Arthritis of the hip, as with any other part of the body, is notorious for causing significant movement restriction and quality-of-life issues. Thankfully, despite its incurable and progressive nature, there are a range of self-care measures and treatments available that can help to ease its symptoms.
Below are five ways you can effectively manage the symptoms of hip arthritis and keep them from interfering with your quality of life.
#1 Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese can make symptoms of hip arthritis worse. This is because extra weight places more strain on your hips. Body fat also promotes the increased production of C-reactive protein, which contributes to widespread inflammation.
By maintaining a healthy weight, you can keep your symptoms under control and slow the rate of cartilage deterioration.
The dietary choices that you make can significantly influence how effectively you manage both your weight and your symptoms.
#2 Engaging in Regular Exercise
Research shows that regular exercise boosts the circulation of synovial fluid, which is what your joints need to move smoothly. Regular exercise is also an essential component of any weight-loss regimen.
Swimming, water aerobics, walking, bike-riding and elliptical training are considered the best forms of exercise for hip arthritis. Moreover, yoga, Pilates, and tai chi have been found to help combat fatigue and arthritis pain as well as strengthen the muscles surrounding your joints.
#3 Undergoing Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help to relieve symptoms associated with arthritis. A physical therapist can create a customized treatment plan, which consists of exercises and therapeutic modalities aimed at the following:
- Alleviating pain and stiffness
- Strengthening your hips
- Improving joint stability
- Enhancing mobility and range of motion
The PT may use heat and cold therapy, joint mobilization, massage, guided stretching, strength and endurance exercises, ultrasound, and electrical muscle stimulation. They may also recommend assistive devices to improve your mobility and help relieve stress on your hips.
#4 Getting an Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been found to ease symptoms of arthritis in some patients. Treatment involves inserting fine, sterilized needles strategically around the body to block or interrupt pain pathways.
Studies show that acupuncture triggers a release of endorphins, which can reduce the sensation of pain, and boost the production of cortisol, which helps control inflammation.
#5 Speaking to An Orthopedic Doctor
If your hip pain continues unabated despite employing the measures mentioned above, you should consider visiting an orthopedic specialist. They utilize a variety of nonsurgical and surgical methods to treat a variety of conditions effectively, including arthritis. Your orthopedic specialist can discuss the available treatment options with you and recommend the most suitable one after a comprehensive assessment of your condition.
Treatments for hip arthritis that your orthopedic doctor may recommend can include the following:
- Medications – Your orthopedic doctor may give you anti-inflammatories to help ease the pain.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy -This uses components of your own blood cells to promote healing and repair damage.
- Hip resurfacing – This involves your surgeon reshaping and capping (resurfacing) the surfaces of the hip joint with prosthetic components. It can help to relieve pain and improve function.
- Hip replacement surgery – This involves your orthopedic doctor replacing all or part of the damaged joint with prosthetic components to restore normal function of the hip.
A hip replacement is often considered for advanced arthritis, when other conservative treatments no longer provide adequate relief.
Treatment for Hip Arthritis in North Dakota
If you are living with hip arthritis and in need of advanced care for it, visit us here at The Bone & Joint Center. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons use an extensive variety of state-of-the-art surgical and nonsurgical treatments to effectively manage and even reverse common and complex musculoskeletal conditions.
To learn more about our orthopedic services or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (800) 424-2663, you can call us at (701) 946-7400 / (866) 900–8650. Alternatively, you can request an appointment right here on our website.
