Osteoarthritis is the most common kind of arthritis that affects your hips. Hip osteoarthritis causes friction, bone damage, and inflammation because the cartilage that surrounds and supports your joints wears down. As a result, you may experience pain and stiffness. Treatment will be recommended by your healthcare provider depending on the seriousness of joint involvement, your general health, and your movement and weight-bearing limitations, the magnitude of symptoms, as well as other personal factors.
The main aim of all hip arthritis treatments is to relieve pain and enhance mobility, but the best option for each person will vary. Exercise and stretching may be used as the first line of defense. However, because osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition, symptoms frequently worsen over time. Your doctor may suggest hip replacement surgery if this occurs.
Here are some of the different ways to manage hip arthritis.
Medication
Medications for pain relief can help manage this disorder very effectively. Oral NSAIDs may help relieve pain and inflammation in people with moderate arthritis symptoms. These can be bought at any pharmacy. Prescription pain relievers, such as duloxetine or tramadol, may be required for people with mild to severe hip arthritis. Other opioid medications, aside from tramadol, are not recommended due to the high risk of addiction.
Managing Your Weight
Osteoarthritis is more likely to be experienced by people with a high BMI. Excess body weight puts a lot of strain on the joints. A higher BMI, which includes obesity, can aggravate inflammation. These factors have the potential to aggravate symptoms and expedite their advancement.
Proper Exercise
Slowing the advancement of osteoarthritis and reducing the likelihood of developing it can both be accomplished through exercise. Physical strength, flexibility, and mobility can all be improved through exercise. Low-impact exercises are better for a damaged joint because they put less stress on it. Seek help from a doctor or physical therapist if you haven’t tried to exercise in a while. They can help you create a program that is specific to your needs and reduces the risk of injury.
Surgery
If regular exercise, weight management, and lifestyle changes don’t work, or if hip arthritis is negatively impacting your mobility or standard of living, surgery may be recommended. Hip replacement surgery can help you live a better life by reducing pain, increasing mobility, and reducing the risk of complications like hip dislocation.
