The hip joint is the second most commonly affected by wear and tear after the knee. Diseases caused by wear and tear are called osteoarthritis, and in the case of hip osteoarthritis, it is also referred to as coxarthrosis. The hip is a crucial part of the body for mobility. When hip osteoarthritis occurs due to the wear and tear of the cartilage that protects the joint bones from abrasion, it can cause very severe pain and reduced mobility. This decreases the active range of motion and, consequently, the quality of life.
In the early stages of hip osteoarthritis, affected individuals initially feel nothing, even though the process of wear and tear has already begun. Gradually, pain starts to occur during physical activity. Walking and climbing stairs become increasingly difficult. Inflammation and swelling develop due to the disturbed tissues inside the joint. It is also possible to hear grinding noises during movement.
As the disease progresses, the pain intensifies and mobility decreases. It is also typical for the pain to occur in waves, alternating with pain-free phases. Over time, the frequency and intensity of the pain increase. It may even reach a point where the patient experiences pain even at rest.
Hip joint osteoarthritis in Düsseldorf is in most cases an acquired condition. This means that it develops over the course of life due to stress or poor posture. Here, the predisposition in terms of the tendency towards degenerative diseases plays a significant role. Injuries, falls, and years of being overweight are also triggers for coxarthrosis. Age and gender also play an essential role. Women are more frequently affected by hip osteoarthritis than men.
Osteoarthritis cannot be completely cured, but movement restrictions can be alleviated and the progression of the disease can be delayed. Therefore, coxarthrosis should definitely be treated, and as early as possible.
Fortunately, modern medicine today offers a wide range of treatment methods to alleviate and delay hip joint osteoarthritis. Your orthopedist in Düsseldorf first recommends conservative treatment, which delivers surprisingly good results in the early stages. In addition to administering pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapeutic measures and orthopedic customizations can provide significant relief. Naturally, overweight patients must also change their dietary habits to achieve weight loss.
If the desired treatment outcome is not achieved or if there is already a severe stage of coxarthrosis, surgery becomes necessary.
If the joint damage is already severely advanced, the last treatment method is the use of an artificial hip joint. This surgery promises very reliable results and allows most patients to actively return to their work and sports. Since it is quite an extensive operation, it is important to only entrust oneself to the hands of an experienced specialist. They will make the correct diagnosis beforehand and discuss every step of the procedure with the patient.
In our practice, we specialize in the treatment of hip joint complaints or coxarthrosis in Düsseldorf and offer the full spectrum of treatment options. We are happy to advise you if you suffer from hip joint osteoarthritis or have complaints as described. We take the time to help you regain your usual ease in everyday life.