Hip joint inflammation, also known as coxitis, is a very painful condition for those affected. Therefore, a rocking gait is characteristic, which is used to try to minimize pain during movement.
What is inflammation of the hip joint?
Hip pain is one of the most common types of joint pain. Rarely, the muscles, nerves or internal organs around the hip are also the cause. Hip joint inflammation is divided into infectious and non-infectious inflammation. However, both types cause inflammatory reactions in the area of the hip, which lead to severe pain and restricted movement. To reduce pain when walking, those affected by hip joint inflammation often bend over, spreading the affected leg outward and bending it slightly. Because of the joint’s deep location in the body, there is rarely any detectable heating or redness. In contrast, hip joint inflammation often results in a general malaise, fever or chills.
Causes
Infectious hip joint inflammation is caused by pathogens. These are mostly staphylococci or streptococci. These enter the hip joint from the outside and cause the inflammatory reactions there. Such an infection with bacteria can be caused by joint punctures, injections into the affected joint, open bone fractures or surgical procedures on the hip joint. However, it is also possible for the pathogens to be transmitted via the bloodstream. In this case, the bacteria from an infection elsewhere in the human body reach the hip joint with the blood. Conceivable cases include not only dental inflammation, but also infectious diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea or tuberculosis. However, such a transmission of the pathogens is usually only to be feared in the case of spreading or uncontainable sources of infection. A non-infectious hip joint inflammation can be a rheumatic disease, overload reaction or the consequence of a hip joint arthrosis. Furthermore, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, gout, hemophilia, or hemochromatosis can also lead to hip joint inflammation.
Typical symptoms and signs
Inflammation of the hip joint is manifested by various symptoms. At the beginning of the disease, there is usually a mild feeling of illness, which increases in intensity as it progresses. Often there are accompanying symptoms such as joint pain or fever. The inflammatory reactions can also cause gait disturbances and other movement restrictions. In most cases, those affected are no longer able to move normally. Sitting in particular can cause severe pain, which can spread to other parts of the body as the disease progresses. In a severe course, the severe, often stabbing pain radiates to the back and neck. Externally, inflammation of the hip joint can be recognized by the noticeable gait, which is usually described by those affected as swaying and unsteady. In addition, there may be visible redness, occasionally associated with swelling. The symptoms can cause sleep problems and thus often have an impact on the mental state of the patients. Affected individuals are often irritable and in low mood, especially with chronic conditions and repeated inflammation. Hip joint inflammation usually occurs suddenly and increases in intensity within a few days. With prompt treatment, symptoms subside within one to two weeks.
Diagnosis and course
Diagnosis of hip joint inflammation is not always easy. First, a medical history is taken to determine whether there are any previous conditions that may have caused the inflammation. If there are accompanying symptoms such as back pain, other joint pain or fever, these may be indications of rheumatic diseases or septic koxitis. Helpful examination methods may include ultrasound, x-ray, CT scan, or MRI. These may show inflammatory reactions of the soft tissues or osteoarthritis of the hip joint. A blood test may detect a rheumatic process or infection. While various sources of inflammation can be detected during a joint puncture. In the further course of a hip joint inflammation, the pain usually intensifies and the restriction of movement increases further.There may also be an extension of the infection.
Complications
Hip joint inflammation usually results in severe pain and restricted movement. The pain may spread from the hip to other regions and continue to cause discomfort in the back and neck. The gait is swaying and unsteady, and the pain usually occurs with every movement. In addition to the pain in the hip, joint pain can also occur, which also leads to restrictions in movement and everyday life. Often, those affected can no longer perform their professional activities. It is not uncommon for fever and inflammation to occur in addition to the pain. Without treatment, hip joint inflammation does not disappear on its own and the complaints usually intensify. Hip joint inflammation can also lead to pain at rest at night, restricting the patient’s sleep. Due to sleep discomfort, it is not uncommon for the patient to become irritable. The treatment of hip joint inflammation is usually carried out with the help of antibiotics and always leads to a positive course of the disease. Therapy may still be necessary to restore the body’s mobility. A reduction in life expectancy does not occur as a result of the disease.
When should one go to the doctor?
