Initial osteopenia. Osteopenia of the spine

Osteopenia refers to pathologies provoked by demineralization of bone tissue. Normally, the bone structure has a certain density, the level of which is constantly monitored. When calcium is washed out of the bones, the mineral is replenished due to salts from food. For proper absorption of calcium from foods, a high level of vitamin D in the blood is necessary. It can come from food or be produced in the body under the influence of ultraviolet rays. With a deficiency of vitamin D, osteopenia of the spine and other bones begins.

The article tells about what osteopenia of the spine is and how the disease can be treated using manual therapy methods, therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy and other conservative methods. Knowing more information about the symptoms and treatment of osteopenia is necessary for every modern person who has reached the age of 30 years. Pathology can occur in almost any person under the influence of negative external factors and with a number of specific pathologies of internal organs.

Osteopenia is distinct from other forms of bone demineralization, osteoporosis, and osteomalacia. She hasn't had any symptoms for a long time. The leaching of calcium salts occurs evenly, which does not create foci of increased tension, leading to fractures. The first signs of pathology can be seen only after many years. As a rule, this is a deformation of the bones, a decrease in the height of the spinal column, an increase in the risk of injury, etc.

The mineral density of all bones in the human body gradually increases from the moment a child is born and up to 28-30 years. All this time there is an increased accumulation of calcium in the bone structure. Hormonal changes can interrupt this process. For example, during pregnancy, the process of mineralization of bone tissue stops in a woman. But in the absence of pathological abnormalities, a decrease in the density of trabeculae does not occur. Although the enamel of the teeth may begin to disintegrate. There are numerous defects that are affected by caries.

Osteopenia is a process of physiological aging of bones, but proceeding at an accelerated pace. The disease mainly affects the fair sex. This is due to the fact that during the first half of their lives they tend to limit the consumption of animal food. Fatty varieties of milk, cottage cheese, sour cream, cheese are excluded. It is these products that contain the largest amount of calcium in a form convenient for absorption by the human body.

By excluding these foods from her diet, a woman dooms herself to early bone aging, because before the age of 30 she does not have time to accumulate sufficient mineral density of trabeculae. It will be very difficult to restore bone mineralization at the age of 40 and more. But in the period from 30 to 40 years, a person still has such an opportunity. Therefore, it is extremely important to pay attention to the first signs of trouble and timely diagnose.

For this purpose, densitometry is carried out - a method for determining bone density using X-rays. If a person aged 30 or more years during the native calendar year was diagnosed with 2 or more bone fractures, then he is shown the appointment of this research method without fail. The first clinical signs of osteopenia are increased bone fragility. A person can break the radius twice in a short period of time in a typical place, get a rib crack, a compression fracture of the spinous process of the spine.

Osteopenia - what is this disease?

Let's see what kind of disease it is - osteopenia and how it develops in a modern person. Pathological changes are based on the process of washing out calcium salts from bone tissue trabeculae. As a result, the degree of mineralization decreases, the structure becomes rarefied and prone to fractures. Next, the thinning of the cortical layer begins, which ensures the flow of fresh blood to the trabeculae. With the complete destruction of the periosteum, the process of natural bone regeneration becomes impossible.

With a significant loss of phosphorus and calcium, numerous fractures and bone fractures begin. They can occur even with minor bruises. Fractures of the vertebral bodies are of a compressive nature and can occur even without exposure to a traumatic factor. For example, a man with osteopenia suddenly sat down on a hard surface with all his might. And he had a crack in the body of the vertebra or in the area of its spinous process. This causes pain, but does not impede movement. The next time, a complete fracture occurs at the site of the previous injury. Immobilization of the human body is possible (depending on the location of the fracture).

Without timely treatment, osteopenia quickly turns into osteoporosis, accompanied by a more significant decrease in tissue mineralization. The extreme degree of this pathology is numerous curvature and deformation of bones due to traumatic effects. Fracture of the femoral neck, vertebral body can lead to complete disability and loss of the ability to move independently and serve themselves.

Causes of osteopenia

Currently, the causes of osteopenia are well understood. A significant role is given to the influence of factors of genetically burdened heredity. If among the next of kin there are cases of development of osteopenia, then the child will manifest it with a high degree of probability.

