative changes and pathological disorders in the hip joint. With such injuries, treatment should be started immediately.
• Fracture of the neck of the femur, which is usually characteristic of women over 60 years of age. This condition is caused by a fall or a blow directed to the area of the hip joint. When a fracture occurs, the patient feels a sharp pain syndrome. Such pain will intensify during movement. Gradually, the pain gives to the inner side of the thigh. At the site of injury, swelling and hematoma appear. With a fracture, shortening of the limbs is observed, a person’s gait is characterized by lameness, clicks are heard in the joint area. Damage often causes a pinched nerve, resulting in numbness in the thigh.
• Fracture of the femur pertrochanteric type - accompanied by severe or moderate pain. When the patient is in motion, pain begins to intensify. A possible consequence is a pinched nerve, which causes backache and numbness of the extremities.
• Getting a bruise in the hip joint. The pain syndrome is moderate, but active movement can provoke its increase. In this case, the pain decreases and disappears when the person is at rest. This factor is considered the most common. Bruises are diagnosed in frequently falling patients, especially in the elderly. The patient complains of lameness, but this symptom disappears relatively quickly.

Injuries to the hip joint caused by trauma are considered by specialists as the main cause of pain. With serious fractures and dislocations, in many cases, surgical intervention is prescribed. An indication for immediate admission to the hospital is a pinched nerve and numbness of the limb.

The influence of systemic pathologies on the appearance of pain

A frequent cause of pain in the hip joint when walking or in another position of the body is the development of systemic lesions of the connective tissue. For such pathologies, a constant process of therapy is required, since they belong to the group of practically incurable ones. It is important to ensure a comprehensive nature of treatment with an impact on the causes of the onset and progression of pain and other symptoms.

Among the systemic pathologies that can provoke pain in the hip joint, include:

1. Ankylosing spondylitis, which causes dull pain in the joint. Patients affected by this disease note an increase in negative symptoms at night. Usually sensations are localized in the area of the sacrum or pelvis. The pain syndrome is able to give to the knee joint, thigh, groin area. Frequent shots are possible. In this state, walking and other movements are difficult, the patient exhibits stiffness. Pain in the thigh area is severe, and the joint is affected by the inflammatory process.
2. Reiter's syndrome - accompanied by damage to the articular part, as well as the organs of the genitourinary system. There is a parallel inflammatory process in the conjunctiva. This is an autoimmune disease that is caused by the action of an intestinal infection. The development of the pathological process can begin several weeks and even months after the penetration of pathogens into the body. Patients complain of acute hip pain. The pain syndrome also affects the joints. This causes an increase in body temperature. There is swelling in the pelvic area on the left and right sides. This pathology is usually associated with the symmetrical nature of the damage to the joints.
3. Arthritis of the rheumatoid type, in which connective tissue damage is observed. The process of development of the disease does not cause the formation and release of purulent masses. Usually, pathology becomes a harbinger, indicating the possibility of developing coxarthrosis of the hip joint. The disease progresses gradually, although the initial symptoms are swelling and swelling. The patient begins to complain of discomfort during movement, the pain is shooting through. An inflammatory process takes place in the joint, which leads to an increase in general and local temperature. Further development of changes is accompanied by stiffness of movements, activation of the pain syndrome in the lateral lying position. Pathology in most cases develops symmetrically. The destruction of the hip joint leads to pinching of the nerve and numbness of the extremities. A rapid start of the therapeutic process is required.

Pathologies of a systemic nature often cause a lot of inconvenience to patients. There are pains that vary in intensity and character. They can be sharp, sharp, pulling. It is very difficult to get rid of such discomfort on your own, even finding the body at rest does not help. Therefore, targeted treatment is required, especially when pathology is detected in newborns. Ignoring the symptoms can worsen a person's condition.

Pain caused by degenerative disorders

Often, patients note the presence of sharp, burning or pulling pains in the joints, but they did not receive injuries, and autoimmune diseases are not diagnosed in them. In this case, degenerative changes caused by such diseases can become the cause:

• Epiphyseal varus deformity, which is most common among adolescents. The pains are dull and pulling, can be given to the inner zone of the knee joint. Increased sensations occur when running or during other sports activities. Shootings are periodically observed, clicks are heard in the joint.
• Coxarthrosis, which is considered a fairly common pathology of the hip joint. A violation can be detected in patients regardless of their gender. The disease requires a long and complex therapy. It causes an active progression of articular disorders of a degenerative and destructive nature. The main symptomatology is reduced to the feeling that the joint aches after physical exertion. When at rest, these sensations disappear, there are no restrictions on movements. Subsequently, the pain radiates to the groin and thigh area. With daily stress, this symptomatology increases, although at rest it disappears. With prolonged walking, lameness begins to appear, clicks are heard in the joint. At the same time, there is a malfunction in the work of the muscle-tendon structures, the tone drops. The last stage of the development of pathology is characterized by the appearance of pain even at rest, especially at night. Severe pain is combined with severe lameness and muscle atrophy. This leads to immobility of the patient. In the last stage, treatment is focused on inhibition of destructive changes in the joint.

