Inflammation of the hip

A Inflammation of the hip, also Coxitis called, is a very painful disease for those affected. A rocking gait is characteristic, which tries to keep the pain as low as possible when moving.

What is hip joint infection?

At a Inflammation of the hip a distinction is made between infectious and non-infectious inflammations.In both types, however, there are inflammatory reactions in the hip area, which lead to severe pain and restricted mobility.

To reduce the pain when walking, those affected by hip joint infections often bend over and spread the affected leg outward and bend it slightly.

Due to the deep position of the joint in the body, there is seldom any noticeable warming or reddening. On the other hand, a hip joint inflammation often leads to a general malaise, fever or chills.

causes

An infectious one Inflammation of the hip is caused by pathogens. These are mostly staphylococci or streptococci. These get into the hip joint from the outside and cause the inflammatory reactions there.

This bacterial infection can be caused by joint punctures, injections into the affected joint, open bone fractures, or surgery on the hip joint.

However, it is also possible for the pathogens to be transmitted via the bloodstream. Here, the bacteria from an infection at another point in the human body reach the hip joint with the blood. Not only tooth inflammation, for example, but also infectious diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea or tuberculosis are conceivable. Such a transmission of pathogens is to be feared, however, mostly only in the case of relocated or indefinable sources of infection.

A non-infectious hip joint inflammation can be a rheumatic disease, an overuse reaction or the consequence of a hip joint arthrosis.

In addition, an overactive or underactive thyroid, gout, hemophilia or hemochromatosis can lead to hip inflammation.

Typical symptoms & signs

Inflammation of the hip joint manifests itself through various symptoms. At the beginning of the illness, there is usually a slight feeling of illness, which increases in intensity as the disease progresses. Often there are accompanying symptoms such as joint pain or fever.

The inflammatory reactions can also cause gait disorders and other restricted mobility. Most of the time, 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. If the course is severe, the strong, often sharp pain radiates into the back and neck.

Outwardly, a hip joint inflammation can be recognized by the noticeable gait, which is usually described by those affected as rocking and unsafe. In addition, there may be visible reddening, which is occasionally associated with swelling. The complaints can cause sleep problems and often have an impact on the mental state of the patient.

Affected people are often irritable and in a bad mood, especially with chronic illness and repeated inflammation. Hip inflammation usually occurs suddenly and increases in intensity within a few days. If treated quickly, the symptoms will subside within one to two weeks.

Diagnosis & course

Diagnosing a Inflammation of the hip it's not always easy. First, as part of the anamnesis, it is determined whether there are previous illnesses that may have caused the inflammation. If there are accompanying symptoms such as back pain, other joint pain or fever, this can be an indication of rheumatic diseases or septic coxitis.

Ultrasound, X-ray, CT or MRT examinations can be helpful examination methods. These may show inflammatory reactions of the soft tissues or osteoarthritis of the hip joint. A blood test can reveal 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 increases and the restriction of movement increases further. The infection can also spread.

Complications

The inflammation of the hip usually causes severe pain and restricted mobility. The pain can spread from the hip to other regions and continue to cause discomfort in the back and neck. The gait is rocking and unsteady, with pain mostly occurring with every movement.

In addition to hip pain, joint pain can also occur, which also leads to restrictions in movement and in everyday life. Often those affected can no longer carry out their professional activity. In addition to the pain, it is not uncommon for fever and inflammation to occur. Without treatment, the hip joint inflammation does not go away on its own and the symptoms usually worsen.

Hip joint inflammation can also cause pain at night and restrict the patient's sleep. Sleep problems often lead to irritability in the patient. Hip joint inflammation is usually treated with the help of antibiotics and always leads to a positive course of the disease. Therapy may still be necessary to restore mobility to the body. The disease does not reduce life expectancy.

When should you go to the doctor?