Potential causes of osteopenia include:

hormonal disorders in the reproductive sphere (in women this is a decrease in estrogen levels, in men - testosterone);
decreased thyroid function;
diabetes mellitus and diabetic angiopathy complicating it;
violation of the process of absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the human large intestine under the influence of inflammatory and necrotic factors (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, etc.);
vitamin D deficiency in the human body;
lack of calcium and phosphorus in the diet;
complicated pregnancy;
prolonged uncontrolled intake of certain drugs (mainly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that disrupt the functioning of the bone marrow and glucocorticosteroids (hormones) that reduce the level of bone mineralization);
exposure to radiation (including for medicinal purposes, for example, in oncology);
physical inactivity against the background of a sedentary sedentary lifestyle with severe congestion;
cardiovascular insufficiency and disruption of the autonomic nervous system;
regular hypothermia of the body (for example, for the purpose of hardening);
smoking and drinking alcohol.

These are the most common reasons. Other negative influences may also be identified. Therefore, it is important to follow all the individual recommendations of the doctor who will treat the disease.

Degrees of osteopenia and their symptoms

There are no clinical symptoms of osteopenia as such. Patients may not be bothered by anything at all. A sudden fracture of the bone can be the first sign of pathology. When it appears at the age of over 30 years, it is advisable to undergo an examination called densitometry. It allows you to assess the state of bone density in different parts of the body.

The degree of osteopenia is determined solely by the degree of bone mineralization:

T-value -1 corresponds to the physiological norm;
when it is reduced to -2.5, the first degree of the disease is set;
the second is set when the parameter reaches -3.0;
anything above -3.0 is considered osteoporosis.

Thus, we can say that osteopenia is a mild degree of osteoporosis, which will definitely develop if appropriate measures are not taken to restore the mineralization of bone tissue.

Osteopenia of the lumbar spine

Very often, osteopenia of the lumbar region is disguised as osteochondrosis. However, when conducting an x-ray examination, it is not possible to determine a significant decrease in the height of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral discs. At the initial stage, osteopenia of the lumbar spine does not give visible signs of destruction of the structure of the vertebral bodies and their spinous processes.

But already after some time, one can notice numerous bone outgrowths at the site of the end articular plates and lateral osteophytes. These growths cause acute pain and interfere with normal physiological mobility. Patients report an exacerbation of pain in the morning. Ankylosis of the joints is gradually formed. At the third stage of osteopenia of the lumbar spine, treatment can already be carried out only with the help of a surgical operation. Therefore, if a significant decrease in the mineralization of the vertebral bodies in the lumbar region is detected, complex treatment should be started as early as possible. If this is not done, then soon, under the pressure of body weight, the vertebral bodies will begin to collapse. This will lead to compression of the spinal cord and possible paralysis of the lower extremities.

Diagnosis and treatment of spinal osteopenia

Clinical diagnosis of osteopenia begins with an examination of the patient and comparison of anamnesis of traumatic bone injuries with age, professional activity and genetic heredity. Then a densimetry procedure is prescribed. It allows you to set the density and mineralization of the bone structure. Then an x-ray is prescribed, excluding the development of degenerative processes in the area of the intervertebral discs. The most important study is MRI. As related studies, a biochemical and hormonal blood test, an examination of the large intestine and other internal organs are carried out.

Currently, the treatment of osteopenia of the spine at an early stage does not require the use of pharmacological drugs. Effective treatment of osteopenia requires:

adjust your diet and daily routine;
reduce body weight;
strengthen the muscular frame of the back;
restore bone mineralization using manual therapy methods.

In our clinic, an individual course of therapy is developed for each patient. It may include the following methods of influence:

therapeutic exercises and kinesiotherapy - improve the condition of all organs and systems, increase the level of body resistance, provide fresh blood flow to bone structures;
massage improves the elasticity of soft tissues, prevents cicatricial deformation of ligaments and tendons;
osteopathy accelerates microcirculation of blood and lymphatic fluid;
reflexology starts the process of rejuvenation of the body and the use of hidden reserves to restore bone mineralization;
physiotherapy has a positive effect on the periosteum and surrounding tissues;
laser therapy allows you to speed up the recovery process.