The development of degenerative pathologies provokes constant lameness, which leads to disruption of labor functions and a drop in performance. Lack of physical activity worsens the patient's condition. Over time, difficulties arise even with the usual getting out of bed.

Influence of inflammation and infections on the occurrence of pain

The appearance of discomfort can be associated not only with direct damage to the bone structures of the joint, but also with inflammatory processes in the muscles, tendons, and articular bag.

Pathological processes are also caused by such diseases of an infectious nature:

1. Purulent arthritis. The disease is accompanied by an increase in general temperature and redness of the skin in the joint area. There is an appearance of extensive edema with acute or sharp pain. It is difficult, and sometimes it is simply impossible to perform any loads. Over time, sensations take the form of shootings. These changes require immediate treatment to prevent the development of sepsis.
2. Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, which usually develops in young and middle age in men. The disease is activated due to disruptions in blood circulation in the joint area. Necrosis leads to the death of tissue cells. The pathological process manifests itself in a sharply emerging pain syndrome that radiates to the groin area, as well as in a burning sensation in the damaged areas. The intensity of the pain can be so severe that a person has difficulty supporting the limb. This leads to problems getting out of bed. An injection with an analgesic is used to anesthetize the joint. Symptoms disappear after a while, but further progression of the disease provokes atrophy of muscles and tendons. The person begins to limp, his gait changes.
3. Tuberculous arthritis. Pathology is different manifestation in young children with weakened immune systems. Progression is very slow. The child has increased fatigue, he is inactive in games. Muscle atrophy is accompanied by clicks in the joint and shortening of the limb. After some time, pains appear in the joint, which are pulling or burning in nature. The articulation is covered by suppuration with increased symptoms.
4. Bursitis is an inflammatory lesion covering the articular bag of the articulation. The main symptom is soreness, spreading along the limb. Sharp pains are aggravated during movement. At rest, the limb aches, it burns.

Due to the development of infectious processes, various pains in the hip joint occur. It can be a burning, pulling or dull discomfort. The intensity of sensations can be high, and therefore a person experiences difficulty with a night's rest. This condition requires immediate treatment.

Diagnosis of pathologies

Complex diagnostics, which should include:

• ultrasound examination of the condition of the hip joint;
• x-ray examination in two projections;
• laboratory study of blood parameters based on general and biochemical analysis, which helps to identify rheumatoid factors, increase in leukocyte counts, change in erythrocyte sedimentation rate;
• general examination of the patient with fixation of complaints and palpation of the damaged area;
• MRI diagnostics.

Based on the results of the examination, the correct diagnosis is determined and complex treatment of pathologies that provoke pain syndrome is prescribed.

Features of treatment

If rare or intermittent pain occurs, the symptom should not be ignored. In this condition, you should consult a doctor and start treatment. The therapeutic process is determined by the cause that causes pain.

Presence of congenital dislocation

With such a pathology, a special orthopedic device is placed in the area of \u200b\u200bthe baby's joint. It can be stirrups or spacers. In some cases, the use of a Frejka pillow is recommended. Thanks to these designs, the baby's legs are in a physiologically correct position. The child wears these funds for 6 months, sometimes longer.

When conventional therapies fail, surgery may be indicated. Operationally, the femoral head is reduced, and some associated defects are eliminated. After removing the orthopedic devices, light massage procedures are prescribed to strengthen muscle structures.

Dislocation of a traumatic nature

Such damage requires the use of medications to eliminate muscle tone and reposition. Subsequently, the patient must be at rest in order to stabilize the structures. If there are complaints of numbness, then this will indicate a pinched nerve. In this case, you will need to consult a neurologist.

Hip fracture

Treatment of this injury is carried out by a traumatologist with surgical manipulations. Conservative methods of therapy are possible, but often they do not bring the desired effect. In the absence of the possibility of an operation, a plaster-type bandage is applied to the patient from the lumbar sector to the heel.

It is important to remember that the most severe effects are experienced by older patients. Fractures in them usually do not grow together, and the recovery period itself lasts several months.

In addition, damage leads to many consequences. Patients show a lack of functionality of the respiratory organs, disruption of the heart and vascular system. This is due to the lack of conditions for an active lifestyle and normal movement. Patients experience problems with sitting, resulting in a burning sensation in the soft tissue area as a result of the fracture.

During the operation, the head and the bone body are fixed with pins and screws. The technology of endoprosthetics is used.

