Hip Osteoarthritis Management

Osteoarthritis tends to attach joints that carry weight. The wear and tear of the years leads to destruction of the cartilage and the hip is a common joint for it to set in. Hip osteoarthritis management is important to pain and inflammation management.


On the ends of your bones is a covering called the articular cartilage. It's helps the hip glide but over the years it becomes thin. Your first signs of a problem may result in buttock, groin, or thigh pain when you wake up in the morning. Pain might increase when you are active and decrease when you rest.


If you ignore your condition the pain will increase over time until even rest will not relieve it. That's because the hip joint gets increasingly inflamed and stiff. Bone spurs build up and the bones rub on each other which makes moving very painful. You will probably loose the ability to flex or rotate your hip.


Right now today more than 10 million Americans suffer with osteoarthritis. If you have other family members that suffer you are more likely to suffer too. If you are overweight extra pressure is placed on the hip which can cause problems.


There is no known way to reverse osteoarthritis so early intervention is important to reduce and slow the progression and of course to get the pain under control. In the most serious cases hip surgery may become a treatment plan.


When you visit your doctor expect him to rotate, extend, and flex your hip during the investigation. You need to fully describe your symptoms to the doctor. You may be required to walk, and you may also have to stand on one leg.


Non surgical treatments will include rest to begin with and then may include physical therapy that includes things like swimming, water aerobics. You will be placed on a program of NSAIDS which my be over the counter or prescription strength. You also need to make sure you get a good nights sleep each night. If you are overweight it's time to consider a weight reduction program.


If you require hip replacement surgery because of late stages of osteoarthritis you will be fitted with a two piece ball and socket hip joint designed to replace your original joint. This surgery reduces pain and gives you back your mobility. For a short time after your surgery you may need to use a walker but your rehabilitation program will have you walking on your own in no time. It just takes a bit for the muscles to get shape.


Studies have shown a significant genetic factor for arthritis so if your mother or father or grandparents suffered from osteoarthritis there is a good chance you might. The age at which it becomes most common is dependant on genetic as well.


Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and hip osteoarthritis is very common. Thanks to modern technology the treatment options are much superior than only a decade ago.

Author : Cory Ponciaono
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