Diagnosis for hip arthrosis
The diagnosis of hip arthrosis is made by means of imaging techniques. If the patient complains of pain typical of hip arthrosis, an x-ray of the hip is taken, on which hip arthrosis can usually be detected. This can be recognized by a narrowed joint space caused by the abrasion of the cartilage. In order to better assess the situation of the muscles and tendons, an ultrasound (sonography) of the hip can also be performed.
Therapy for hip arthrosis
In the case of acute pain due to hip arthrosis, drug treatment for pain relief is the first priority. However, there are also other non-drug treatment methods to counteract osteoarthritis. Orthopedic aids such as insoles or walking aids can help to relieve the affected hip joint and thus ease the pain.
Walking aids are usually used on the side of the diseased leg to relieve the affected joint. Physiotherapy can also be helpful in cases of hip arthrosis. This can improve the mobility of the joint through specific exercises and the muscles of the hip region can be strengthened.
By strengthening the muscles, the hip joint has more support in movement and this can have a positive effect on the pain. In the early stages of hip arthrosis, regular physiotherapy may be sufficient as therapy. Electrotherapy is also possible, in which electrode plates are stuck to the skin of the hip joint and low-frequency currents are generated here.
This therapy is called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Heat or cold applications can also relieve the pain of hip arthrosis. If there is a severe malposition of the hip joint which is the cause of the hip arthrosis, surgical correction of this malposition should be considered in order to prevent further progression of the disease and worsening of the symptoms.
Drugs
Drugs are used to relieve the pain of hip arthrosis. Initially, drugs from the group of so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are effective against acute pain, can be used. These include acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), ibuprofen, diclofenac and ketoprofen.
In contrast to the steroidal antirheumatic drugs, the non-steroidal drugs do not contain cortisone. On the one hand they reduce pain and at the same time inhibit inflammation. Medicines from the group of NSAIDs should, however, only be administered for a limited period of time, as they have some side effects, including stomach problems in particular.
The steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs contain corticoids. These are substances that are very similar to the body’s own hormone cortisone.They inhibit inflammatory reactions in the body and are usually injected directly into the affected hip joint in order to be able to exert their effect in a targeted manner. In addition, there are other painkillers that only relieve pain. These include opioids, for example, which are prescribed for very severe hip pain.