Symptoms of hip joint inflammation must be promptly evaluated by a physician. If hip pain, restricted movement, gait disturbances and other typical signs develop, medical advice is required. The affected person should consult a physician at the latest when normal movements are only possible with great effort and pain. Furthermore, medical clarification is necessary if accompanying symptoms such as fever or an increasing feeling of illness are noticed. If complications such as falls or severe pain develop, a visit to the hospital is indicated. In less severe cases, the symptoms can first be taken to the family doctor. People suffering from infectious diseases such as gonorrhea or tuberculosis are susceptible to the viruses being carried to the hip joints. Often, the complaints are also based on another cause, such as a rheumatic disease or an overuse reaction, which must be determined and remedied. Other contacts are the orthopedist and various internists. In the event of a medical emergency, such as a fall or high fever, the emergency physician and emergency medical services are the right contacts.
Treatment and therapy
Infectious hip joint disease must be treated immediately, otherwise there is a risk of permanent damage to the joint. First, puncture the joint to drain pus and infectious fluid. This is followed by irrigation of the joint. In severe cases, evacuation of the inflamed joint with subsequent drainage may be necessary. The pathogens are initially treated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic and, after precise determination, with the appropriate antibiotic administration. Immobilization of the joint is helpful to promote the healing process and minimize pain. Furthermore, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can be administered. In the case of non-infectious hip joint inflammation, treatment of the underlying disease is considered first. Further measures are similar to the treatment of infectious hip joint inflammation. In the case of an underlying rheumatic disease, removal of the synovial membrane in particular is considered to stop the inflammatory reaction. Physical therapy, acupuncture and physical applications can support healing, increase the well-being of the affected person and improve the prognosis. If the hip joint inflammation has already caused profound damage to the hip joint, the use of a hip replacement may be necessary.
Prevention
Hip joint inflammation is difficult to prevent. Known underlying diseases should be treated thoroughly to prevent spread to the hip joint. Malpositions must be corrected at an early stage to avoid overloading the hip. Observance of hygiene rules can help contain infectious hip joint infections, but they can never be completely prevented. Surgical intervention in a joint also always involves a certain risk of infection.
Aftercare
Aftercare for hip joint inflammation initially consists of patients taking physical rest for a prescribed period of time. This rest is relevant even after successful treatment of hip joint inflammation, otherwise symptoms may develop again. Aftercare also includes regular check-ups by the patient’s physician. Both the condition of the hip joint and the blood values are examined. The inflammation values in particular provide the physician with important information about the patient’s state of health after successfully treated hip joint inflammation. In general, careful follow-up of this condition in numerous cases requires patients to change their sports habits so as not to provoke a new inflammation. For people who want to continue doing a lot of sports, it is recommended to contact a fitness consultant. This person will draw up an exercise plan adapted to the previous illness, taking into account the reduced physical capacity and the damage to the hip joint. Generally, follow-up care involves patients undergoing physical therapy even after successful treatment. After completing these training sessions, it is recommended that patients attend medical sports classes to further strengthen the hip joint. In this way, they make a significant contribution to successful aftercare. This includes being sensitive to the symptoms of a recurrence of hip joint inflammation, which should be treated promptly.
Here’s what you can do yourself
To alleviate symptoms, it is helpful to avoid overloading and overuse of the hip as well as the pelvis or back. In order for inflammation to heal as quickly as possible and without further complications, the organism needs rest and a stable immune system. The latter is necessary to build up sufficient defenses for the healing process. A balanced diet rich in vitamins is important for a healthy immune system. Excessive fats should be avoided and regular exercise should take place. Sporting activities promote general well-being, prevent obesity and strengthen the muscles. The intake of toxins and harmful substances through alcohol or nicotine should be avoided. Sufficient sleep and good sleep hygiene are necessary to maintain vital energy. As a rule, the hip joint should not be loaded on one side. Carrying heavy objects and rigid postures while sitting or standing should be avoided. Joints must be moved at regular intervals to prevent possible discomfort. In addition, they must be provided with sufficient heat and protected from prolonged exposure to cold. When moving around, care should be taken to wear healthy footwear so as not to create undesirable deformities. Wearing shoes with high heels for a long time or walking barefoot puts a strain on the hip and leads to inflammation, pain and a feeling of discomfort.