If you need treatment for osteopenia of the spine, sign up for an initial free appointment with a vertebrologist or orthopedist at our manual therapy center. An experienced doctor will conduct an examination, make an accurate diagnosis, talk about the possibilities and prospects for treatment.

Osteopenia of the femoral neck is observed in old age. Pathology is associated with a violation of bone mineralization. It is a provoking factor of femoral fractures. It is difficult to identify pathology, since it is not diagnosed by densitometry, a diagnostic procedure designed to determine the degree of osteoporosis.

Due to the difficulties in diagnosing the disease, its treatment is not carried out. Only when a fracture of the femoral neck occurs in old age, doctors pay attention to the low degree of its bone density.

On x-ray, a qualified radiologist clearly distinguishes osteoporosis from a normal structure. However, osteopenia is not characterized by a significant decrease in the concentration of calcium in the bones, so the pathology is not detected in the picture.

General information about pathology

Osteopenia is a pathological condition in which a person does not experience pain or clinical symptoms of the disease. Periodic "tingling" in the thigh area is attributed to a violation of the blood supply.

In old age, a person, as a rule, has many secondary diseases. Against their background, numerous symptoms are possible, therefore, doctors also do not attribute short-term loss of sensitivity of the skin of the thigh to the symptoms of reduced bone density.

The progression of the disease over time leads to fractures of the femoral neck. That's when specialists pay attention to pathology. But it is often too late, since the pathological process has acquired a systemic character and is observed in the entire osteoarticular system and spine.

The pathogenesis of calcium leaching from bones

In order to start timely treatment, scientists advise men to undergo femoral neck densitometry after 35 years, and women after 30. Experimental studies have established that in a modern person, resorption processes prevail over osteogenesis at a young age.

It turns out that as soon as the ossification of the spine ends (the deposition of calcium salts in the cartilaginous structure), the gradual destruction of the bones is genetically laid down. The fact is that the body needs Ca ions for the functioning of the muscular system and the heart. With a lack of them in the blood, he takes calcium from the bone tissue.

Obviously, athletes should have osteoporosis or osteopenia. However, this assertion is incorrect.

Osteogenesis (formation of bone tissue) is closely related to the functioning of the muscular system. With a large muscle mass, bone tissue also grows, since the muscles “pull” osteoblasts along with it.

Scientific experiments have shown that the destruction of the necks of the femurs is observed in lean people with reduced weight.

How to detect the disease in time

In order to timely detect a violation of bone mineralization, there is densitometry. The method allows to detect osteoporosis, but not osteopenia. It is based on the transmission of X-ray or ultrasonic rays through the area under study. The intensity of the structure is estimated by the software depending on the number of reflected rays.

According to some authors, reduced bone density can be determined by laboratory methods by the content of alkaline phosphatase. This enzyme is directly involved in osteogenesis. With its increase, we can say that there is a systemic bone resorption.

Treatment of osteopenic changes

Medical treatment of osteopenia is rare. They all have side effects, so they are used only when absolutely necessary. The principles of pathology therapy are as follows:

normalization of the diet;
frequent exposure to fresh air;
correction of secondary diseases;
physiotherapy;
restoration of hormonal metabolism (with menopause).

If an elderly patient has a hip fracture, the doctor prescribes a calcium supplement and a diet. Such treatment is optimal, since it is aimed at stimulating osteogenesis.

True, Ca ions can be obtained not only by taking pharmaceuticals. They contain dairy products, eggshells, some vegetables and fruits. In extreme cases, you can use nutritional supplements, but their price does not match the quality.

Since ancient times, a unique recipe for replenishing this trace element in the blood has been used:

do not throw away eggshells;
grind it into powder;
add the agent to all food products.

Attention! Excess calcium intake provokes the formation of stones in the gallbladder and kidneys.

Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of Ca from the intestines. It is formed in the skin during exposure to the sun. However, excessive ultraviolet radiation provokes skin cancer. It is optimal to be under open sunlight for no more than 4 hours a day.

To maintain bone mass, you need to exercise daily. Dancing, exercise on simulators, deadlifts prevent fracture of the femoral neck.