The development of Bechterew's syndrome

The treatment of this pathology requires an integrated approach, which makes it possible to reduce the intensity of the manifestation of symptoms, which is caused by inflammatory disorders. In the course of therapy, medications are taken - anti-inflammatory drugs, hormonal-type drugs, immunosuppressants. Additionally, physiotherapy is carried out.

A course of physical exercises for stretching the muscles is also prescribed. Massage is useful in this state - the joint is worked out on the left or right side, depending on the manifestation of the disease.

The therapeutic process is determined by the attending physician based on the nature of the development of the pathology and the patient's condition. Swimming will help strengthen muscle structures. If the disease has taken a severe form, then the joint replacement procedure is performed.

Reiter's disease

Treatment of this disease without the use of antibiotics is impossible. Anti-inflammatory drugs are also prescribed. In the therapeutic process, the place of glucocorticosteroids, agents that depress the activity of the immune system, and ointments for topical use must be determined.

The duration of treatment is not less than 4-5 months. At the same time, the likelihood of relapse is high. The course of treatment should be accompanied by measures to maintain muscle tone through physical activity, for example, through stretching.

Arthritis of the rheumatoid type

Due to the progression of arthritis, pain can occur not only when the joint is moving, but also at rest. It is impossible to completely eliminate such pain. The therapeutic effect is focused on improving the quality of life of patients. For this purpose, prescribe medications:

• cytostatics;
• hormonal drugs;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• antirheumatic agents.

Surgical intervention is prescribed only when the disease passes into the last stages. In this condition, the patient experiences serious problems with walking and sitting. Surgical manipulations are carried out by the method of fixation or arthroplasty of the joints. In the process of recovery, stretching exercises, external ointments are prescribed.

Coxarthrosis

Therapy of this pathology is focused on eliminating the causes of its manifestation. In the early stages, the disease can be cured through conservative therapy with the appointment of:

• NSAIDs;
• chondroprotectors;
• funds that restore blood flow;
• painkillers;
• topical ointments with a warming effect.

The treatment complex also includes low-intensity exercise therapy. To anesthetize the joint, if necessary, injections are used.

In the last stages of the progression of the pathology, conservative methods of treatment are ineffective. In this state, the deterioration of well-being occurs with minimal stress. To get out of bed, anesthesia with injections is required. The treatment is carried out surgically due to arthroplasty of the joint. Elderly patients are not prescribed such a procedure, but are limited to auxiliary manipulations.

After the operation, the rehabilitation process begins. Non-intense stretching, light workouts with low loads are carried out.

Treatment of inflammatory disorders and infections

The therapeutic process is determined by the nature of the disease and its manifestations:

1. With purulent arthritis, anesthesia of the hip joint is performed by introducing an analgesic into the articular area. May involve several types of drugs at the same time. An antibacterial agent is used in combination with an antibiotic. The pustules are also removed. To ensure the fixation of the limb, a plaster is applied or a splint is used.
2. Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head requires the normalization of blood circulation and the resorption of dead zones. NSAIDs are used for pain relief. The therapy plan includes vitamins, drugs that reduce blood viscosity. Massages and anesthetic ointments will help get rid of aching pains. In parallel, physiotherapy and exercise therapy are prescribed. In severe cases of the disease, minimally invasive operations or arthroplasty are performed.
3. Bursitis requires rapid pain relief of the joint. At the same time, an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory drug, which is administered intramuscularly, are prescribed. Steroid medications help eliminate severe symptoms of discomfort and pain. The affected joint should be at rest.
4. In tuberculous arthritis, conservative methods of treatment are used. The baby must be motionless, and therefore a tight bandage is used. The appearance of an abscess in the soft tissue area will require removal.

Using traditional medicine recipes

These funds can be used as an addition to traditional treatment. You should always consult with your doctor first. The most popular recipes include:

• Compresses based on blue or white clay. They help eliminate swelling and minimize pain. Apply a compress with clay before going to bed and leave overnight. From above, the damaged area is wrapped with a warm piece of cloth.
• Compresses with cabbage and honey. It is necessary to take one cabbage leaf and cover it with a layer of honey. Then such a compress is applied to the area of manifestation of burning or acute pain. From above it must be covered with a film, and then insulated with a woolen scarf or scarf. The duration of the procedures is up to 1 month. Between manipulations, it is recommended to rub and stroke the affected area.
• Ointment with visceral fat and white foot root. Pour 250 g of crushed root into pre-melted fat and boil over low heat for 7 minutes. Allow the product to cool, then apply to the surface of the joint and leave overnight. A woolen cloth is applied on top of the treated area. So it will be possible to remove puffiness and other symptoms.
• A medicine of 2 lemons, 300 g of celery root, 130 g of garlic will help get rid of severe pain in the tendon zone. The components must be finely chopped and poured into a container with a lid. Pour the composition with boiling water and mix, and then wrap the container and leave overnight. Use 1 tsp. before meals for 1-3 months.