Symptoms of a hip joint inflammation must be clarified promptly by a doctor. If there are hip pain, restricted mobility, gait disorders and other typical signs, medical advice is required. The affected person should consult a doctor at the latest when normal movements are only possible with great effort and pain. Furthermore, a medical examination 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, you can first go to your family doctor with the symptoms. People who suffer from infectious diseases such as gonorrhea or tuberculosis are prone to the virus spreading to the hip joints. Often the symptoms are also due to another cause, such as a rheumatic disease or an overstrain reaction, which must be identified and remedied. Other contact persons are the orthopedist and various internists. In the event of a medical emergency, such as a fall or a high fever, the emergency doctor and emergency medical service are the right people to contact.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

An infectious one Hip joint disease must be treated immediately, otherwise there is a risk of permanent damage to the joint. First, the joint is punctured to drain pus and infectious fluid. The joint can then be rinsed. In severe cases, it may be necessary to clear out the inflamed joint with subsequent drainage.

The pathogens are first fought with a broad spectrum antibiotic and, after precise determination, with the appropriate antibiotics. It is helpful to immobilize the joint in order to promote the healing process and to minimize the pain. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can also be administered.

In the case of a non-infectious hip joint inflammation, treatment of the underlying disease comes first into consideration. Other measures are similar to treating infectious hip inflammation. In the case of an underlying rheumatic disease, the removal of the synovial membrane is particularly important in order to stop the inflammatory reaction.

Physiotherapy, acupuncture, and physical applications can aid healing, increase the patient's well-being, and improve the prognosis. If the hip joint inflammation has already caused profound damage to the hip joint, it may be necessary to use a hip joint replacement.

prevention

One Inflammation of the hip difficult to prevent. Known underlying diseases should be treated thoroughly to prevent them from spreading to the hip joint. Misalignments must be corrected at an early stage to avoid overloading the hips.

Observing the hygiene regulations can help to contain infectious hip joint inflammation, but it can never be completely avoided. Surgical intervention in a joint always carries a certain risk of infection.

Aftercare

Follow-up care for a hip joint inflammation consists in the patient taking physical rest for a prescribed period of time. This protection is also relevant after successful treatment of the hip joint inflammation, as otherwise symptoms can develop again. Follow-up care also means that the patients regularly attend the check-ups of their treating doctor.

Both the condition of the hip joint and the blood values ​​are examined. In particular, the inflammation values ​​provide the doctor with important information about the patient's state of health after successfully treating hip joint inflammation. In general, careful follow-up care for this disease requires in numerous cases that patients have to change their exercise habits in order not to provoke new inflammation.

For people who want to continue doing a lot of sport, contact a fitness advisor is recommended. This creates a training plan adapted to the previous illness, which takes into account the reduced physical resilience and damage to the hip joint. In general, follow-up care means that those affected undergo physiotherapy even after successful treatment.

After completing these training units, it is advisable for patients to attend medical sports classes in order to further strengthen the hip joint. In doing so, you make a significant contribution to successful follow-up care. This also includes sensitivity to the symptoms of a renewed hip joint inflammation, which must be treated immediately.

You can do that yourself

To alleviate the discomfort, it is helpful if overloading and overstressing the hips as well as the pelvis or back are avoided. In order for an inflammation to heal as quickly as possible and without further complications, the organism needs rest and a stable immune system. The latter is necessary in order to be able to build up enough 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. Sports activities promote general well-being, prevent obesity and strengthen the muscles. The supply of toxins and pollutants through alcohol or nicotine is not allowed. Sufficient sleep and good sleep hygiene are necessary to maintain vital energy.

The hip joint should not be loaded on one side. Carrying heavy objects and rigid postures while sitting or standing should be avoided. Joints need to be moved at regular intervals to prevent possible discomfort. In addition, they must be provided with sufficient heat and protected from prolonged exposure to the cold. When moving around, it is important to wear healthy shoes so as not to cause undesirable misalignments. Wearing high heel shoes for long periods of time or walking barefoot puts stress on the hips and leads to inflammation, pain and discomfort.