Smoking disrupts microcirculation, therefore, does not contribute to osteogenesis. It is advisable to give up this bad habit if you have osteopenia. Alcohol is contraindicated in case of illness.

Drug treatment is carried out when too little density of the bone structure is detected in the area of the femoral neck during densitometry. In such a situation, doctors prescribe bisphosphonates - drugs that prevent the process of bone destruction.

In menopausal age, women may need to correct their hormonal status. For this purpose, activators of estrogen uptake by cells are prescribed.

Thus, the treatment of osteopenia in most cases is not carried out, since it is extremely difficult to diagnose the disease in the early stages. It must be remembered that there is no cure for osteoporosis. If you have osteopenia, the above recommendations can prevent the progression of the disease.

A decrease in mineral density and volume of the body's bone tissue is observed in 75% of people aged 50 years and older. This bone disease is called osteopenia. This disease does not threaten human life, but at the same time it is fraught with serious consequences - permanent pathological fractures. Given this insidiousness of the disease, before treating osteopenia, you should carefully read all possible treatment options.

Several specialists are involved in the treatment of this disease at once. In particular, orthopedic traumatologists, internists and endocrinologists can help patients suffering from osteopenia. The main goal of treatment is to prevent the progression of the disease. Therefore, most often for therapy, a complex-conservative technique is used.

Normalization of lifestyle

One of the main points of conservative therapy is the normalization of the patient's lifestyle.

This means that he must eliminate heavy physical exertion from his life, which can cause injury. In this case, the patient should not completely abandon physical activity. Conservative treatment involves regular exercise therapy. It is also recommended to be more often in the fresh air and lead a fairly mobile lifestyle. Normalization of life involves the rejection of bad habits and activities.

The patient must avoid the following:

smoking;
alcohol;
activities related to radiation exposure, chemicals, etc.

Normalization of the diet

The second point of conservative therapy is the normalization of the diet. Calcium is considered to be the most important mineral for building bone mass. Therefore, a patient with osteopenia is shown to take milk and various dairy products, green vegetables, cheese and other foods enriched with calcium. Also, many doctors may advise taking vitamins with calcium.

Foods that Help Treat Osteopenia

For better absorption of calcium, the body needs vitamin D. It is found in fish, eggs, and orange juice.

It can also be added to milk as a dietary supplement. Do not forget that the body receives vitamin D through exposure to sunlight. Therefore, outdoor walks in sunny weather are one of the most effective means of preventing and treating osteopenia. Conservative therapy may include the use of other beneficial minerals and substances:

squirrel;
vitamins of groups B and C;
zinc;
magnesium;
phosphorus;
selenium, etc.

In the patient's diet, it is additionally recommended to use products such as cottage cheese, meat dishes, nuts, bran bread, legumes, egg yolks, dried fruits, citrus fruits, liver and fish roe. At the same time, it is recommended to limit the consumption of carbonated drinks, strong tea and too sweet or salty foods. To draw up the right diet, experts recommend using the services of a nutritionist who will select a diet in accordance with the individual characteristics of the patient.

In order to cure osteopenia, the patient should pay attention to a number of concomitant diseases. The appearance and progression of osteopenia can be caused by a malfunction of the internal organs and the endocrine system. That is why the therapy of this disease is included in the scope of the endocrinologist. Hormonal imbalance is often the cause of a hormone deficiency, as a result of which a gradual loosening of the bone structure begins.

Medical treatment

Medications for the treatment of osteopenia are rarely used. Usually, drug therapy is used in case of a high risk of the transition of the disease to the stage of osteoporosis. This stage is fraught with maximum thinning of bone structures, which leads to increased bone fragility. According to WHO statistics, osteoporosis is considered one of the most common causes of hip fractures.

These fractures can lead to disability or even death. Given this, it is not surprising that osteoporosis reduces life expectancy by an average of 20%.

Osteoporosis of the ribs and sternum

Drug treatment should be prescribed exclusively by a doctor after the diagnosis and the establishment of a final diagnosis. Many drugs designed to treat osteopenia have a number of dangerous side effects. Accordingly, uncontrolled and self-administration of these drugs is categorically unacceptable.

