What is Hip Calcification?
Osteoarthritis, also known as calcification among the people, is a very common health problem, especially in advanced ages. Degenerative joint disease and arthrosis are other names for this disease. One of the joints where calcification type joint disease is common is the hip joint.
Calcification is basically a disease of the cartilage tissue. However, with progression, other structures of the joint are also affected, and as a result, joint insufficiency, inability to function normally, develops. Calcification of the hip joint can be defined as the erosion of the cartilage covering the surface of the bones forming this joint and the deformation of the bones over time. Because the hip joint is one of the weight-bearing joints in the body, it is one of the joints most frequently subject to wear and tear damage and deterioration. Although it is generally seen in people over the age of 60, it can occur at an earlier age in conditions such as congenital hip dislocation, traumas, arthritis and childhood hip bone diseases.
What are the Symptoms of Hip Calcification?
Although hip calcification is less common than knee calcification, it can make patients' lives more difficult and affect their quality of life. The most important complaint is pain. Pain and difficulty in daily activities such as sitting up, going up and down stairs, getting in and out of a car, and wearing socks are important contributors to the decreased quality of life. As the disease progresses, pain and difficulty may begin to be felt even with simpler activities. In the later stages, pain may also be felt at rest. The degree of pain is not constant. In some months or days, there may be more, as well as pain-free periods. In cases where the mobility of the joint is severely restricted, walking difficulties occur.
How is Hip Calcification Diagnosed?
With a careful physical examination, an idea of the origin of hip pain can be obtained. X-rays are usually employed to distinguish the reflected or radiating pain from other areas and to view the overall condition of the hip joint. In some special cases, ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging examinations may be required. Again, if the doctor deems it appropriate, a blood test may also be required.
How Is Hip Calcification Treated?
The aim of treatment is to relieve pain, slow the progression of osteoarthritis and improve the patient's quality of life. For this purpose, appropriate lifestyle changes are recommended. Losing weight if there is excess weight, avoiding staying in the same position for a long time and sitting, avoiding sitting with legs crossed, not preferring chairs or armchairs that are lower than the knee level, if necessary, installing a toilet seat riser in the toilet, wearing shoes with suitable soles, without heels, and a walking stick if necessary are some of these measures that could be taken.
Exercises to increase muscle strength and maintain joint range of motion should be an important part of treatment. It will be beneficial to continue with appropriate physical activity such as swimming and walking.
In addition to relieving pain in hip calcification, some drug treatments are used to slow the progression of the disease. However, these drugs must be used with the advice and supervision of a doctor.
Physical therapy applications are one of the most frequently used treatment options in the treatment of hip osteoarthritis. Electrotherapy, ultrasound, laser, short wave, superficial heat applications, high intensity laser therapy are the most commonly used physical therapy methods. Exercises carried out in water and spa treatments are also effective treatment methods in the treatment of hip arthritis.
Ozone, hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma and cortisone injections into the hip joint can be used in suitable cases.
In cases where the disease progresses, surgical treatment methods are applied. The most common method is hip replacement surgery. In this method, an artificial hip joint is placed instead of the deformed hip joint. Rehabilitation of the patient after hip replacement surgery is very important in terms of returning to normal life. A special rehabilitation program is arranged for the patient. In this program, step-by-step, weight bearing, walking, stair climbing trainings are followed. In the meantime, exercises are done in order to increase flexibility, increasing the range of motion of the joint and strengthening the muscles. If necessary, physical therapy methods are used. In-water exercise treatments are one of the effective treatment methods that can be applied during this period.