The main drugs for the treatment of this disease are:

calcium (Calcium D-3-Nycomed, Osteocar, Calcemin);
Aquadetrim;
biophosphonates (Risedonate, Reclast, Alendronate);
Fortical;
Myacalcic;
Forsteo.

Treatment with folk remedies

An alternative to conservative and drug therapy can be treatment with folk remedies. For this, products are used that are almost always at hand. One of these products are walnuts, which are recommended to be consumed to normalize the diet. Nut membranes should be collected in a glass bottle with a capacity of 0.5 liters. When a third of the volume of this container is reached, the membranes should be filled with vodka and placed in a dark, dry place for three weeks. The resulting tincture must be used for compresses and rubbing on the hip joints and bones of the spine. Also, this extract can be taken orally one teaspoon 20 minutes before a meal.

If the first symptoms of osteopenia appear, walnuts with honey can be used as a prophylaxis. For this, a glass jar is used, which is filled with walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin and sesame seeds. The contents of the jar must be poured with honey, closed with a lid and put in a dark place for several weeks. After this time, the contents of the jar can be eaten every day, both for the prevention and treatment of osteopenia.

Traditional methods of treating this disease are not limited to this. Many recommend using decoctions or infusions of red clover, black cohosh or horsetail. Another folk remedy is a decoction of dill and parsley, with proper preparation of which you can strengthen the skeletal system. For this, 200 grams of both herbs are used. They must be filled with water, the temperature of which does not exceed 90 degrees. Next, let the solution brew for several hours. The resulting solution can be taken three times a day, 100 ml.
It is worth adding that, regardless of the chosen folk method of treating osteopenia, the patient should definitely consult with a specialist.

Effective therapy of this disease requires an integrated approach. Depending on the degree of development of osteopenia, treatment can be divided into 2 stages. At the first stage, conservative treatment is used, which involves improving the quality of life through active pastime in the fresh air, normalizing the diet and eliminating serious physical exertion. The second stage is drug therapy in case of complications. This therapy is carried out only under the supervision of the attending physician. Self-medication is not allowed, as it can lead to the development of hormone-induced malignant tumors.

To effectively deal with a pathology such as osteopenia, you need to understand what it is. This is a bone disease in which there is a decrease in their mineral density. It is diagnosed in people over 30 years of age. The first sign of pathology is accelerated bone aging. They become brittle, and pathological fractures often occur. 80% of patients are postmenopausal women. Osteopenia grade 1 is not considered a life-threatening disease. However, serious complications can occur due to its asymptomatic course. The diagnosis can be made on the basis of the results of hardware research methods.

Osteopenia of the hip joint is usually detected after fractures. The disease is the leading cause of hip injuries in the elderly. Osteopenia can be treated conservatively. For this, medications, special exercises and diets are used. If such treatment is combined with preventive measures, the process of destruction of bone tissue can be suspended. The patient should be under the supervision of several specialists: a traumatologist, therapist, endocrinologist.

What is osteopenia?

The mechanism of the development of the disease is based on a decrease in the density and volume of bone tissues associated with the leaching of minerals. Against the background of minor physical exertion, fractures occur, which are not observed in a healthy person under the same conditions. Osteopenia differs from osteoporosis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system in the following ways:

Pathology is considered the result of accelerated aging of tissues; it can only be detected in adults.
All important parts of the skeleton are involved in the process: the spine, shoulder joints, hips. Symptoms of the focal form of the disease are observed only in one department of the musculoskeletal system.
The decrease in tissue density in osteopenia is insignificant. In osteoporosis, these changes are more pronounced.

Almost every adult is susceptible to the development of this disease. The rate of bone aging largely depends on the initial amount of calcium and phosphorus. The skeleton of women contains smaller amounts of these substances, which is why they get sick more often.

Osteopenia is considered a precursor to such a dangerous condition as osteoporosis.

What causes the disease?

The main reasons for the decrease in bone density:

genetic predisposition;
endocrine disorders;
age-related changes;
diabetes.

Osteopenia often occurs against the background of general exhaustion of the body with chronic pathologies of internal organs and adherence to strict diets. Some diseases of the digestive system contribute to the violation of the processes of absorption of calcium and phosphorus:

stomach ulcer;
enteritis;
diarrhea.

Long-term use of certain medications, ionizing radiation, and a sedentary lifestyle negatively affect the condition of the bones. Osteopenia often develops in the presence of bad habits.

What are the characteristics

Pathological processes of stages 1 and 2 are asymptomatic. The disease is usually diagnosed at the stage of complications. In this case, we are talking about osteopenia of the 3rd degree. Therefore, the first symptom of the disease can be considered the frequent occurrence of fractures. The bones are so thin that they begin to be damaged with minor loads. The most common are fractures of the femoral neck and lumbar vertebrae. They are promoted by:

falls;
blows;
abrupt movements;
weight lifting.

Other parts of the musculoskeletal system also become fragile.

If such injuries occur more than once every 3 years, a densitometry should be performed. Union of pathological fractures, as a rule, takes longer. Most spinal injuries in osteopenia are compressive or partial. Bone fragments do not move relative to each other, there is no pain syndrome in the first months.

The initial stage of osteopenia can only be detected using special diagnostic procedures. Conventional x-ray examination in such cases is uninformative.

The main method for measuring bone mineral density. Most often, the spine, upper and lower extremities are examined. The obtained indicators are compared with the control ones. How to treat the disease?

How to improve the condition of bones?

For the treatment of osteopenia of the lumbar spine are used:

medications;
special diet.

When choosing a therapeutic regimen, the doctor must take into account the individual characteristics of the patient's body. Treatment should begin with the exclusion of provoking factors:

heavy physical exertion;
bad habits;
hazardous types of work.

Useful active rest, regular walks in the fresh air. Proper nutrition for osteopenia involves the introduction of foods rich in calcium and phosphorus, vitamin D and other beneficial substances into the diet. You need to eat as much cottage cheese, eggs, meat, nuts and fruits as possible.

Chronic pathologies of internal organs are considered one of the causes of osteopenia. They definitely need to be eliminated. The patient should visit a therapist, gynecologist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist. Additionally, a biochemical blood test is prescribed. With progressive forms of the disease, reception is indicated:

calcium preparations;
bisphosphonates;
vitamin D3.

In the presence of endocrine disorders, appropriate hormonal therapy is necessary. Treatment with folk remedies in most cases is ineffective.

Prevention of osteopenia and its complications is the regular passage of densitometry. Diagnosis is shown to all women over 60 and men over 70. All patients with signs of diabetes mellitus and gynecological diseases, as well as those taking glucocorticoids, should undergo densitometry.

Both increased physical activity and hypodynamia should be excluded.

Do not give up the use of meat and fish dishes. Vitamin D in the body is produced under the influence of sunlight, so in the summer it is recommended to be outdoors more often. Osteopenia is a problem that most people simply do not know about, and therefore do not receive proper treatment. In the meantime, only high-quality therapy can prolong the period of physical activity and maintain human health.

The most complete answers to questions on the topic: "osteopenia of the hip joint symptoms and treatment."

Osteoporosis of the hip joint- a disease that occurs as a result of a metabolic disorder in the body, which leads to the destruction of bone tissue. Localization of the disease occurs in places subject to heavy loads. It is because of the constant mobility that the hip joint is most often subjected to injury and destruction.

Osteoporosis is a consequence and cause of injuries of the skeletal skeleton, the complexity of treatment usually lies in the extensive damage to the bones. In addition to the hip joint, the disease affects closely spaced bones, cartilage, ribs and spine.

Against the background of osteoporosis, the femoral neck undergoes resolution, violations of which immobilize a person and lead to death without treatment.

Reasons for the appearance

Osteoporosis of the hip joint appears, like osteoporosis of other bones, a frequent phenomenon and occurs for a number of reasons. Wear and tear of bone tissue and, as a result, osteoporosis, causes a number of disorders:

Hormonal disorders, decreased estrogen production during menopause in women;
endocrine diseases;
Lack of substances and vitamins due to poor nutrition;
Bad habits - alcohol addiction and smoking;
hereditary factor;
Taking medications;
Long-term use of immunosuppressants;
Age changes;
Removal of organs of the female reproductive system and the use of artificial hormones.

Symptoms and signs

The main signs of osteoporosis are considered to be pain and discomfort in the affected area.

The pain comes on gradually and worsens after physical exertion. After the pain does not go away for a long period, even at rest. Gradually, atrophy of muscle tissue occurs and, as a result, motor activity decreases every day.

On the side of the lesion, there is a shortening of the joint and deformation, which is expressed by lameness.

As the disease progresses, it disrupts the work of other body systems, first of all, forced inactivity suppresses mood and nervous disorders appear. Feelings of depression, weakness and general malaise accompany the development of osteoporosis.

One type of disease that predominantly affects the elderly is diffuse osteoporosis. It is distinguished from other species by the defeat of not only one joint, but all parts of the human skeleton.

This form at the beginning of its development does not manifest itself in any way, pain is not observed. Bone tissue loses its density, only regular fractures and increased bone fragility is a sign of diffuse osteoporosis.

Degrees of osteoporosis of the hip joint

There are three degrees of development of the disease according to the nature and neglect of the course.

1 degree

This is the initial stage of osteoporosis, which is characterized by the appearance of a slight narrowing of the articular lumen. Like the first osteophytes, fissures can be detected on an x-ray.

Of the symptoms, one can distinguish the appearance of pain during physical exertion, which disappears at rest.

This stage without complications and deep damage to the joint responds well to treatment.

2 degree

Progresses with severe pain that does not go away, the joint begins to lose mobility. The inflammatory process in the soft tissues and edema does not allow flexion and extension of the joint.

The pain periodically changes localization and most often radiates to the inguinal region and to the lower extremities. Sometimes sensations are associated with a disease of the spine and confused with osteochondrosis.

Another characteristic sign of the second degree of osteoporosis is the appearance of a creak and crunch during movement, which is accompanied by painful shootings.

The affected limb is shortened due to dystrophic changes in the pelvic muscles.

The disease can be diagnosed with an x-ray. The pictures already clearly show the growth of calcium growths and the beginning of the deformity of the femoral head. The gap in the joint increases three times, and the head rises.

3 degree

The advanced stage of osteoporosis leads to complete occlusion of the joint.

The muscles surrounding the hip joint are atrophied, and the soft tissues are partially affected by necrosis. The pain intensifies and does not go away around the clock.

The pelvic bones are deformed, and the inclination towards the lesion is increased, which is already noticeable to the naked eye.

On an X-ray, the joint space is either not visible at all, or, it can be seen, a slight shadow. The entire cavity is filled with osteophytes.

The femoral neck is thickened, and its edges are indistinguishable.

At this stage of the disease, conservative methods are practically powerless. To return mobility to the legs, maybe only surgical intervention and complex therapy.

Methods and methods for the treatment of osteoporosis in the hip joint

The main direction in the treatment of osteoporosis is the inhibition of the process of joint destruction, replenishment of the lack of calcium and other trace elements important for bone tissue growth, as well as the activation of natural bone regeneration processes.

There are many methods of treatment, at various stages they are combined and the optimal scheme is selected for the individual case.

The main areas include:

Medical treatment;
Physiotherapy, massage;
Plasmolifting;
Gymnastics and therapeutic exercises according to various methods;
Alternative therapy;
Surgical intervention.

The treatment regimen depends on the severity of the disease.

At the first stage, when the structure of the joint is not yet broken and only the first signs of deformation appear, which triggers inflammation, and edema, it is enough to undergo a course of drug treatment and, if necessary, restorative therapy with the help of gymnastics and physiotherapy procedures.

Inflammatory process and pain blocked with steroids. These can be intramuscular injections, tablets and suppositories for topical use. If the skin is not damaged, ointments with an anti-inflammatory effect are applied. With exacerbation, antibiotic therapy is used. Blood thinners are used to prevent thrombosis in immobilized limbs.

Muscle tone in osteoporosis is due to compensation due to the unstable state of the joint. This leads to problems with blood flow in the damaged area. Antispasmodic drugs like No-shpa, Drotaverine can prevent this. Drugs to reduce permeability can help blood circulation.